Closing Remarks

In my last week in the classroom we began our study of the farm. We compared animals to one another. Again this idea was taken from Deanna Jump:
http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/

The sheep and the pig were easy to make. The students
matched the descriptions to their correct animal. This
was a fun activity!

The students decorated their very own farm landscapes.

Creative location for a cow.

Notice the chicken's talking bubble- "Bok!" (The phonetic
spelling is wonderful!)

I love all of the color in this farm scene.

I really appreciate the hen on top of the barn and the birds
flying over the scene.

On our last day together my students reminded me of the importance of saying "Thanks!" They each brought me a beautiful flower and gave me a book that they wrote for me including a picture with each of them as well as their very own illustrations and descriptions of their favorite thing that they did with me while I was teaching them. This truly touched my heart and reminded me of all of the teachers that have helped to shape who I am today along my walk in the education system.

Five Years Old- My parents hosted a backyard Bible club the summer before I started Kindergarten. I remember how infatuated I was with the teacher of the club. Her greatest attribute was her big curly brown hair. As a child, I loved curly hair. Actually, I still do. Well she shined that week. And on our last day she helped me along as I memorized one of the first verses I will ever remember- John 3:16. I remember being confused about what would happen to me if I had to meet my maker that very night. She told me how to get saved and we went up to my room where I asked Jesus to lead me for the rest of my life! I don't know this young lady's name, but I can't wait to give her a big hug in heaven someday!

Second Grade- This is kind of a sad memory, but it taught me something very important. I was washing my hands after going to the bathroom one day in second grade. I remember that the dispenser had run out of soap, so I left the water running and spent quite some time pushing the button and trying to get soap so I would be clean. All of the sudden, a teacher from another classroom came into the bathroom and yelled at me. I was so bewildered. She said that I was running the water too long and never even asked me why. I remember feeling so embarrassed as our classroom was connected to the bathroom. It was quiet in there, so I knew that everyone could hear this teacher yelling at me. I stayed strong and didn't cry, but I was definitely scarred a little bit. What could ever make a teacher think that it's okay to actually yell at a child is beyond me! This memory has stayed with me and in those moments of frustration, I am reminded of the fragile souls in the little ones in my classroom.

Sixth Grade- Every day Ms. Wright read us the story Holes by Louis Sachar after lunch. It became my favorite time and to this day I will never forget her voice as she read each of the pages of this book! What a phenomenal woman!

Seventh Grade- What an awkward age! This is the age when I struggled with my insecurities and my personality, but I came to feel very appreciated by my teachers. They valued me! In the seventh grade talent show, three of them played little parts in the skit that went on while I sang the song- That Don't Impress Me Much! by Shania Twain. I was weird, yet they never made me feel undervalued, but treated me with respect and always made me feel important in their classes!

High School- For the bulk of high school, I was also very weird! I'm so glad that I didn't realize it then. :-) But I had one teacher, we called him Doc, who taught me most of the things that I know about how to edit videos. He ran our school's television studio! We won national awards because of his insight into each of our ideas and projects. He believed in us. He believed in me. This teacher came to my wedding and told me how proud he is of me. 

College- When I walked into Emmaus, I never could have imagined how much I would change and grow during my four years there. But I came into contact with one of the most wonderful professors and his family during my first few months. This is the house that I spent time crying and rejoicing as different experiences started to convict me or cause me to realize how important it was that I graduate from college. This professor believed in my ability to do anything! He became my boss as I worked my way through college and spent about 20 hours a week under his instruction. There are so many life lessons that "Boss" (that's what I called him) taught me. He showed me the importance of dedication and drive to succeed at the challenges that came my way. And most importantly, he and his family showed me how important it was to always put Christ first! No matter where the road leads, I praise God that I was able to observe a family who walks the path that Christ has for them! I could never say thank you enough to the Sanchez's for their impact on my life!

To all of the teachers who have touched my life! Thank you! Thanks for showing me love and accepting me when I didn't even accept myself. You have shaped me, and I would not be a successful person if it wasn't for you! To my students these past two months, thank you! Thanks for showing me the importance of saying- "Thanks!" I love you so much! And I can't wait to see what each of you grows up to become!

With Love,

Mrs. MacLeod