The last day of school

The last day of school for everyone in Osceola County was last Thursday.  Our class had a ceremony to honor all the students (everyone passed including three Non English Speakers and an undiagnosed special needs student). Unfortunately as their parents arrived we had a tornado warning.  Tornado warnings are not as official in the south as they are in the north so I had some grumpy grandparents upset about the 15 minute delay before we could begin.  We were able to begin and it was a success.  My adorable munchkins retained a lot of information this year and it showed.  We started with a walk across the red carpet to honor each kiddo individually for the completion of first grade.  After the walk across the red carpet we got down to business and the kiddos were able to successfully act out standards from Math, Reading, Writing and Science!  I wrote a short going away speech and included a made up camping trip.  I was able to incorporate many of the fun facts I taught them all year.  Next, we sang Lean On Me by Bill Withers.  I taught them this song on Valentine's Day after I received so many gifts from them.  I think it has an important message inside especially after sensing the alienation felt by the Connecticut debacle.  They were able to sing it for their parents and it was FABULOUS!  I had nine parents show and take pictures with me and my adorable kiddos.  I'm officially up north in Michigan and ready to start reading the books inside my black garbage can.  Their is an Early Literacy book I am going to tackle first.  The authors last name is Cooter.  If anyone has read his publishings please drop me a line.

It's almost over!

Our last day of school in Florida is this Thursday!  This year I have had the best, most well rounded and involved parents so far!  I have had a very long blogging absence due to my hectic schedule.  I have been hosting after school make and take mini lessons every Wednesday for the parents and students in my classroom to join me in making and taking a lesson home with them.  I have to admit I used many ideas from Teachers Pay Teachers and they worked very well!  On Thursday my students are going to say goodbye to me and first grade with a going away song.  Pictures of the red carpet walk will follow!  I am changing classrooms so packing my room for the first time was a brand new experience.  This summer I will be hiding away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at my families small cabin in Northwest Michigan!  I am hoping to learn more about blogging and making creative, crafty innovating activities for my first grade classroom!  If you have any suggestions I would love to use them!