There are final report cards to complete, finishing up last minute units, completing student files, cleaning up the classroom, taking things down from bulletin boards, organizing the end of the year party, assemblies, etc., etc., etc.

And if you're moving rooms or schools, well.... that's a whole different ball game.

June is so final. To most of the population, June is just a month in the middle of the year. However to a teacher, it's a whole different story.

To me, June was always a very emotional and of course stressful time.

For the most part, I loved my kids in the class (always exceptions) and we usually had a great year. But it's usually hot in the school, the kids have had enough and so have you. Everyone is on each others nerves. Soo much to do and so little time.

One activity I always did with my class was for them to write a letter to me, and it could be anonymous if they chose to.

Firstly, we discussed all the things we did throughout the year that they really enjoyed doing or were not so thrilled about. For example:

* the various units covered (Pioneers, Simple Machines, Fairy Tales)

* the class trips (Museum, Science Center)

* school presentations (Assemblies, Plays)

* classroom contests (Halloween, Easter)

* Special Talk and Student of the Week

* pen pals

* class parties

and the list goes on and on.

I was even brave enough to ask them to write about me - things they thought I should change or not change for the following year. I cherished those letters and I did change some things in the following year!

Since I taught junior students, they were able to remove their work from the bulletin boards and walls and give them to their peers. Even emptying out their desks was easier and more organized - less for me to do - collecting the textbooks, tearing out blank pages of notebooks ( I recycle a lot), crayons, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, etc.- would be used for the new students in September.

Other things going on in the school- play day, field day, award assemblies, graduation (of highest grade) retirements of teachers, new administration and many school boards have a professional activity day at the end of the school year.

The end of the year class party was usually held on the last or second last day of school. For me, it was always a wonderful but emotional time. Presents, cards, awards for each individual student and junk food. That was the last hurrah!

When I finally dismissed them for the final time, I asked for a handshake or a hug. Happily, most gave me a hug and some of the boys who I thought wouldn't, did give me one. To me, it was a very rewarding moment.

Anyways, I want to wish all of you good luck in finishing up everything and enjoy the rest of June with you students!

I am always adding pages to my website (latest one "humor in the classroom") So, continue viewing it, getting and using ideas.

Here's to a very very restful and enjoyable summer and a well deserved holiday.

Happy trails, Honey

Happy trails,

Honey

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