Dear Anonymous, The Wednesday before December vacation, I was frantically trying to help 19 six year olds wrap their hand-made holiday family gifts. Each child had chosen 4 – 6 gifts to make from an array of creative choices. They all thoughtfully designated each gift for their loved ones at home; mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, even neighbors. Christmas and Hanukkah were only a few days away and they were beyond excited to wrap and label their gifts. Students who weren’t wrapping at my table were working at their seats on winter worksheets, games, or reading to themselves. Frequently, I would scan the room and catch the eyes of a student hopeful to be called next to my table to wrap. At an 1:19 ratio, I was wildly outnumbered. After an hour of taking two students at a time and wrapping as quickly as my little hands could move, it became painfully apparent that I wasn’t going to be able to finish in time for our Computer Lab block at 2:15 pm. This was a problem, because it is not uncommon for families to keep their child home on the last day of school before a vacation. (Some families begin their holiday travels early or take their kids to do holiday shopping.) Do I send home the unwrapped gifts Wednesday to avoid the risk of absences and students not having their gifts for family members? Or do I risk it and continue wrapping tomorrow? Now, this might seem like a very trivial problem, but to a six-year-old who just spent the last two days carefully designing, gluing, painting, and crafting heart-felt gifts, this is a major problem. I called for the attention of the class and began to apologize. I was trying my best, I explained, but, unfortunately, we would have to finish wrapping tomorrow. A few students understandably expressed their disappointment, but then one student stood up and said, “I’m a good wrapper, Ms. Gennett. I can help you wrap the rest of the presents.” Then another student said, “Yeah, I can help, too! I help my mom wrap all the time!” A couple more students also volunteered to help their peers wrap. And just like that, several six year olds came to the rescue of their overwhelmed teacher and their classmates, so that everyone could bring their wrapped presents home at the end of the day. It is small moments like this one that reaffirms my love of teaching and my belief in the human spirit. Now, that sounds slightly cheesy to say that, but it is so true. I have been teaching ever since I could read, probably even before. I used to line up my stuffed animals and “read” a story to them. I would ask my teachers for extra homework and worksheets so I could play school at home. My poor little sister was often forced to play the role of my student. I’ve always felt the calling to be a teacher. Although I have been “teaching” since I was a little kid, I have officially held the title of classroom teacher at Woodman Park School now for 8 years. I have learned so much about the art and the craft of teaching. I have learned tricks of the trade to obtain and hold your children’s attention. I have worked hard to increase my understanding of the content that I teach each day. I have learned strategies for delivering instruction, integrating technology, and supporting students who are struggling. I have learned so much, but know that I still have so much more to learn. Teachers truly are lifelong learners. But what I am most proud of, above all else, is how I have learned to take a group of 20 individuals with a wide spectrum of home lives, family dynamics, socio-economics, experiences, and opportunities, and instill in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and community. Yes, I aim to teach children to read, write, and do math proficiently. Yes, I hope to teach children about history, science, and their local community. I try to provide opportunities to explore and to be challenged academically. And in my eighth year of teaching, I can say with confidence that I do a darn good job at all of those things. But, at the end of the day, when I go to bed each night, I think about ways to help to lay the foundation to support my students as they grow into adults. I want to help create good humans. And it is moments like last Wednesday, that make me think that I might be doing an okay job at that, too. So, THANK YOU so very much to the annonymous family member that nominated me for the Life Changer of Year award. It was extremely unexpected and incredibly touching to have someone take the time to write such kind words about my teaching. Thank you for affirming that I am on the right track. Thank you for sharing that my efforts in the classroom are positively impacting your child. Thank you, because, just like everyone else, I sometimes need that reminder that I am doing an okay job. That even though I am far from perfect and make mistakes daily, that I am pointed in the right direction. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Most Sincerely, Kelly Gennett https://lifechangeroftheyear.com/kelly-gennett/
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In December, we learn about how people celebrate around the World. We "travel" around the World and learn about different cultures, celebrations, and traditions. Students complete a Holidays Around the World passport application and wait anxiously to see if they were "approved" to travel. Students must use correct spelling for their first and last name, their date of birth, as well as their physical description. Thankfully, everyone was approved this year! :)
I always begin December with a literature study of Gingerbread Man stories. Students love comparing and contrasting the characters, setting, plot, and refrain. Using oil pastels, the children created their own Gingerbread people. Check out our display in the first grade hallway! |
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