What a wonderful time we had at Field Day! The children were so patient at school while we waited to leave. They read together and worked on a summer fun packet of puzzles and coloring sheets. They looked at and signed yearbooks. We read two of my absolutely favorite poems and giggled ourselves silly. We counted the minutes until rides would arrive.
At the park, the fun quickly started. I was invited to play kickball and managed a double. (If you notice me walking slowly and stiffly today- please don’t comment!) ) Ian and I won the water balloon toss (after being defeated by April and Monique during the first round). I watched the students I adore, who were running wild with enthusiasm on the playground, take it upon themselves to slow down when some preschoolers arrived. I saw them help the little ones on the equipment and brush wood chips off their knees when they fell and help them back up to try again. Their gentleness and compassion was touching. No one asked them to do it. They didn’t know anyone was watching. They just rose to the occasion. At the end of the day, they convinced me to participate in the whipped cream/bubblegum contest. (If that gum hadn’t been so hard to chew, I am certain I could have won!) Go, Joseph!
But where has the time gone?
It is always hard when a new teacher is hired. What will she be like? Will she be kind and compassionate? Will she like my child? How will she be towards the parents? Will she help my child to be successful? A teacher worries too. What if the last teacher was so great I can’t fill her shoes? What if the families don’t like me? What if I can’t reach the children with my style of teaching? New beginnings are stressful for everyone.
I hope it has been obvious how much I love your children. I love when they roll their eyes when I do something outlandish. I love watching as the tinder of understanding is sparked and the fire starts to rage because they are curious and excited. I love showing them that they can do anything, no matter how hard it might seem, if they just take it one small step at a time. I love hearing them sing the “Helping Verbs” song and having them ask if they can please listen to the School House Rock tape. I love when they really get the humor in the poems we read each day and can’t help giggling as they read it aloud. I love how organized they have become---checking the schedule and the homework board and the morning assignment board the minute they arrive in the classroom. I love their questions and their responses and their enthusiasm. They are a wonderful class and are certainly destined to do great things. It was my sincere pleasure being their teacher. I will miss them greatly.
So, before I become a blubbering fool, let me thank you for sharing your children with me. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and for supporting what I tried to do in the classroom. Thank you for your kind words when you found out I was returning to Pennsylvania. You will also be missed.
I told the children that I wrote to my 3rd grade teacher (who is the reason I do what I do) for more than 30 years. I think she enjoyed being a small part in the many milestones of my life. I know I would truly enjoy hearing from you and your children. I can only imagine the adventures that are in store for each of you!
God bless you-
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