Today was the last day of regular classes. The class in the video below was chosen because the sound quality is the best. As the day went on and we had to turn on all the fans it it became difficult to get clear audio. This class was also the shortest so I had to cut short some of the transitions in between each activity. In the classes that were not cut short the period played out as more of a single story from beginning to end. The sand/rock/jar part is hard to see, and I did it a bit differently than usual because I used it in the beginning of the year so did not have to give the complete story, intro, and conclusion. If you ever get to see it in person or have the opportunity to do it it is awesome. This class is almost identical to the first class of the year. I do some of the same stories and books, and play a different song. It “closes” the circle…or does it open some doors?
One thing that I wish you could see are the kids faces. As I go into the stories many heads start looking down, looking up once in awhile. Their faces are precious. Joy, wonder, sadness, regret..a potpourri of emotions.
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I may be a junior in college leaving my teenage years behind, but watching this video was like I was 13 again, sitting through one of your classes, absorbing every moment of it. I really hope these kids appreciate you as much as I did, and still do. They’re really lucky to have had you at such a critical time in their lives.
I’m really glad you still read those books on the first/last days of class. That’s one thing that really sticks out in my mind when I remember your class. Where other teachers give out a syllabus and rules, you give kids an open hand, which is more valuable to them than they realize at the time.
I enjoyed your variation on the jar thing. I think it’s the perfect thing to do for kids at the end of their eighth grade year. When I first heard it, the guy ended by taking out two beers and saying, “and of course, there’s always room for a couple of beers.” Though of course, you can’t do that with the kids
I liked the mule story and the slide show. Did you write the script for the slide show? It seems like something I’ve heard before, though maybe I’ve just heard it from you before. I wish I could sit through your classes more often; this video was great! Keep them coming!
-Someone still learning from you
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Paul,
I’m just catching up on my blog reading, so just got to your Goodbye post now. I loved the song at the end… so sweet and sincere. I did have to grab for some kleenex however.
I’ve said it before, but I think the students are really lucky to have shared part of their lives with you as their teacher. The stories were great; so skillfully blended into your goodbye message… Thanks for sharing your last class.
I do something similar, but without the music (since listening to me sing would be more like a primative form of torture, rather than a sweet way to say goodbye), and I tell a couple different stories, but I love getting new ideas.
Do you know the picture book, I Wish I Were A Butterfly? It’s a great one for using at the start of the year. Can’t think of the author right now, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you don’t know it. I think it would fit in quite nicely with your “be who you are” theme. Hope you’re having a great summer.
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