Tuesday, January 7, 2014

My Real New Year's Day


Yes, I know.  The new year began a week ago, at least for most people.  But, not for me.  I'm a teacher so my year always begins with back to school.  In Missouri, that's some time in early August.  And, my new year's day is always the first day back after winter break.  That's tomorrow, and I can hardly wait!

I have missed their happy little faces, and I can't wait to hear all about their holiday adventures.  Plus, I have so much to share with them.  There are so many great books to be discovered and action-packed lessons to enjoy.  One thing I always have my students do on our first day back is write a letter to our future selves.  We write down what we want to do and learn and who we hope to become in the next 12 months.  I seal them in an envelope marked, "Do not open until January, 2015."  and tuck them into their "My Third Grade Year" binders.

Over the years, I've had many students come back to visit.  They almost always tell me how much fun they had rereading their letter.  I am going to write a letter, too.  Maybe I'll post it here.  Tell me, if you were to write to your future self, what would you say?  Who do you hope to become in the next 12 months?  How will you begin?

10 comments:

Jeanne said...

You are such a wonderful teacher and person. I cannot wait to read about your future this year................

Love and hugs

Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Excellent question for which I have no answer. Need to start contemplating and planning. And then, of course, doing.

Happy New Year, Relyn!

Mrs. E said...

I love your letters. My sophomores do a "looking back at 2013" (headlines, accomplishments, memories, new fads and gadgets) and a "looking ahead to 2014" (what I hope to accomplish, advice to myself, and dream headlines) journal entry. They are fun to read. I think I have two new years, too! Must be the teacher in us.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a wonderful activity for your students, Relyn! It must be so much fun when they read their letters.

Kamana said...

i love that you do the letters.

Mac n' Janet said...

I miss the kids since I retired, but nothing else about teaching. Some of my old students, who are adults now, how found me on Facebook and it's fun to see how they're doing.

Sandy K. said...

What a great idea! I love that the students do it, but wouldn't it be a great family activity for New Year's Eve, or Day? I am already thinking about my own letter; personal or blog post? Or both? Ah...the adventure begins!

Roban said...

That's a great idea for your students. I've had my students write to their future selves, too, but I put it in their permanent writing folder. That way, when then are seniors and ready to graduate, they will find it in their folder, which is given to them at the end of the year.

I'm with you about the "new year." I had just told my husband that my years run in school-year cycles. January, to me, is smack dab in the middle!

alexa said...

Gosh, I wish I had had you as a teacher :). But I can still benefit now ... What a great idea to write a letter.

Marilyn Miller said...

What a very special idea. I love this. I do write out what I want to do this year, but not in a letter. I may have to change the format and then tuck it away.

Oldies, but Goodies