20 school days left

You would think I would be excited, but I'm not. I can't bear to leave my class. They are so adorable and loving and just so darn cute. I think this week has really made me think about how much they've grown. Have I mentioned how much I love them and love what I do?

I've been doing end-of-year assessments, like reading the "First 100 words" list...and I'm so amazed at how far they've come. So many of them are able to read them all! They are adding and subtracting! And best of all, I don't have to remind them to "listen for the click" when putting on glue stick lids or caps of markers.

As with all classes, I have had my share of students who struggle with behavior. One in particular, I have had battles with. I've always been able to tell he's such a sweet kid, but he's struggled. Lately he's been doing great and it's been amazing. Today he told me, "I don't really feel like going outside for recess. I feel like making you something. Can I stay in?"

Ummmmm....yeah you can. He then sat down and with the Bendaroos (aka Wikki Stix) made me a whale. I have all of my class understanding how much I love sea life. It was awesome. I put it up on my board.

This week is teacher appreciation week. Today, the PTA put on a Fiesta luncheon with food from Cafe Rio...mmmmmmmm. They even had chicken - so that was even better! (those of you who don't know, I have an aversion to pork and beef doesn't like me). Where were my kids during this luncheon? They were with an amazing mom making me this:

Yes, I have been known to cry over a good candy bar, but I was tearing up as they all got so excited to read me their letter. All of my kids just beaming as they showed off their letter, when I was focussed on how well they were reading it to me and how excited they were.

Not to be outdone by the candy-gram, they also did this:

They were so excited to show me where they signed and what they drew.

Today was also the Mother's Day program...I'll post more about that another day. I want to get some audio of them singing one of their songs.

Now...where did I put my tissues?

Michelle