What I Want My Students to Know

The end of the year is upon us, as I stated in my last post. At this point there are two half days left. Not even a full day to spend with my precious little babies. Next Wednesday they'll leave the nest of Room 210 and will be big ol' third graders, embarking into an unknown world of new standards and state exams and all the stress that comes with it.

And me, well I'll enjoy my ten weeks of summer vacation, duh.

Actually, I'll miss them a lot. There's something that happens to children between second and third grade. It's almost as if they sense that things are going to change for them. Their attitudes change to accommodate the rigor and work of the new things they are going to face in the upcoming year. It's probably good for them, but it makes me sad and it makes me realize just how much I love the grade level I teach.

Regardless of what age students are, however, I feel there are some things that they really, really need to know.

Here's a little list of what I hope my students know by next Wednesday.

1. You are safe. School is a place that children should always, always feel safe. Safe from bullies or sadness or hunger. Safe from abuse or people that don't value them. I want my students to know that they are safe, no matter what.

2. You are smart. Whatever else someone might tell you: they are wrong. You are smart. You may not be as smart as the kid sitting next to you, but I bet there are things that you know about that other people don't. Maybe you're smart about animals, books, video games, or plants (yeah, really). Being smart happens in all kinds of different ways because we are all very different. And you know what? That's okay.

4. You are special. Everyone is unique in their own way. Each child is someone's whole world, and we get to spend just a little bit of time with them each day. We are entrusted with something that another person loves more than anything else, and that makes teachers important.

5. You aren't that special. You might be someone's whole world, but you aren't the only person in it. If you treat people like you're better than them then you will lose them. It's very, very simple. We might all be different and unique, but we are also all equals.

6. You make a difference. Just by being in the world someone's life is better. Maybe it's mine, or your parents, or a person you haven't even met yet. You have the opportunity to be anything and anyone you want. I hope you seize that opportunity and, most of all, make me proud. ;)

7. I love you. You get on my every last nerve and drive me absolutely bonkers but I have grown to love you in 180 sometimes very long days. I love you because you are smart and special and are going to change the world one day. I know that because each and every year they change me.

Everything I've learned, I've learned from George Feeny. 

Teachers Be Like...

I love the beginning of the year. Sure, it's sad to say goodbye to summer. Goodbye to books, my couch, and lounging around at the pool all day. Hello to alarms, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and lots and lots of paperwork. The beginning of the year is still so magical. New kids, new clothes, new supplies. It's like Christmas for me. (I really love new crayons. Crayola only, kthnx.)

The end of the year, contrary to popular belief, is not my favorite. Here are a few reasons why:

Beginning of the year: Supplies are plentiful! I have so many supplies I'm practically giving them away. You need tissues? I've got you covered. Glue sticks? Take mine! What? You need paper? Here, what's mine is yours!

End of the year: If the Hunger Games were real they would take place in my classroom and it would be a fight to the death over the last glue stick. Or the pencil with *gasp* the eraser still attached to it. Seriously, why do you pull the erasers off, kids? You're ridiculous. The last Expo marker. These things really happen, okay? I just can't figure out how. How did we go from "You need to keep at least three pencils in your box!" to "You'd better get that one up off the floor if you plan on writing today, pal", it just happens.

"That glue stick is mine, Peeta!" 

Kids, man.

Beginning of the year: Sleep. I love sleep. At the beginning of the year I try my best to go to bed at a decent hour and be on time for work. It's important for a teacher to feel refreshed when she has to deal with hellions students eight hours a day and to be prepared for the day ahead.

End of the year: Now, not only is it difficult to fall asleep, it's hard to get up, too. Like, I have so much to do but instead of grading papers I'm staying up reading because reading is always my top priority. (Always.) It's a vicious cycle, y'all. Go to bed late, get up late, traffic...and of course: coffee.

Beginning of the year: Oh, one cup will do.

End of the year: Can you overdose on coffee?

One cup is never enough. 

Beginning of the year: Always look your best! Shower everyday! Wear makeup! (Kids like it when they think you're pretty.)

End of the year: Nope. 

What? Is there something on my face? 

These things are partly true, because the end of the year is stressful and there are a lot of things going on in everyone's heads. I mean, hopefully. What's killing me the most of how much my kids get me, how I get them, and how I'm really, actually, totally going to miss them next year. They are quirky and smart and adorable. They are a thorn in my side and a piece of my cold, cold heart. (Kidding, it's warm.) It is taking all I have to be my best for the next couple of weeks, just for them. Because they are worth it. This has been my best year, Lucky Number Seven, and I'm sad it's over.

Finish strong, right?

My favorite version of "Eye of the Tiger". 

Nine days and counting, guys.