I have a student in one of my classes, who from the beginning of the school year, I felt had SO much untapped potential. The problem was, this student seemed to be afraid to try and really show me what he was capable of. After many conversations with him, I ultimately had to tell him that it was all in his hands. He had a choice: was he going to give it his all, or was he going to be afraid to try? This Friday, we had our first Word Study test. This boy came into class elated to tell me that he had worked so hard and practiced his words all week. After I gave his group their test, I was almost afraid to look at his, because I wanted him to do well SO badly. I spot checked it right when he handed it in, and as I skimmed it, I thought, "oh my goodness, I think he got them all right!" When I went back to grade it, sure enough he had! I pulled him aside at recess to tell him, and this little boy's face just lit up with pride. I could just see the light go on in his head as