On Friday, a team of educators. pathologists, specialists came to observe one of my special needs students who will be attending their school in the fall.
After reading a book about caterpillars, I placed several large stuffed (carnival prizes) caterpillars in a pile on the floor and asked the students to guess HOW MANY. Then we counted to make sure there wasn't a hundred or a million, like some thought, but just five.
I asked the kids if they were same or different, and reminded the class to always look for the things that are the same in people and or objects before focusing on differences. My students are really good at this, and I hope they take this skill through life.
We sorted, classified, discussed sizes, longest, shortest, likenesses and differences, and then we had caterpillar races on the 3 ft. long ones. The children sat on the floor and scooted. There was so much cheering and laughter and movement. The visitors expressed alarm when we morphed into butterflies. I put wings on all my students and told them to be careful and fly around the room with out bumping anyone. They did! Kids do live up to our expectations.
As the team left, they told me how impressed they were with me and my program. I have heard that for decades, and from so many "officials." Once I was asked to institute a cultural diversity program, and I objected to one aspect of the new curriculum, having to document every single thing I did. Instead, I invited the developers to come into my class and observe how I incorporate CD in my class room all day, everyday. Someone from the university came to observe me. I handed the woman a copy of my lesson plans for a year, highlighting how I touched on CD. She was so impressed, I was excused from using their program. I have been told by so many that I should be teaching teachers. Maybe? But I made an impact on youngsters over the years, and I parented many parents. I think God put me where I was needed most.
As my 39th school year (my last) winds down, I am feeling mixed emotions. These next nine weeks I will find myself wavering, a tear building in the corner of my eye and swallowing hard when I do all of the lasts.
All good things must end...and I am looking forward to a new beginning. Like the caterpillar, I will emerge anew.
After reading a book about caterpillars, I placed several large stuffed (carnival prizes) caterpillars in a pile on the floor and asked the students to guess HOW MANY. Then we counted to make sure there wasn't a hundred or a million, like some thought, but just five.
I asked the kids if they were same or different, and reminded the class to always look for the things that are the same in people and or objects before focusing on differences. My students are really good at this, and I hope they take this skill through life.
We sorted, classified, discussed sizes, longest, shortest, likenesses and differences, and then we had caterpillar races on the 3 ft. long ones. The children sat on the floor and scooted. There was so much cheering and laughter and movement. The visitors expressed alarm when we morphed into butterflies. I put wings on all my students and told them to be careful and fly around the room with out bumping anyone. They did! Kids do live up to our expectations.
As the team left, they told me how impressed they were with me and my program. I have heard that for decades, and from so many "officials." Once I was asked to institute a cultural diversity program, and I objected to one aspect of the new curriculum, having to document every single thing I did. Instead, I invited the developers to come into my class and observe how I incorporate CD in my class room all day, everyday. Someone from the university came to observe me. I handed the woman a copy of my lesson plans for a year, highlighting how I touched on CD. She was so impressed, I was excused from using their program. I have been told by so many that I should be teaching teachers. Maybe? But I made an impact on youngsters over the years, and I parented many parents. I think God put me where I was needed most.
As my 39th school year (my last) winds down, I am feeling mixed emotions. These next nine weeks I will find myself wavering, a tear building in the corner of my eye and swallowing hard when I do all of the lasts.
All good things must end...and I am looking forward to a new beginning. Like the caterpillar, I will emerge anew.
12 comments:
Linda--I'm sure when you morph into the new you, I imagine you will be so glad you did it.
Endings, even good ones, are hard, but no sunrises without sunsets! Just relish each moment as the future is going be full of good things too.
If you're not ready to keep all your teaching talent to yourself, maybe you'd want to be a consultant - on your own schedule. Then you'd still have time for the beach, and bring in some extra retirement income on your own terms.
Time to spread your wings and enjoy your new stage of development.
Congrats, Linda, on your retirement. I understand it's a bittersweet moment. I will be retiring on August 5 and am both nervous and excited. I'm looking at this as the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life.
Pat
Critter Alley
Instead of getting several acceptances a day, you'll be selling several books per day, I guess. Maybe you'll pass along some of what you've learned?! How exciting!
Yes, you have been a wonderful teacher, friend, and your influence will go on for generations!
(And I suspect that your writing will do the same!)
You will so enjoy having more time for the things you want to do. It is sad to say goodbye for the last time, though, however much you feel you're ready for it.
Linda, that is quite a record. Just think of all the little lives (and hearts) you have touched. You are amazing. Susan
Love this post. Congratulations on both your retirement and your many years of giving love and education to children.
Just from what you have shared here about your classroom and your teaching experiences, I have no doubt that all of the students you have had over the years will remember you and the things you taught them. You have wonderful and unique ways of getting your point across and encouraging kindness to others in your lessons. Good luck to you in the changes ahead.
Now instead of writing 100 things to submit each month, you'll be writing 5,240.
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