Marsales

Much has happened in the world of Woodlake Elementary since I last wrote in my blog, but today I will tell you about one boy. 
His name is Marsales.  He's the kind of kid who would be easy to overlook, if he made life easy for you.  He doesn't.
He's definitely first runner-up for class clown in my book and there is some spark about him I can't help but love.  He's spunky and full of his own opinions. He's not the smartest kid in class and I think it frustrates him, he wishes he were quicker. 
He's a troublemaker in every since of the word.  He doesn't pay attention. He gets others in trouble too.  And he never, never, never stops talking.    
Yesterday he informed me, while I was helping him with homework in the afterschool program, that he could not tie his shoes.  He's 9.  Our conversation went something like this.

Marsales: "Ms. Sarah, can you tie my shoe for me?"
Me: "Marsales, can't you tie your shoe yourself?"
Marsales: "Nope, my dad always does it for me."
"Me: "Oh alright, we're are going to fix that."
Marsales: "Why can't you just tie it for me?"
Me: "What sport do you like to play, Marsales?"
Marsales: "Basketball."
Me: "What if you are on the basketball court and your shoe comes untied, are you going to call your dad down from the stands to tie it for you?"
Marsales: "Oh." 

It took him an hour to tie his shoe correctly, but he was concentrating harder than I had seen him concentrate on anything.  Ever.  It was amazing.  I tested him again today and he struggled for about 15 minutes. Then, suddenly, he did it 5 times in a row!!!!!!!!!!!  I was so happy.  I felt like a proud mom.  It was, hands down, my favorite moment of the week. I had to share.