Saturday, June 9, 2012

The School Year Ends

Well, the last day of school has come and gone. The last week was a four day week. We had three play performances and two half days, so our last week of school flew by. A last week countdown and lots of anticipation filled our last days. I had a parent tell me that her daughter could hardly sleep the night before. She was so excited about the last day of school!

The last day . . .

We started by cleaning out desks and putting books and materials away.

And then Autograph Book signing began.

Graphics and Fonts by KPM Doodles, Fancy Dog Studio, and Miss Tiina Fonts

But, not before my last mini-lesson of the year: "What to Write in an Autograph Book." First graders get excited about the idea of an autograph book, but aren't quite sure what to do with it.

We brainstormed ideas and posted them on the board.

And then the FUN began . . . lots of chatter, giggling, commenting, writing, and SINGING!  {"Goin' Buggy" play music in the background}

Click on the picture for a video link to hear the music. 

We said our final good-byes and off they went with the anticipation of summer. 

It's always bittersweet. I'm sure it's true of all grades, but it seems that first graders grow so much in a school year's time. It's a proud moment to send them off to second grade, but the groups of children are always missed. 

The teachers' last day was also on Thursday. But, I have yet to figure out how to clean the room for the summer by the last day that the children leave.

I go back for a couple of days after the children are gone and begin cleaning and organizing for next year. It's a good time to reflect on last year and think about changes for next year. I was at school yesterday and even saw a couple of second grade teachers in the workroom already running things off in preparation for next year. I'm not quite there yet.

So, it's officially summer break for me!

Graphic by Scrappin Doodles

I hope you're enjoying your summer.


12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sara! The sun is out today! YAY!

      Mona

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  2. OH, I have to say... I do miss all that sweet anticipation and all the hectic fun that happens in the last week of school.... and that feeling of the very first day of summer vacation... there ain't nothin like that!!!

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  3. Patty,

    It's true! I guess it is rather unique to teaching. I'm enjoying the break - even the morning June gloom!

    Mona

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  4. Bring on pjs and summer fun! Thanks for linking up, Mona!

    ~Tanya
    Mrs. Dwyer’s A+ Firsties

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  5. Hi! I am your newest follower!! I would love to have you stop by mine sometime.

    April
    Wolfelicious

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  6. Hi Mona, I love your blog design. Who designed it, may I ask? I just love it so much and have been looking for the same type of design for my blog. Thanks for your help and enjoy your summer.

    Sharon from Prek Paradise

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Sharon,

      Thank you! Kirsten McGrath at KPM Doodles designed my banner and logo. I'm a big fan of her graphics. She was great to work with, too. You can click on her blog button on my sidebar. Good Luck!

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