....describes my emotions right now. It is June and all around plans are being made. Plans to celebrate the learning and achievements of this past year, plans to relax and unwind for the summer and plans to get ready for the coming year. I love summer and anticipate warm days at the beach, playing with my kids, reading, sleeping, running (hmmmm?) relaxing as much or more than the students, but I'm not ready yet.
Is it that there are too many unfinished projects? Well no, but there are a few. Is it that I'm not good with change? Well maybe, but I don't think so (my husband would argue this). Perhaps it is saying farewell to a wonderful group of kids?
I have been thinking about this for a little while now as the feeling builds. I do love September for the fresh starts and new relationships, but I am not finished this year yet. I think it is that simple. I am not finished. There are so many things that I would like to do with my students that I don't feel ready to make other plans. It is true that we have made a leap into technology this year and will continue next year as well, but I feel like we are just getting started.
I love reading my student's blogs and learning new things about them, seeing them grow and learn. I love seeing their expressions when they come in and hurry to look at their little plant, or their caterpillar, or their egg experiment. I love trying new technology with them and learning alongside them. It is the gift of teaching.
So, while I continue to make plans for winding up this year and celebrating with my students, it is with a certain amount of bitter sweet feeling. How are you feeling, I would love to hear!
I agree the end of June is always bitter sweet. It is hard to leave a group of students that you have watched grow and learn so much in the year. Right now the excitement for learning is so exciting that it is difficult to imagine that in less than a month we will be packing up and sending the students on a new adventure. Then in September we will be greeting a whole new batch of students. I always find the last day of school exciting and sad at the same time. Excitement for summer and time to spend with my family and sad that my students are moving on to a new class.
ReplyDeleteThis final term has been a different one for me and I think a lot has to do with the fact that I have not be in charge of my class for the past four or five weeks. With a student teacher, and one that I am so very proud of, I have had to give up so many of the things that I love to do with my students at this time of year. This is actually the second year in a row that I've had a student teacher in the final term. While I love being a sponsor teacher I am really looking forward to having my own class all year long next year. So as this school year draws to a close I feel a bit sad too because I too feel like I haven't done with my students all the things that I would love to be doing with them. But I also know that next year will be a truly exciting year for me, with so many more opportunities. I still can't believe what I've accomplished this year, but I know for certain next year will be even better. I can't wait to continue to learn, and share with you and Niki. Karen
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