Catch Up Time!

So it has been two weeks since I officially completed student teaching. But oh so much has happened since that I still want to share and record, here it goes!

Teaching:
After finishing student teaching I had one week left before I graduated college and I just couldn’t  be in town and not see my kids. I observed a preschool classroom on Monday afternoon (just for fun). Tuesday I returned to my classroom for the afternoon and oh how the kids got excited! They attacked me with hugs, smiles, and “I miss you Miss U!” Can’t say I didn’t love it :) Thursday I was actually able to sub in my classroom all day! It was a rush to get all of the paperwork turned into the school and a letter had to be written from my college but man it was worth it!! The students kept asking me as they came in the classroom that morning if I was really going to be their teacher. 

Field Trip and Moving:
Friday I went on an all day field trip with the kindergarteners to the children’s museum. Our class was fortunate to have an abundance of chaperones so I only had two kids with me for the day.
Right after the field trip, I met the moving crew (my parents and amazing second mom!) back at my apartment. We started moving my things out of college for the last time. Thanks mom, dad, and second mom!!

 Two of the kid's favorite exhibits, the cloud climber and a giant light bright 

The Big Day!:
Saturday was the big day, graduation day. My final day at SMSU. My final day of college. The day my new journey in life would begin, finding a job. Graduation day was a wonderful day but it sure had its fair share of hick-ups before I walked across that stage! 
Friday night I realized where my cap was… at home… 2.5 hours away. Yup that was a fun problem to solve! Thankfully I still had my wonderful roommates who sent some texts and were able to find a replacement one for me (thanks again Haley!!) 
Then, the morning of graduation, we had to be at the school at 8:40 but the ceremony didn’t start until 10 (crazy right!?) I woke up that morning at our apartment for the last time. I got ready and finished packing my few things that were left to move out. The apartment was bare, we’re talking three girls with only as much stuff as they could fit in a suitcase left in this apartment. I realized I had no breakfast to eat. This was a problem, but, thankfully my parents brought me something before the girls and I rushed off for graduation. 
During that rush to the school, I somehow managed to drop my tassel… on the ground… not realizing it until I was already in the school. (Yup that’s problem number three for the day incase you’re keeping track!) God was watching over me though. My parents just happened to walk in the school shortly after I did and picked up the tassel for me. 

After the ceremony, we had a little party at the Pizza Ranch with friends and family. I got so many wonderful children’s books to add to my future classroom library! So grateful to my friends and family! 

I also got an unbelievable surprise when I opened the present from my student teaching mentor and students. 

A quilt!! Each student colored/decorated one of the squares. I was speechless and brought to tears by the thought and love that went into this amazing treasure I will get to have for many years to come. Thank you Erica and students!! 

Now I am working on finding a classroom to call my own. I have been filling out and sending as many applications as I can. Fingers crossed the right school and I find one another soon! 

An Overflowing Heart

My heart is overflowing with and an endless amount of knowledge, gratitude, and love. My 16 weeks has come to an end. 16 weeks of getting to know each student as an individual. 16 weeks of falling in love with 22 kind, smart, and knowledge thirsty kindergartners.16 weeks of teaching and working with students. 16 weeks of learning from the most amazing mentor teacher I ever could have imaged (thank you Erica!). To say I feel blessed to have had the student teaching experience that I did would be an understatement. 

I have fallen in love with these kids. Especially the ones that push your buttons and make you question your sanity for wanting to spend all of your time and energy with five and six year olds. But I do. I do want to spend all of my time with them. Although today was hard as I said goodbye to MY students, I wouldn’t of had it any other way. They have become just that - my students. The feeling I got today as I watched the tears fall down one of my students cheeks as I said goodbye, that is why I want to teach. Knowing that I was able to touch his heart so deeply and make a positive impact, that’s a pretty great feeling.

Now, on to the celebrating! Each student wrote me a thank you letter. I loved each one but thought this post would get to long if I posted all 19 of them. So, here are a few.

("Thank you for reading us books! I will miss you! I hope you have fun!")

("I am so happy you helped us because you helped us be smart kindergarteners.")

("You have need a great teacher this year! I will miss you when you are gone!")

("You are the best teacher. Your are pretty. I miss you. I like your hair.")

("You help us learn. I like you! Thank you for helping us! I am happy for you. I miss you!")

Erica and the students gave me the book “The Last Day of Kindergarten” by Nancy Loewen. Fitting right?! Here is the best part, two notes written on the inside. One from her and one from the students.   

Complete with each student's signature!

 

Nancy Loewen actually visited the school this year and Erica was able to have her sign my book!

I had the hardest time trying to figure out what present to give Erica. How could I possibly show the depth of my gratitude?   

Through words of course!

With the help of my beyond amazing mom, I gave each student a tie blanket and book. They LOVED their blankets and couldn’t wait to read their books! 

I put this little note inside each student’s book:

We made cupcakes as a class for the students to frost, decorate, and enjoy during snack. Each student was able to help with making the cupcakes!  

Needless to say, the day was filled with smiles, “I will miss you”s, a few tears, and lots of  hugs.