Insights from the school year….
Every year at the end of the year I do a “Thank You” writing assignment with the students in the classrooms where I teach guided reading. For a few reasons; first because the classroom teacher is normally so stressed at this point it’s good for them to remember all the gains their students have made and secondly because it’s good for the students to think about how much they have grown and done throughout the year. Writing a friendly letter is also part of the curriculum, but, mostly, it’s because I love to hear what they have to say. Here are a few of my favorite quotes this year….
From First Graders:
“Thank you for letting us dance.”
“First Grade rocks because of ALL of us.”
“Thank you for helping me spell my words I don’t know.”
From Fourth Graders:
“The best thing about 4th grade is that you taught me not to let myself down.”
“Thank you for the extra recess that was all your idea.”
“The best part of 4th grade was science when we studied rocks. I still have my pet rock in one piece. Using the microscope was the most fun.”
“The best part of 4th grade was getting to go on a field trip to see the symphony.”
“The best part of 4th grade was when you asked us to play our recorders for you.”
From Second Graders:
“Thank you for being awesome, I wish I could be here next year.”
“I hope you had a fun year with us, because I had a fun year with you.”
“Good luck with those first graders you’re getting next year.”
“Thank you for letting us sparkle.”
And my favorite of the year:
“You look good. I look good. We rocked!”
In talking to the other teachers in my building, the consensus is that this has been a hectic, disjointed year; quite the rollercoaster ride. In the end though, the students’ progressed, new strategies were tried, and no-one got hurt! That’s what you hope for……if I wasn’t so tired; I would wonder what next year will bring.
Tags: 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, classroom, homeroom, letters, reading, students, teacher, teacher blog, thank you
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