Friday mailbox

This letter and picture made my teeth ache -- it's so sweet! I was simply floored by it, as well, as this student has been an extremely reluctant writer throughout the year. I can't imagine how long this must have taken him and how much effort it took to write this message. I love this letter more for his effort and success with writing than for it's adorable message. :)

"I love you, Mrs. A. Forever."

Learning about writing with voice

"Can you sing the ABCs? I can. It's kind of hard, but I can still do it. It is fun. You should try it."

A new baby

Me: "Kinders, our friend has an exciting announcement..." 
Student 1: "I have a new baby brother!" 
Me: "Does anybody have a question about the new baby?"
 Student 2: "Does he like applesauce?"

Little smarties

Student 1 (holding up the inside cover of one of my books): "Hey, Mrs. Anderson, we found a date in this book and we're trying to figure out when it was. It says 7-2-10."

Student 2: "Yeah, we think it says July 2, 2010. Are we right?"

I am raising little geniuses, people -- little geniuses!!!

From the outside looking in

Something truly amazing happened during indoor recess today. Something that made me genuinely smile to myself and reflect.

I was working on cleaning out my desk mailbox. It was overflowing with pictures and letters, and I am bound and determined to keep up my promise of writing back to each student. So, as I was writing little notes back to my students, I look up from my desk to see a group of six girls sitting cross-legged in a circle on the floor. They each have a whiteboard on their lap and are writing with a dry-erase marker. 

Here is the conversation I overheard:
Girl 1 (holding up her whiteboard to the group): "What's wrong with my sentence?"
Girt 2: "You forgot to use a period."
Girl 1: "That's right! You are so smart! I forgot to use a period. Now you all write a sentence on your board."
Girl 3: "Okay, let's pretend I'm not paying attention."
Girl 1: "Don't forget those spaces!"

It soon became obvious that they were playing school -- and very accurately portraying our classroom! I heard phrases being said in my exact intonation, exact imitations of my teaching mannerisms, and adorable reenactments of how I provide positive feedback to my students. It was quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen.

I sat back in my chair and simply smiled. There was something sweetly honest and innocent about their game. That was definitely my "feel good" for the week.

Vocabulary

Student 1: "Mrs. Anderson! She hurt her brain!"

Student 2: "Yeah, I biffed my brain on that yellow bar!"

Another one

Too cute not to share!


"Dear Mrs. A, I missed you yesterday and the day before. I like when you are here at school. I am glad you are feeling better."
ADORABLE!