So, this is what met me at the door yesterday. Thirty-seven (one was absent) very excited, soon-to-be first graders. Such a difference from September, they are bigger, more confident, more comfortable and at ease and they have fewer teeth;). I asked them later in the morning if anyone had been nervous on the first day of school and almost all of them raised their hands. Then, I asked, how many of you are nervous now. They just giggled.
Not nervous now! I know 'cause this is what they did when I hauled out the camera. Yeah, this was the first picture I took that morning. Pretty sure they're more comfortable than on that first day!
People quite often ask me if the kindergartners really understand that is their last day of kindergarten. I think they get it to some extent, because there was a lot of talk about their new classroom and new teacher. I also heard a lot of chatter about summer camping plans and summer play dates. There were even a few tears from those who just didn't want to leave this part of their life behind. But, to some extent, they really don't quite get it. One little girl greeted me with the question, "Now is it tomorrow when we go to first grade?" No, sad to say, I don't think the first grade teachers are ready to jump right in with thier new class yet. (Now, the kindergarten teachers, they are that dedicated ;).)
People quite often ask me if the kindergartners really understand that is their last day of kindergarten. I think they get it to some extent, because there was a lot of talk about their new classroom and new teacher. I also heard a lot of chatter about summer camping plans and summer play dates. There were even a few tears from those who just didn't want to leave this part of their life behind. But, to some extent, they really don't quite get it. One little girl greeted me with the question, "Now is it tomorrow when we go to first grade?" No, sad to say, I don't think the first grade teachers are ready to jump right in with thier new class yet. (Now, the kindergarten teachers, they are that dedicated ;).)
A lot of people ask me what do kindergartners do on the last day of school. We work! We sing and have a Bible story, then we get busy. We clean our desks, inside and out, we scrub tubs, we sort crayons and toys, sharpen pencils, and generally start getting the classroom ready for summer cleaning and next year's students. I've learned a few things over the years about the last day of school. Kids love to clean, especially if it includes squirt bottles, suds, stacking chairs, and tipping desks. I've also learned what jobs are fun and easy to control, and which jobs can easily get out of control and turn fun into chaos. I try very hard to keep things fun and somewhat under control so that my last experience with the class is positive.
Of course, if I expect them to work, there should be a reward, and who doesn't like a popsicle on the last day of school? And going out in the open field behind school is the perfect place to enjoy it...
...and bubbles!
It's been a great year. We've learned so much and grown so much in so many ways. It was so fun to watch thesde children gorw and change physically, emotionally, socially, academically, and spiritually. I feel so blessed that I can experience this time with them.
Philippians 1: 6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Christ:
It's been a great year. We've learned so much and grown so much in so many ways. It was so fun to watch thesde children gorw and change physically, emotionally, socially, academically, and spiritually. I feel so blessed that I can experience this time with them.
Philippians 1: 6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Christ: