“I never liked reading until you were my teacher.”
“Do we get to write stories again next year? Because I have a sequel planned.”
“I don’t think I’ll have time for the internet this summer with all the reading I’ll be doing.”
As a teacher, these comments make me want to grin and jump and giggle like a school girl. As a teacher, they are the greatest measure of success. I heard each of these in the past two days. One came after student readings. The others after I made a presentation to encourage summer reading.
These forty-two, sixth through eighth graders are about to embark on summers of texting, video games and Judge Judy marathons. My hope is that they will take a spark for story along with them.
While I can take credit for the commitment of time we gave to reading and writing this year, I can’t take credit for the worlds in which we played. Our journeys to Camazotz, Macomb County and Panem changed us greatly. They changed our thoughts, attitudes and helped to breed an excitement for story.
I can say, on this last day of school, that I take off my teacher hat with a feeling of satisfaction. I replace it with a less worn, but equally satisfying hat. This summer, I am a writer – set off to play in worlds of my own making.
Jen, this is so wonderful! I love the comments, I love that you have taught them how interesting the world of words is. Brava!
Fabulous!
Touching just one child is worth the energy. Touching many . . .well, you have earned a well deserved vacation into story!
Those are great testimonies to a good teacher! Good job!
Yay! Congrats on an exciting year! I’m so glad you got to hear those gratifying comments. Good luck with the summer of writing–but take heart if you can’t dive in for 8 hours at a time! I used to struggle so much with those writing summers until I learned that 4 hrs or so was plenty, and I’m sure you’ll find your rhythm.
I know that your passion is writing, but I am so glad that you were able to teach again. Those kids were blessed by having you as a teacher.
Mom
Your students are so lucky to have you. I wish I had had a teacher like you growing up. I can’t wait to hear about your own writing this summer! Enjoy and use every minute you can to write.