Last Day Blues

This year has truly been a blessing to me. I have felt so encouraged, and loved. I really felt like I was making a difference in the lives of my students, and I know that they were also making a difference in mine. This year, truly flew by. It seems like just yesterday my students were walking in the door, with their new book bags and lunch boxes..and now they are walking out, with their worn-out book bags, and used pencil cases.

Last year, I really connected with my students. It was my first year of teaching, so they were with me for all of my "first" moments. At the beginning of my 2nd year (this year)- I can remember walking next door to my great friends room, and asking her "what if I can't connect with my new group of students this year?!" She would just smile, and say..."you will, don't worry." And, boy oh boy....did I. 

I feel that they are truly part of me. They started off as kindergarten students, and are leaving me as confident little 2nd graders. They will forever hold a place in my heart.

The last 5 minutes of the day, I brought them all to our reading place. I attempted to give them some last minute words of motivation and closure..and as I looked at all of their smart and sweet little eyes, emotions took me over. I am so proud of these little souls in my room. I sent them off to their summer vacations with a huge hug, and an "I love you so very much, I am so proud of you, you are going to do great things with your life!" And they will...they will definitely do great things with their lives. 

Summer Birthdays & Icecream Party

I was always a summer baby so I never got to celebrate my birthday at school. I decided to do a "summer birthday" celebration, and boy did they feel the love!

Also, because they have been so "sweet" I threw them an icecream party, with the help of my sweet husband, "Mr. Ramirez."

"MAMA!"

We practiced a little song, and recorded a video. #onlyin1stgrade 

Mother's Day Craft

-We visualized words that describe our Mom's
-We typed up those words
-We cut those words out
-Step by Step we created portraits of our Mom's
-We colored those portraits with pastels, and glued the descriptive words on the portraits
-Have a FABULOUS Mother's Day!

Out to Eat with my Gentlemen!

All year long the students have been competing for the title of "top readers." After everything is said and done, I had 3 top readers in the class. I took them out to dinner, treated them for dinner and dessert. It was so much fun! I had 3 of the sweetest gentlemen as my dates. One even brought me flowers! 

Listening & Visualizing

I had my students listen to one of my favorite songs. I turned the lights down, and told them to move to a private spot where they could really dig down deep in their thoughts. I explained what "visualizing" was, and played the song for them. I told them that I expected them to visualize the song, and write down words they felt, or words that came to mind. They all had such sweet stories, and words to describe their "Mama's."

We went off on a tangent when I started talking about my "Mama." It turned into a mini-lesson of appreciation, and dedication. Anyways, this is the start to our Mother's Day projects!

Cinco de Mayo, and End of the Week!

I had such a fun week this week. It was so refreshing to see my kids everyday, opening up their minds, searching deep for thoughts, and seeking the answers. The kids completed Microsoft Word families, and number webs. (Where they put the main word in the middle of their graphic organizer in Microsoft Word and added lines, and clipart to tell a story.)  It completely amazed me how well they could complete a Microsoft Word family, they were inserting pictures, graphics, and word art like it was nobodies business! They made a music video, (all student created, and edited!) To end the week we researched the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo. We also had 2 students bring in authentically prepared Guacamole, and Salsa. What a fun way to end the week! Have a safe weekend.

Mr. Faust the Art teacher joined us for our mini-fiesta!

Home-made salsa & guacamole

They wrote down 3 facts down about Cinco de Mayo for their Sombrero craft

Mr. Ramirez even came to join the Fiesta

Also, the PTO is hosting a free family fun night tonight, from 6:30-8:00 at our school!