On Monday, my sophomores will turn in their research papers. We have been working on this papers for about 4 weeks now. This past Friday I said to my students, "If you have used class time wisely, and have met our due dates up to this point, you should be sitting pretty." One of my big, tough, Ferdinand-the-Bull students replied, "Well I FEEL pretty" - and laughter followed. It was at this time that I thought to myself, "I'm not ready."
*I'm not ready to be done with 1st hour's random outbursts of music and moments of honesty. I can always count on a good start to the day with this bunch. We are a class of 13 girls and ONE very, very brave boy.
*I am not ready to for the conversations to end after 2nd hour with a few students who always stick around a minute or two after the bell. These small conversations mean so much on days when I am questioning my effectiveness as a teacher.
*I'm not ready for silence that will follow the passionate and opinionated comments of my 4th hour - no doubt these kids will move mountains. Creativity flows from them; it is in the air they breathe.
*I'm not ready for my laid-back, good ol' boy and girl 5th hour to end - what a little family we have become. Singing to Bon Jovi, the Beatles, and Lynard Skynard has become a norm. Respecting our very different opinions and truly learning from each other is what makes me most proud.
*I'm not ready for my 6th hour's variety of learning styles to move on to junior year. These kiddos have learned to take risks in their reading and writing - seeking out my help on an individual basis. They are working, always working, to get better each day.
*I'm not ready for my dynamic, ornery, and energetic 7th hour to stand by the door and wait for that last bell to ring. They keep my on my toes, and at the end of the day I wouldn't have it any other way.
Don't get me wrong. I am tired. My brain hurts. My classroom is a mess. My house is even messier. I have a pile of laundry 3 feet tall. My kids have eaten PB&J more times that I can count in the last few weeks. Not to mention I am not sure the last time my husband and I went on a date. But I am not ready to be done with these kids. Have I taught them enough about English and life? Are they readers? Are they becoming learners instead of students? Do they know how much I care about them? Have I told them they are important? I have seven days left. S.E.V.E.N. - quite frankly, it's not enough.
I am excited to see what lies ahead for them. Such talent, such wisdom, such kindness. I am excited to see what students walk through my door next year, but for now, I will hold on to these seven days with all of my might because I'm not ready.
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How beautifully said! I am also holding onto to these last sweet moments with my precious kiddos! So proud of how they've grown, and ready to see the impact they have in the future.
ReplyDeleteYour kiddos are so lucky to have you!
Thank you! Right back at ya! The longer I teach, the faster the years go by, the more I want to hold on to these kiddos. Such world changers in our midst.
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