Tuesday, May 15, 2012

two and a half days left

inside the willow fort
School gets out early around here.  In fact, there are only two and a half days left.  

Today is Park Day.  After specials classes we are walking to the local park to spend the day.  We've got Frisbees, Popsicles, sunscreen, and sack lunches.  The weather man says it should stay in the 70s.  It should be a great day.  The kind of day the kids will remember when they are thirty.  We sure hope so.


It's funny, you spend hours every day teaching children how to think, how to problem solve, how to relate to others.  You spend hours planning lessons that are engaging and powerful.  You create systems that are efficient and effective. You watch them grow and learn and face new challenges. You are delighted in all they accomplish.  But, do they remember any of that?  Nope.  They remember Park Day.

And, that's exactly how it should be.  

20 comments:

Debby said...

Funny and so true......they will remember Park Day. But the other things you have taught they may not remember but let's hope they "use" that information.
What a cutie, love the freckles.

Anonymous said...

What a great photo, and a funny post. But I think that the children imbibe the deeper lessons you teach them so well that it becomes part of them, not one specific memory like Park Day. Enjoy the end of your school year!

beth said...

wow....that is early.
like really early compared to here....
what lucky kids !!

Unknown said...

They will remember Park Day. They will remember the hot, sunny, sticky mess of fun they had. They may not remember each lesson, but they will remember the nuggets of truth, the moments of discovery, the "ah-ha!" moments of revelation. They will remember making roller coasters with marbles, and the Lawsonland Band. And they will remember you. Your love, your grace, your passion. They may not remember all the lessons you taught them, but they will remember that you taught them to love learning. And that, my friend, is the most important lesson of all.

Roban said...

You are absolutely right about that! They definitely remember the fun activities more than what subjects and verbs are.... I guess that's why learning needs to be fun!

We're down to one day here! I can't believe this school year has come to an end already.

Mrs. E said...

Oh, you are sooo right. Of course, at the high school level they remember the day the school did the Lip Dub or when the teachers made fools of themselves at the talent show. Yep. (Hopefully, some of those other lessons stick!!) Hope the end of your year is wonderful!

Sally Wessely said...

True. That is what they remember. They will remember the other things too, but in a different way. Experiences are as important as knowledge.

northsidefour said...

Oh park day, beach day, riding your bike day...all just as significant as everything else deemed important. Enjoy!

Lubna said...

Park day sounds like such a fun concept. Don't worry, Relyn, when the kids are older and grappling with issues, they will turn towards the lessons you taught them for courage and hope and for making the right decision.

Suz said...

yep

rachel awes said...

DARLING photo + boy!
park day does sound memorable :)
love to you! xox

susanna said...

Two days and then you are off from school? Hurray!

Park Day sounds like a blast! What a good way to end a school year. That's a good portrait of your student, Relyn. Will you show it to her parents? Bet they'd love it! There is such JOY on the little girl's face. :)

Elizabeth Halt said...

Park Day does sound like the kind of thing I would remember too!

Enjoy your last few moments! I imagine they will fly by.

Also, SUMMER!!!!!

suzanna said...

Relyn! Oh my word it has been too long! I have missed your beautiful and unique words for so long. I just posted my final and closing post on Eye to Eye. I really hope you'll read it because you are one of the people whom I'm talking about as thank my fellow bloggers. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your inspiration and support of me. I will back one day, and in the meantime, I will keep frequenting your special blog!

Much love,
Suzanna

Amy said...

Well, it definitely sounds like something worth remembering . . . what fun! Of course, something tells me they will remember much about you and your class . . .

Isa Lisboa said...

:) They do remeber, they just don't realise it.:)

Jennifer Richardson said...

we called it
"field day" when I was little
and I still remember those days
as magic.
-Jennifer

Jeanie said...

A glorious photo. I've so much to catch up on with you. I've missed so much in the past four weeks -- Europe was great, the re-entry difficult and mourning Gypsy incredibly difficult. I will catch up. And soon.

S. Etole said...

Reminds me of when I was a child and played under the trees.

Gigi Thibodeau said...

You are the very best kind of teacher, Relyn. The very best. I adore this post. Big hugs to you. xo

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