Summer, Summer, Summertime!

Every year since I first began teaching, I've been surprised by just how amazing summer vacation is. One would think teachers get used to this, but somehow I think many of us don't. Each summer seems to arrive after an inevitable end-of-year countdown and when it does, it's like we can finally exhale.

Over the past ten years, each summer has been a bit different. However, they all seem to include a bit of travel, time with friends, a visit to Indianapolis, lots of time outdoors, and relaxing. For me, summer is the time when I can finally decompress and find what I often seem to lose during the school year - my personal priorities. Although I believe my social life and work life have become much more balanced since moving to Spain, summer vacation is still much needed!

Although I don't believe it's why any teacher chooses this career, I do believe we would all agree it's a great perk. I hope to enjoy more reading, exercise, beach time, sleeping, friends, and relaxing in the upcoming weeks!

Ten Years of Teaching - wow!

It's hard to believe, but I just wrapped up my 10th year of teaching! Where has the time gone?! Every year has been a bit different - the kids, the teachers, the content. Some things get easier, some get more difficult, but at the end of each year I feel so lucky that I truly love my job as much now as I did ten years ago.


For me, the end of a school year is always a time for reflection. Thinking about what went well, what didn't, and why. I always love to hear what students have to say, too. These are some of my favorites- how reflective kids can be! 


"Another thing that I worked on throughout the year is writing good stories. At the beginning of the year I wrote awful stories, but now that Ms. Jenny told me some strategies to make my stories better I also improved by writing more at home."


"In fifth grade this year I learned how to write really good stories. In the past years I wrote simple and boring stories, but with the help of Ms.Jenny and with all her good tricks and strategies I learned to write great stories and I improved a lot (in my point of view)."


"One of the things I have learned this year in fifth grade is: writing good stories. Thanks to all those lessons we have reviewed, now I know how to write good stories."


"I learned many more ways to be nice to people. In fifth grade there are usually many problems with friends, teachers and maybe even family. I have learned how to solve these problems. I have also learned so much about science, math, and LA. Ms.Jenny has a special way of teaching where she makes everything fun and listens to all the suggestions. She also has a very good way of teaching LA."


"What I learned in 5th grade is Fractions, Geometry, Poems, Water Cycle, Heredity and lots more. But what I really learned socially is most important: Treat people the way you want to be treated.I already learned that in 1st grade but in 5th grade I learned the true meaning of it."


Hearing that kids came to see themselves as writers and learned how to treat one another makes me happier than I can say. Although there is so much we hope kids learn in a year, I feel that I've done my job when I read responses like this.


This class was definitely more challenging than my first ASB group of kiddos. However, it's their craziness and energy that I came to love the most! I was exhausted at the end of almost every day, yet exhilarated, too. I feel like I built some strong relationships with these kids and I know I'm actually going to miss them over the next few months - crazy, right?! Luckily, I'll be able to spend my 11th year of teaching with them as well. :)

Such a beautiful message (and rose)!

Each student and I drew a name and had to write a letter to that person (a great idea borrowed from Anne!) . The letter was supposed to be full of memories and positive experiences from the year. We read these aloud on the last day and had to guess who each letter was written to - they were amazing! 
This is the one a student wrote to me - so thoughtful!
It was a great way to end the year.

Not easy and definitely exhausting!

Today has been one of those days (weeks? months?) that have reminded me just how tough being a teacher is. I am the first to say that I LOVE teaching - to me, it really is the best.job. ever. Teaching, learning, and hanging out with pretty cool kids all day is a lot of fun. However, I am constantly amazed by just how much we do!

The past few weeks have included writing report cards, math professional development, meeting after meeting, and preparing for conferences. In addition to this, there's communicating with parents (luckily mine are much more wonderful than some that others have to deal with!), grading papers, preparing for projects, and actual teaching! Preparing lessons for the whole class and small groups, differentiating work for the highest to the lowest student, trying to read all of the chapter books that small groups are reading, and keeping on top of students to get things done. Whew - it's exhausting!

Most of the people in my life know how hard teachers work, either because they are one themselves or because they have teachers in their lives. So, this post isn't very surprising. But, sometimes I really do stop and think about just how much we do on a daily basis, especially when we're trying to do our job well. And for this reason, spring break can't come soon enough! :)

So Sweet!

One of the best parts of being a teacher, particularly an elementary teacher, is just how sweet students can be. Although it might not be apparent everyday, sometimes it couldn't be clearer just how much they care! I know there are plenty of things I do that my students don't love, but when I'm not there, regardless of how great the substitute is, they seem to think I'm the best teacher ever. Completely untrue, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel good.

The girls in my class gave this letter to Tessa to deliver to me. I have to say, it includes some of the best messages I've yet to receive! It confirms that being a teacher is one of he best jobs ever, and that I particularly love this group of kids. :)

Travel Palette

While doing a bit of research to support the essay I'm writing for my class, I happened upon a few great quotations. My thesis is: I believe it's important for people to travel in order to experience and explore other countries and places. (Can you tell what's been on my mind these days?!)

I was searching for some outside sources and will definitely be using this Rick Steves quote:

“Ideally, travel broadens our perspectives personally, culturally, and politically. Suddenly, the palette with which we paint the story of our lives has more colors.”
― Rick Steves, Travel as a Political Act

I love the idea of continuing to add to my palette . . .

Year One of International Teaching - Complete!

Wow - I can hardly believe that my first year teaching at ASB is over! My kids and I were reminiscing about our year together, all of us shocked that it could already be finished. I was happy to see that it doesn't matter where you are or what group of kids you are working with, the end of the year is always crazy! I was consistently asked if we could have a party every day for the last week and saw many shocked faces when I told the kids they would actually have to do a little bit of work.

However, our last day was full of movie-watching, sharing letters with one another, yearbook-signing, and lots of junk food - it was perfect! Some students gave me gifts which were just incredible. It's clear how well they know me - I got multiple pairs of sparkly earrings, a beautiful summer scarf, a beach bag, and more. However, my favorite gift was definitely the power point describing why I was the "BTE" (Best Teacher Ever). I teared up as a few students read the sweetest letters to their friends and when one of my most favorite students waited until he was the last one left, hugged me, and told me how much he would miss me over the summer. Luckily, I know I will see all but one of these students again in September - it's amazing how much easier that makes the end of the year!

A few friends and I have talked before about how one of the best and worst things about teaching is the fact that you have such a concrete end and beginning every year. There's something refreshing and motivating about getting to start over each year, yet it can also be quite emotional to say goodbye to kids and teachers each summer. (I think the emotions that go with this are quite dependent on the group of kids you have!)

After spending the past week at the AERO conference in Washington, DC, I'm already feeling excited to start a new year! I think one of the best things I could have done professionally was to be a "new teacher" again. It's amazing how easy it is to get used to philosophies, systems, resources, and kids when you stay in one place for a long time. I feel like so much of this past year was about me finding my way, learning how to incorporate what I believe in and know to be good instruction into new systems and structures. Now that I know how ASB "works," I think next year will be even more productive for both me and my kids.

Although I'm excited to begin a new year, I'm even more excited for a vacation! No more teacher talk - look for posts about summer adventures coming soon!

Delta del Ebro or Cal-Wood?

I recently returned from ASB’s annual 5th grade trip to the Delta del Ebro. Having been the coordinator for Crawford’s annual trip to Cal-Wood for three years, I was so excited to go! I was very curious to see what would be the same and what might be different. It was definitely an experience!

One of the main differences between this trip and the ones I was used to is that this trip was a full week. It was an amazing time, but 5 days and 4 nights is a long time! However, we did get paid 300 euros for chaperoning, which is quite a nice addition that didn’t exist in APS!

At the Delta, we were able to take advantage of our location near the water – we went to the beach, kayaking on the Ebro River, and biking near the sea. It was beautiful! However, we had to take a bus everywhere we went, which was a big change for me. At Cal-Wood, once you were there, you were there. Everything you did was in walking distance, which sometimes could be up to nine miles round trip. In addition, everything we did was in the mountains. Completely different scenery, but equally beautiful.

We spent a fantastic day biking along the Ebro River!

I have to say, nothing at Cal-Wood compared to the

rice planting/mud fight at the Delta!

Another difference was the food. At Cal-Wood, the food was amazing! We had a healthy lunch of sandwiches, hummus and vegetables, and fresh-baked cookies for dessert. Breakfast and dinner were always delicious and balanced. The food at the Delta left a bit to be desired. Although the café con leches were perfect and we could have wine and beer with every meal (a nice perk of life in Spain!), the food was awful. We only had fresh fruit and vegetables twice and the fact we had French fries with every meal became a running joke. For our vegetarians, one meal consisted of white rice, potato chips, and ice cream. Not exactly the best when doing active things all day.

Finally, the accommodations were quite different as well. At Cal-Wood, the kids slept in actual log cabins. This meant that ideally an adult would need to be in each one to prevent any trouble, but they were lovely. At the Delta, we were basically in a dorm. The teachers had their own room, but the walls were paper thin and at times we didn’t even have enough water to shower.

At Cal-Wood, our guides were trained in outdoor education – the kids (and me!) learned SO much while there about history, nature, and survival. Although our guides were great at the Delta, it wasn’t the same.

Clearly, these trips were very different. Each had their positives and their negatives. However, I have to say going to the Delta definitely put Cal-Wood in a new perspective for me. I appreciate the quality and level of teaching even more than I did before. Is it possible that ASB’s 5^th grade trip could move to a new destination? Well, that would mean breaking with 20+ years of tradition . . . an ASB battle I’m not prepared to fight quite yet.

Digital Book Trailers

Our super-amazing librarian, Courtney, showed me something new she learned at a recent conference - digital book trailers! It's the exact same concept as a movie trailer - short and sweet, created to grab the attention of your audience and make them want more.

As my class finished their Newbery Award-Winning book study, this seemed to be the perfect final project. And, as usual, these kids could hardly contain their excitement! In hopes of being better able to help them create their own, I made one as well. It's for our most recent read aloud book - The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg. I have to say, it's REALLY hard to choose only a sentence or two to sum up your book, as well as find images that really depict the bigger meaning of the text. Here's my first attempt . . . I hope it makes you want to read more! (Thanks for the idea, Courtney! :)

The View from Saturday on PhotoPeach

Meet the Artist

As the school year is starting to wind down (3 weeks and counting!), 5th graders are finishing up lots of projects. One project we just celebrated was "Meet the Artist." This is an interdisciplinary project that happens annually.

Each student is assigned an artist by our art teacher. They then research their artist, write a biography about them and compile a list of their favorite paintings during their literacy time with me. In their art class, they choose a painting that inspires them, then create an original piece in the style of their artist (pointillism, impressionism, etc.) At the end, they create an oral presentation to tell about the life of their artist, their painting style, and their personal piece of art.

Although I would like to shorten the amount of time spent on the project, I have to say that the final results of it were amazing! To see kids so fascinated by art, be able to speak so fluently about their own artist, and see their paintings that show they understand an art style was just fantastic. In addition, I learned so much about art and famous artists as well. (I discovered that Barcelona's Joan Miro is one of my favorites!)

Meet some of the artists from 5C!

A 5C Birthday Surprise

5C

Wow - I've enjoyed my class since the beginning of this year, but my heart is filling up with more and more love for them by the day! Without a doubt, they are one of the most thoughtful and kindest group of kids I have ever worked with.

My birthday is next week and ever since my class realized that we would be on spring break when it happened, they've been in the midst of planning a surprise for me. For the past month or so, there has been a particular group of girls taking pictures of kids and teachers, hiding things from me when I walk by, and giving me that "What? I'm not doing anything suspicious" look constantly. They have made up elaborate stories to cover up their plans - it's been so cute to watch!

Well, yesterday the birthday surprise was revealed! They planned a party for me and proceeded to go all out. Decorations, a birthday song and dance, a power point presentation, a poster, food, and a beautiful cake complete with a "31" candle. It was amazing!

However, the best part was their gifts. I got a fabulous scarf that is exactly my style and a beautiful journal. Inside, each student made a page with their picture and wrote a birthday message to me. It's so thoughtful! I've included some of my favorite pages below. :)

Needless to say, this has already been one of my most memorable birthdays . . . and it hasn't even happened yet!

Such a beautiful journal!

pages by two of my kiddos

"Ms. Jenny"

I have to share a poem that two girls in my class wrote on "Poem in our Pockets" day. It cracks me up! :)

Ms. Jenny

by Sofia and Maxime

I have a teacher who's called Ms. Jenny,

she's as valuable as a golden penny.

Her eyes are blue and green,

and if you concentrate,

they look like little beans.

Her smile looks like the golden sun,

she is loved by everyone.

She is covered with little freckles,

and when we're funny she fills up with chuckles.

She orders us the best books,

and we can count on her for her looks.

Jejeje! I'm not completely sure how to interpret all of these lines, but I kind of love them!

Poems in our Pockets

At ASB this week, elementary students are preparing for St. Jordi - a Catalan holiday celebrated on April 23rd. Although I don´t know all the details of this day yet, but dragons, roses, books, and a knight are involved in the legend.

Our students are celebrating with a HUGE focus on literacy this week, which I love! Everyday, students do something a little different. Today, students have to carry a "poem in their pocket" and be prepared to read it for anyone who asks. We had a lot of fun choosing poems yesterday. As usual, Shel Silverstein was the favorite of many kids.

As students were choosing poems, I decided to do the same. Although there are so many poems that I love, the first one I thought of is this one below. It´s a classic that seems to be very fitting at this moment in my life . . .

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;


Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,


And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.


I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.