Happy Summer!

It's over!  I really can not believe it.  My first year of teaching is over.  It was a very trying year, but I made it.  And more importantly, they made it.  I am so proud of my kiddos.  When I think about the kids that they were when I started the year (a month late, of course), I am amazed at how much they've grown up!

Our last day of school was a blast.  The kiddos planned their summer vacations and shared with the class.  We enjoyed lunch in the classroom with a movie.  We had an award ceremony where I passed out their Candy awards (so cute!) and gift bags.  Then we celebrated with a dance party.... they had a blast!  And I won't lie, I did too.  I love breaking it down!

I got a little sappy at the end of the day, in our dismissal line I hugged them all one by one and told them I loved them.  I said I love you again as they headed out the front doors... and I meant it.  I really do love them.  The little guy that I will worry deeply about over the summer gave me the biggest hug I've had all year and his email address so that I could email him.  It brought me to tears.  These kids and I have been through a lot... and I am pretty sure that this is one year no one will ever forget!

Packing up my classroom was a little sad today.  It looks so empty and silent - where just yesterday it was bursting with life.  But, that's the life of a teacher... one class gone so that another can come!  We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we could keep them forever.

Good luck, class of 2021!  It's time to prepare for the class of 2022.  But first, SUMMER!

Rounding the Final Stretch

I can't believe it.  My first year of teaching is coming to a close!  Only four days left!  It went by so quickly and while part of me is starting to get nostalgic and mushy, another, REALLY BIG part of me is ready to say sayonara! I've been spending a good part of the last few days cleaning up my room and packing things away.  I've also been trying to come up with the perfect end of the year gift for my dear friends.

I've decided to do a few things.  First, I used my points from the Scholastic book orders to order all of them a new book.  At least I'm encouraging them to read, even if they don't do it!  I am also taking a few ideas I found from other blogs and making each of them a word cloud with adjectives describing them on Wordle.  Today I gave each student a class list and had them write an adjective for each person.  I can't wait to see how these turn out.

We did our award ceremony today and each student received a certificate honoring their special talents and abilities!  Third grade is never the year for a promotion ceremony, but I decided that I'm going to print out promotion certificates and give them out on the last day of school.  My friends are so worried about going to fourth grade! I attached the document I created in case you're interested in customizing it for your own.

Promotion to Fourth Grade Certificate

What is something fun/special that you do for your friends at the end of the year?