Two years ago, I pinned a great beginning of the year idea: a thumbprint tree. I was reminded of that pin when one of the third grade teachers did this with her class. I just knew that, since this is my first group of kiddos, I had to start this year! :) My plan, borrowed from my 3rd grade friend, is to add on each year using a different color. It looks a little bare this year, but I'm excited to see it after I add more prints next year! :) BTW, the kids thought this was the coolest idea ever! I highly suggest it with your students.
I am also posting a letter one of my students wrote me last week. I read the book,
First Year Letters to my students and their assignment was to write a friendly letter. I gave them the option of writing a letter to next year's students or to me. We reviewed how to write a friendly letter, and when the students started writing, they were ALL writing letters to me. It made me smile. The letter below just warmed my heart. :)
It has not been an easy year, but I am absolutely going to miss these kids.
