Memories of the Past Year

A teacher's life is full of reflection. As I reflected on what went well, what could be done better, and what NOT to do at all, I found myself thinking more about the individual children I had the pleasure to hang out with for 180 days. Some of my favorites...
   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

So, Now What?

I just finished reading the 72 comments to a teacher on the Scholastic FaceBook page. She was beginning her first teaching job on August 1, didn't get into her room until July 22, and was wondering what she needed to do in between! After gleaning some awesome ideas for myself this year, I commented about putting dates into her calendar during the most hectic of times throughout the year, like conferences, report cards, Christmas Break, state testing, and spring break.  Now, all I have to do is take my own advice!
Also after reading another teacher's comments of her amazing work done thus far (she's been out for 3 weeks), I am spurred into gear, actually accomplishing all the things I want to do this summer instead of looking back in October and saying "Why didn't I do that?!?" Step one will be to create a master list (journal!) of things 'to do', 'want to do', and 'wish to do'. Next, adding to that journal will be all the things I can do now, before I get into my new classroom. Sub plans, parent letters, classroom procedures, first day & week activities, and, oh yes, writing those all important 'me' dates in my new pink day planner (thanks Mo!!) Then, I will take those books we are 'supposed' to read & hang by the pool. Wong's "First Days of School", "What Great Teachers do Differently", "Brain Based Teaching", "Teach Like a Champ", and of course, my favorite, "First Day Jitters".

Off to make that list...

Start of Summer Break

Starting summer break is full of mixed emotions. First, there is relief that FINALLY the school year is over. Next comes the desire to change just about everything for the up-coming year. Interspersed is the realization that the break is only so long, and that there is never enough time to become fully prepared for the beginning of school rapidly approaching. Then, over-stimulation: What should I change? What should I keep? Where will that poster go? What new ideas do I feel must be tried out? Finally, the experience of planning and reflecting take over, and the 'zone' is entered.