In the beginning of the year during returning teacher training, Ms. W had us all complete an exercise. Everyone was given an index card upon which we were to write how we will transform students' lives this year. We were then asked to put that card somewhere we could see it regularly and reflect on it. I put mine in the drawer where I keep sticky notes, staples, paper clips, and items that distract tiny hands during my lessons. Amidst all that clutter, I will occasionally stop to reread the words as I hunt around for a cough drop:
"I will transform students' lives by exposing them to a medium of self-expression they may not have known. I will help them to find or build a new confidence. I will lead some of them to discover a new passion."
The year has almost officially come to a close. Students had their last day of classes yesterday; I have packed my old classroom in preparation for moving to a new space; today is our last full day to work. A few things in these final crazy weeks have demonstrated to me that I did meet this goal.
In my final classes with one section of Pre-K, for a final reflection, I asked them to tell me their favourite thing we had done in drama. We reviewed our units and some activities we had done, then each child had a turn to share. Many said puppets (because, well, four-year-old memory is not strong and that's what we just wrapped up), but then came a surprise. About halfway through the circle, one student became suddenly shy when it was her turn. "What was your favourite thing in drama?" I prompted. "Drama teacher," she replied.
Well damn.
My heart absolutely melted. Several students in the rest of the circle echoed that. As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Building relationships with students is something I strive for above most else - and to have that so lovingly affirmed by a sweet five-year-old was amazing.
Later that day two of my first grade classes showcased their readers' theatre for their parents (and rocked, might I add!). Longtime readers may recall HY, one of my best friends last year; she was back for a surprise visit and came to watch, as she taught many of those students last year. After the showcase, we were walking back to my classroom with a parent. The two of them chattered in Korean, although at one point they switched over to English as the parent told me that her third grade son absolutely loves drama (which he's had for about five periods this year?). Cool that I made such an impression!
HY later shared with me that in their Korean conversation, they had been talking about me. The parent had been saying that I have a wonderful reputation with the mums for my passion about the program and level of caring for the students. Apparently they think I am a "solid" teacher and they hope that I will stay for a long time.
A few highlights from my G1 students' year-end reflections on "one new thing [they] learned in G1 drama":
"How actors practice."
"I learned to be confident."
"I learned that I like drama."
"I learned how not to be shy."
"It is fun."
"I learned to not talk with friends in Ms. Hudkins' class."
"I learned that when we are shy but when you do it, it's not shy."
"How to show expression and fluency. Also I learned lots of ways to act."
"Being brave when you go to the stage."
"I learned how to have the best drama time!"
"I learned that I grew up."
Sometimes I think I might be too hard on myself. I spend a lot of time analyzing everything I could and should do - more thoughtful lesson and unit planning, different assessment tactics, better classroom management. While all that may be true, the last few weeks of school have reminded me that I've got at least one thing right: the human connection. And I've gotta say, I think that's one of the most important things.
Here's to a summer of relaxation and adventure, and an exciting new year to come.
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Currently reading: waiting to start anything until I take off on Saturday
Current high: 2 sleeps to Europe!!!
Current low: saying goodbye to kiddos who won't be back next year
