Another School Year Begins

I found this on my desktop a couple days ago. 

Meant to post it a couple months ago. 

It's good timing now too.

What is teaching?

So, I just finished my third year teaching.

I have battled with the Lord about why I (disorganized, scattered me,) am a teacher since I started in the teacher credential program – maybe even a bit before that. (Yes, I contemplated changing my major many times.)

As is my tradition I made “certificates of thankfulness” to send home with my students (at the end of the year) that include a couple class photos, stars, their name, and my signature. I usually include an encouraging note on the back about what I enjoyed about them and what I hope they will do in their future.

I was writing these notes [that morning] around…4am (time management…another one of my weaknesses,) and I started wondering why in the world I was writing such notes to kindergarteners. I was tempted to make them short and simple. Cut to the chase –

I am thankful you were in my class.

You are quite cute.

Have a great summer.

I will miss you.

Love, Miss Martin

Readable and would keep their attention span.

But then I thought about them referring to this note in the future. Maybe it would give them encouragement. I hoped.

This afternoon one of my students sent me an email.

It reads,

Dear    miss martin,               

thank you for the note you gave me I almost cried have you ever seen a note and cried?                                                                                                                                                                

rite a not back ill miss you! Fi i'm going to miss you!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe we can impact their future as well as their present.

Press on and endure fellow influence-ers.

(Jia you! <-Chinese words "Give it gas!" "Press on!" "Keep going!")