Skip to main content

Reflecting


Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, & Anna for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers



It's Tuesday? Already?!?! We have eleven days left of school. The end is exciting and sad. Yesterday rising sixth graders came to school to visit. Eighth graders take them on tours and sometimes they stop in the classroom. They look so small, unsure, and nervous. I asked my current sixth graders who came into my classroom last year, and many raised their hands. We talk about their impressions and feelings when they were on that tour last year. It's a full circle moment for them because now they are the "big kids". That lead us into a conversation about then and now. That starts me thinking about where I’ll be next year and how quickly time moves and how grateful I am that I get to witness these amazing students grow and learn and change.

Comments

  1. The end of the year always reminds us of how far we have taken our students. We can't necessarily see this growth from day to day, but when we look at a whole year, it is amazing! You will help them FLY!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Full circle. You have led your students on a fine journey. Time to sit back, take it all in, and relax. Job well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lately as the end of the school year approaches, have been focusing on all I hadn't done. But your post reminds me to also celebrate all that has occurred in a year. Thanks for some perspective.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sweet times to ask those 'big kids' their thoughts about last year's tours. And how nice that the newbies get a glimpse of what's to come. Even in our little school it's a big step to move into the older classes. Have a great rest of the week, Michelle.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's a bittersweet time for all. I'm sad to see your kiddos go too. They have done such lovely work But, to have the new crop visit has to lift your spirits just a bit. It's such a big step going to middle school, these littler kiddos are so lucky to have you there. Enjoy your week. These last few days will "fly" by!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are so right, Michelle - we do come full circle in the course of just a year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Michelle, I love watching the passage of time. Exploration trips to another building allow for students to prepare for the transition. Your students must be proud of the work you encouraged them to do this year. I hear the sound of success in your post. Let the children "fly" to the next phase.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is so important that we take the time to slow down and reflect at this time of year. We worry that in the rush to get it all done we can miss the small moments. Thanks for the reminder.
    Clare and Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  9. I had a student tell another teacher, "Mrs. Sni is a good teacher. I should have listened more during the year." Aw. I feel like if she listens even for a few days, she will grow to be a great reader, student, and person! Make them FLY! Have a wonderful last few days! Jennifer Sniadecki

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ahhh, yes, the visit to the next grade. I always enjoyed watching these normally confident kids become rather wide-eyed at the prospect of a new classroom. Amusing. :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please share your thoughts. I love comments!

Popular posts from this blog

Whatever Happened To...

Sharing this post on Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Do you ever wonder whatever happened to your students after the year you spend together? I imagine how my students are finding life...are they happy? Successful? Do they still read? Write? What is going on with them?   I taught fifth grade for eight years. Fifth grade was such a fun year to teach because the students were still young enough that school was something they loved and old enough that they could show some real signs of independence. Fifth grade is the oldest grade in our elementary schools, so the students enjoyed their final year before moving onto middle school and the challenges that came with that new adventure.  2007 was a tough year for me personally. My dad collapsed in September of that year and then died in March of that same school year. He lived thousands of miles away, so my mind was definitely unfocused that year...but that year, Catie was in my class.  Catie was a quiet stude...

Chasing My Dream

I'm doing it. I'm chasing my dream. I've always wanted to run writing retreats and workshops for people, but I've always been too scared to do anything about it...until now. I don't know what's changed...maybe I've changed. I'm not allowing the fear to stop me anymore. I've started Selah Writing Retreats.  The past couple of weeks I've been getting the business end in order. I thought I would hate that...I don't. It's scary, but I am surprising myself with how efficient I am. Yesterday I went to a bank to set up a bank account. The woman I met with was kind and helpful and so enthusiastic about my dream. My website is set up. I've done lots of work on it. I hope you stop by and let me know what you think. It's  selahwritingretreats.com . Balancing creative with business has been challenging but fun. Creating the website, getting a federal tax id, making business cards, planning dates... My favorite voxer group is called Butt Ki...

I Love Me...All of Me

I'm fat. It's true. I'm not looking for comments like, "Oh you're not fat." I am. I want to take that word back. When we say that now, it has a negative connotation. I'm tired of that. I'm done. I'm fat. I'm working on loving my body just the way it is...by reading a book. I confess I'm reading the book on my Kindle app because I was embarrassed about the title. It's called, "Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls" and it's written by Jes Baker . Her mission is self-love...for all. I've highlighted so many lines, I can't possibly share them all, but here are some of my favorites: "Our bodies are our physical bookmarks that hold space for us in the world. Our bodies are magnificent houses for everything else that we are. Our bodies are a part of us, just as our kindness, talents, and passion are a part of us." (p.10)  "Your size is irrelevant to your ability to find fulfillment, purpose, love, a se...