Appreciation: Tough Teacher

Well...it's finally here...tomorrow is the last day of school. I always face this day with mixed emotions. The overpowering emotion is “Yay, we can sleep in!”. But underneath is a sadness that my kids are getting older. Another year is gone. They are growing up so fast and learning so much. Am I teaching them and enjoying them as much as I can? Alongside these ambivalent feelings, I have a deep gratitude for what their teachers have contributed to their growth this year.

Luke and his teacher.

After a year of reminding Luke to be “much neater” his cursive is (finally) legible. When I took this picture, Luke said: “Hey, when you kneel down I'm taller than you” to which his teacher replied, “I'm still tougher.” :)

We have been blessed with devoted teachers. I can honestly say that I appreciate every teacher my children have had. It's not just that I appreciate the break from my sweet children for hours on end (although, I do appreciate that). I feel like my children are learning and growing under their leadership. I love watching my third grader name all the bridges in Portland and then give an explanation of truss engineering and counterweights. I love to hear my kindergartener explain what oviparous animals are and then try to trick me with her superior knowledge of hatching baby chicks. My fifth grader can show me his power point presentation about the Revolutionary War and then explain how it's similar to the 2011 revolution in Egypt. Teachers invest their time and energy into opening up the world for my children. They are guides on a voyage of discovery and I am grateful for their partnership.

Now it's my turn...I always think of Mom as the most important teacher. There is much work to be done. My classroom is the home, the neighborhood, and the beach. I plan to encourage summer reading, work on a few math skills (thank you Khan Academy), and enjoy my conversations with these lovely little people. Thanks for the great year, teachers. Happy summer to all!