I had the perfect last day with my students. Each year this last day is so sentimental to me with lots of emotions. Happiness (finally a break!), sadness (will I see any of these kids again?), joy (oh my gosh- on how much Spanish they have acquired in one short year!), tears (because, duh, I LOVE my kids!). The same wave of emotions hits me 7 different times with each ring of the bell.
To say our goodbyes I prep the room with a red carpet for the kids to enter on. (It’s middle school and I have to keep them on their toes!) I start off the “farewell lesson” with giving awards to all my students in Spanish.
Examples of this might include: Best projects, most artistic, best pronunciation etc. What I like to emphasize here is that I want to keep it super positive. Make whatever category you want– but it’s the farewell lesson and I like to take the higher road (even if the student never did their work and complained the entire year) and find something nice to say. I love their looks of surprise, always.
Since I teach Spanish and make the certificates in the 2nd language, the kids excitedly whisper to one another what they think it means. (Some are obvious while others are not.)
After we give out certificates, I read the best graduation book. Seriously, this is always where the tears & hugs come in. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. So good. Who doesn’t love, Curious George??
Our class then does a big group picture and then the remaining time in class I set up a photo booth for the kids. I set out props because they want to take selfies and be silly. For kids who don’t have a phone-I bring a back up phone of mine and an old school digital camera. Or kids are given the option of controlling the Spanish music playing in the background and get to be the DJ.
You can get a bunch of cheap props at the store for just a few dollars and it is seriously so FUN. I will make a different post of what all I included, ideas, and pics.
To wrap up this special day – – – They made me laugh, they made me cry, we had many hugs and high fives. I will love these students for forever. .
Time to let my kids soar.
