I'll miss you too

One of the best parts of about teaching is saying goodbye. (I don't mean that the way it sounds.) Of course, it's sad to say goodbye to students, but in the grand scheme of things you're just a stepping stone on their journey and when it comes to a close it should be a happy event and not a sad one. What I find so rewarding about this last exchange, is when they share with you what your time in their classroom really meant to them. I think teaching can at times be a bit one sided at times. Every time I go into the classroom, my goal is for the kids to have a positive experience and for them to know that I am there to help them, and cheer for them, and be open to whatever they throw (sometimes literally) my way. Kids on the other hand, are not so concerned with the experience that I am having at the front of the room. That's why it's so nice to hear, and see, at the end of our time together that all my hard work and energy really did pay off. They really did learn something - and they had a fun time doing it.

I got piles and piles of cards and pictures from students during this, my last week of classes. Below are a few of my faves.

"Bess I love you

And Bess I hope that you

arrive home safely and

please Bess: call me

when you are there. Mama's

telephone number -----

home number ----- "

I totally would call, except this grade 1 student forgot to leave his/her name. Darn it.

This ship drawing is by one of my favourite students in grade 3. He rarely speaks and has a learning disability. He spends the entire class drawing and colouring in the most intense and mesmerizing way I have ever seen. I'm telling you, this boy is destined to be a great artist.

I got a chuckle out of Donald Dack.

Hope you have a day full of hugs and kisses and pictures from kids in the near future.

Happy Friday!

Bess