Celebrate: end of a school year

After eating the party food, making paper craft cards and playing outside, the kids returned to classroom, ready to flee for summer. One of the girls left the room and returned with  a package in brown paper and tied together with a purple ribbon. Unwrapping revealed a gorgeous gift - National Geographic photograph book. What makes the book especially precious is knowing that the girl had suggested it to her mom. She said she needed to buy the book for me because I like beauty and nature and photography. It is amazing that a nine-year-old had paid attention and remembered this about her teacher. The collection of pictures and short texts promises awe and peace for days to look at, to turn to whenever feeling the need for beauty. Hidden among the printed pages I found small handwritten notes from the students and parents. The students all wishing me warm, fun, happy summer and a happy time reading the book. The parents saying thank you.

"Thank you for bringing out the best in our kids. Thank you for creating an environment of enthusiasm for learning, appreciation of growing and room for making mistakes along the way."
"Thank you for being a true teacher - caring, sincere, and honest."
"Thank you for your patience, kindness, openness and all your efforts this year."
"Thank you very much. All our children became better because of you. You changed their minds and hearts. Part of you will be with them forever."

My eyes swelled with tears. It hadn't been an easy year. I had a small group of kids. Sweet kids. Kids with different emotional, social, academic needs. Sometimes the needs blocking the way to learning. We had countless talks about how our choices affect our lives and the lives around us. What words and actions support building friendly relationships. What mindset and choices help learning. For some kid these talks gave wings to soar above what they thought they were capable of, for some these talks were like a blanket to wrap around their heart to even consider trying. Academically we might not win any prizes, yet.  Our growth lies elsewhere. We all learned to accept differences, to forgive, to make mistakes, to let go, to encourage, to take risks, to celebrate.

It touched my heart to know that the parents had noticed, understood and valued my role this year. From the bottom of my heart I appreciate the parents and students who have helped me to be and grow as a teacher I dream to be. I am very happy that I am moving on with these kids and parents. We can build on what we started this year and continue learning together.

flowers from the parents

flowers from a student