Summer is the lovely word that all teachers and students look forward to. Summer means no grading, no lesson plan making, and no teacher-parent conference anticipating. Summer gives us those long naps, joyous vacations, and wonderful memories. Summer includes freezing popsicles tickling our taste buds and warm, sand between our toes.
Ready for it yet? Me too! So let’s do it together! Let’s throw the papers up into the air along with the students and run out the door!
But before we start our journey together, I have a few questions: What are we going to do this summer? Where are we going to go? How are we going to use our time? Let’s take these questions one at a time and enjoy each answer together. This’ll definitely be a test that we can’t fail.
First, let’s Decide to be Grateful!
Now, during this time of the year, it’s really easy to be grateful for the start of summer vacation. I’m not saying to be thankful for that (because we both know that you already are). I’m talking about being thankful for the memories that you have made with your students–all of the crazy moments, silly mishaps, heart-braking tears, precious hugs, memorable laughs, and beautiful smiles.
One thing that I absolutely love is looking back at some of the things that my students have said throughout the previous school year, for example:
“You and my sister are almost the same. You both like noodles.”
“Wed-nes-day makes me think of crying because it’s like your wedding day.”
(Student sees me coming out in gym clothes) “Miss Miller! What are you wearing?!”
Yep! I love my students! The 2nd Grade class can be the most entertaining and interesting group in the whole school. They make me smile, chuckle, and, often times, simply crack up laughing!
So, when you look back at this past school year, what are some things that you can find to be grateful for? What are some of the things your students have said? What are some of the fun activities that you’ve done together? What are some of the memories that you cherish?
Trust me. I love summer as much as you do, and I can’t wait to continue that adventure with you! But don’t rush into the summer so quickly that you forget all of the wonderful things that God has done for you and your class in the past. Let’s love the upcoming summer while also remembering the joy of the past semesters.
Teaching Creativity 