Ty (all names are changed) was very loud & rambunctious. He couldn't spell his name, couldn't write his name, and had some seriously funny ways (read=inappropriate) of expressing his feelings. By the third week of school and after much practice, he came in one morning and said, "Ms C, look at this!" He proceeded to locate his name on the class list posted on the SMART board. This was amazing because there were a total of four other names that began the same as his! If this was not enough, Ty took a pencil and wrote his name! WOW! But the best part was as I was hugging him, expressing my pride at his accomplishments, he looked at me and said, "Ms C, you taught me that!" The tears were flowing!
David was a veteran kindergartner. Surely he must know the basics, like letters and numbers, right? NOPE! By Christmas, he too was writing his name, matching letters and counting to 20. On the last day of school he grabbed me and said, "Ms C, you're the best teacher! Thank you for teaching me to read and count!" I'm going to miss him!
Jane came to my class right after Christmas break. Her huge brown eyes revealed her anxiety, as well as her spectacular amount of energy! It was very tough creating a relationship with her, but as she became more comfortable in the classroom, her true personality emerged. Fun loving, quick to respond, and with a razor-sharp sense of humor, Jane was a source of frustration and amazement. When she left the class shortly before the end of the year, I found myself truly sad. No more would I spend my day calling her name--"Jane, stop that! Jane, come here. Jane, please SIT DOWN!" But also no more would I have a warm smile and tight hug every morning and afternoon from such a trusting and sweet little girl. Her squeezing my hand as she got on the bus and saying "I love you Ms C" will forever be in my heart!
I was very concerned about Mike. He did not seem to progress at all through the year. I considered retaining him. A short meeting with his mom seemed to be a turning point. Suddenly, Mike was writing, reading, and counting. I can't claim all the success, but he was 'mine' so I beamed nonetheless. By the end of the year, Mike was ready for first grade. At the Kindergarten Celebration (graduation), I was beamed even more...his expression of pride in himself was priceless!
So as I look to begin a new grade level at a new school, I know I will encounter many more children that will take a piece of my heart. But the memories of my first year in teaching will always be with me. Thank you to the children and families that made 2010-2011 a fantastic, memorable, wonderful, amazing...year. I love you all!
Mrs C's Kindergarten Class
Pumpkin Picking Field Trip
October, 2010
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