Wow, I knew it had been awhile since I had blogged,
but I didn't realize it had been over a YEAR!
but I didn't realize it had been over a YEAR!
I think it is safe to say a lot has happened over the
last year. So much!
Anyway...the point of this post is to remember a school
year that wasn't like any other.
One that should be unforgettable...
but just in case,
I wanted to make sure I documented it here. ;)
We started the year...
completely on Zoom!
completely on Zoom!
That's right!
Try teaching, and connecting,
with 27 second and third graders...
through a computer screen!
Believe it or not...
we made it work.
We were able to connect, learn, have fun,
and so much more...
all through a computer screen.
Did I mention that my own children were in my classroom...
on Zoom with their teachers...
at the same time I was teaching?
Yup.
It was an adventure.
It is funny how when I started writing this I had honestly forgotten about
this aspect of the year.
You know they say, no two kids are alike...
even if they come from the same parents...
same house.
Yup.
It is true.
Here's your proof!
Good times I tell you!
We made it to November...
and students were FINALLY able to come back...
some of them. ;)
I still remember literally tearing up as I looked
out at my classroom...WITH STUDENTS!!!
This transition meant that part of my class
stayed online,
and the other part came in-person in the afternoons.
Digital lessons.
In person lessons.
Google Classroom.
Zoom.
Copies.
Masks.
Socially distancing.
All the things.
We did all of the things virtually...
and in person.
We learned about cultures around the world that
are represented in our community.
We did independent S.T.E.M. activities...
pretended to be archaeologists!
While we had lots of fun learning...
and created a bond unlike one I have ever had with
a class before...
it was hard.
Really hard.
By January I was ready to break.
I was ready to wave the white flag.
I spent practically every moment away from
my classroom planning and prepping lessons
for both in-person and virtual instruction...
for second graders...
and third graders.
I felt like no matter the amount of time I worked,
it still wasn't enough.
I felt like not only was I failing my students,
but that I was failing Lexie and Landry as well.
I was completely overwhelmed trying to
keep everything going.
Then February came.
And finally...I got a bit of relief.
ALL of my students came back to school
in-person!!!
One of my favorite aspects of the year was our guest readers!
One of the positives of Zoom was that parents could
volunteer to ready some fantastic stories for our class!
In March I was completely caught off guard when I
received a phone call,
letting me know that my principal had nominated
me for an award,
and I was one of seven finalists
for the California League of Elementary Schools
Teacher of the Year Award
for the Central Valley.
The award ended up going to a fellow teacher
at a neighboring school,
but I was still so touched to have been
nominated and then a finalist.
The year continued on as
we celebrated Rodeo Days...
made jam...
and had some fun with states of matter!
By the end of the year we were able to get a little bit closer...
physically...
and competed in our Standards Olympics!
I have never been so sad to say
good-bye to a group of students before.
Even though, this was hands down my most
challenging year...
it was also my most rewarding.
Something about this whole experience brought us
so close together.
Each of these kids will forever hold
such a special place in my heart!
During a year when I spent so many
hours after school and at home crying...
feeling completely overwhelmed...
I knew that when I got back to class,
I'd be smiling and laughing with them again.
I made a slide show for my students
on the last day of school.
I think we all cried while we watched it,
looking back at all that we had been through together.
I told them,
"You made me smile and laugh every single day!
No matter what...we will always be a family...
and I will always be here for you."
So, before we start a new year tomorrow...
as late as it might seem...
I had to make sure I took the time
to reflect on one of the biggest years of my career!
