I had several fifth graders help in my room the last Thursday before school ended. They came down for 30 minutes to help the teachers prepare their classrooms for the summer. While we were chatting, I asked one lovely student who her first grade teacher was.
"I can't remember her name" was the response I got.
I giggled a little inside and thought, "Well, that's reassuring". I've spent over 170 days in a room with these young girls and boys, and in the end they might not remember my name!
But truly, when I was done laughing at that thought, I realized that it doesn't matter to me whether my name is remembered. I hope what they remember is how to be a good friend, how to take learning seriously, how to be proud of themselves, how to dream for something bigger, how to laugh often, how to make sure the word "I" is always capitalized, how to view the world like a scientist, and so much more. They may not remember every small detail, or even the big ones for that matter. But students are leaving first grade with a truer sense of self and a wealth of knowledge that they've gained. We had a busy and fun year, and every student should feel proud of their hard work!
Have a wonderful summer and thank you for a spectacular year!
"I can't remember her name" was the response I got.
I giggled a little inside and thought, "Well, that's reassuring". I've spent over 170 days in a room with these young girls and boys, and in the end they might not remember my name!
But truly, when I was done laughing at that thought, I realized that it doesn't matter to me whether my name is remembered. I hope what they remember is how to be a good friend, how to take learning seriously, how to be proud of themselves, how to dream for something bigger, how to laugh often, how to make sure the word "I" is always capitalized, how to view the world like a scientist, and so much more. They may not remember every small detail, or even the big ones for that matter. But students are leaving first grade with a truer sense of self and a wealth of knowledge that they've gained. We had a busy and fun year, and every student should feel proud of their hard work!
Have a wonderful summer and thank you for a spectacular year!