Each week Ruth Ayres extends an invitation to share and celebrate events, big or small, from our week.
My summer officially started this week, and that is a cause for celebration. But a part of me did not want that celebration to begin because it meant I had to say goodbye to a special group of students.
Two years ago I made the decision to leave 4th grade and take a 6th grade position at our middle school. At the end of that year, I said goodbye to a wonderful class. It was a year filled with "specialness" and one of those years that every teacher dreams of having. Knowing that I could have the opportunity to teach them again as 6th graders made saying goodbye a little bit easier.
Last fall when I received my class rosters, I was thrilled when I saw most of my 4th graders on that list. It is special when a teacher has "that" class, but to have them for a second time was serendipitous.
It has been so much fun watching them learn and grow as students again in my classroom, but it has been a privilege watching them become young people. They are smart and kind and funny and talented. I am proud of who they have become, and I look forward to watching them move on.
I know teachers are not supposed to have favorites, so I will just say they occupy a little extra space in my heart.
Saying goodbye a second time did not make it any easier on Wednesday. But I know my life has truly been blessed because they have been a part of it. I am proud to have been their teacher...twice!
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| My 4th Graders |
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| My 6th Graders |
How wonderful that you were able to have this awesome bunch twice! Even though it's hard to say "goodbye" hopefully several will be around the middle school as 7th graders next year and you'll be able to maintain some of those special relationships. Have an awesome summer. Looking forward to sharing #bookrelays with you!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are!! I have felt lucky this year, adoring my 3rd graders. As I saw the image and quote from Winnie the Pooh, I immediately thought that I am using that image on my end of year letter. I teach in VA and still have 4 weeks to go...you remind me to cherish the last days as I am so lucky to get to work with such sweet kids! Thanks for helping me appreciate what I have.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift you have given these kids! So looking forward to seeing you in Warsaw in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift!! You got to spend two years with these students! YAY!!! Saying goodbye is tough. I hope the rest of summer days eases that pain. :) Can't wait to learn with you at All Write soon!!!
ReplyDeleteLucky you. Lucky kids. You'll never forget them.
ReplyDeleteI always love before and after photos and this one shows the growth of your children. Life is good when we see our learners mature and grow as learners. You got to see them grow twice as learners and a physical maturation as well. Enjoy your memories, Leigh Anne.
ReplyDeleteWow - those are some lucky kids to have been touched twice in their learning lives by you. Deep connections here!
ReplyDeleteLook at those kiddos! I remember that earlier photo. Amazing how they change. Lucky you. Lucky them.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely heart memories, theirs in yours and yours in theirs, to treasure always! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTogether again...What a blessing for you...and for them!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat it was for you to be able to see your students again and to be a part of their learning for a second time! I'm looping with my class to 5th grade next year so your words are especially meaningful. Serendipity! Looking forward to seeing you again next month in Indiana! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooking at those pictures I can't help but think about how much they have grown and how very lucky they are to have had you twice in their life to nurture that growth.
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