Ridiculous cuteness

OMG!
These kids are so cute.
We had our final today, which I know I made really hard, but I am actually really happy with and even proud of my test since I think it really challenged them to think and to apply their knowledge of the play (The Merchant of Venice) and what we talked about in class in order to excel on the test. They said that it was hard but fair, which is all I care about.

After that, I had them fill out evaluations of me that I spent a long time creating. I promised them that I would not look at them till after their grades are done since I totally know all their handwriting. I was actually a little nervous about the evaluations for this class because I feel like there were a few things that didn't go exactly as I would have liked, but in the end I still feel really good about the class. I am eager to read them but am definitely keeping my word.

In our last few minutes, I gave them kind of an inspirational talk about writing, and how all the authors we read used writing as a way to address social issues, and that they can do the same. I handed back an assignment they did at least a month ago in which I had them write a list of 3 "grievances" they have with the world, which is something Maxine Hong Kingston did in The Woman Warrior. In the assignment they also had to make a list of types of writing they could do to express those grievances. When I assigned that, I had visions of assigning them to actually do that, but I (thankfully) decided not to because of lack of time and because of struggles I had with figuring out how to grade such an assignment. (Still need to work on differentiated grading. Uch. I don't think my school believes in such a thing anyway, but that's another story.) I showed them some anthologies of writing by high school students and reminded them of the journal I gave them each on the first day of school.

I did something I was afraid to do but am so glad I did. I gave them homework due on Friday. We have an abbreviated class on Friday, which is going to be a party and where we'll do some other cool things. It's understood, though, that most students skip school that day, so for me to assign homework received some groans. They seemed ok when I told them the assignment, though. They have to write me a letter reflecting on this semester. They can write anything they want--about class or not--and they can email me if they won't be in class Friday.

The cuteness came as time was almost up for the extra-long class. I acknowledged that I knew I might not see some of them on Friday and I started to say some unrehearesed or planned something about how wonderful they were, and I just had to stop because I was totally losing it. I was really touched--and am right now--thinking about how much I'm going to miss this class--and my other one too. I paused for a few seconds and finally got out a thank you and that I really enjoyed this class and am going to miss them. I was shocked by what happened next. There was this huge line of kids waiting to give me a hug. I asked each of them if I would see them Friday, and they all said yes (though we'll see).

I just checked my email and have already gotten a few emails from tem. A couple just talked about school being a lot of work and being happy it's summer, but there were two that I really appreciated and am posting here for posterity. Oh the cuteness.....

This is from a student who hardly ever participated in class:


I got really into writing this letter! It may get a little emotional! hahahahaha.

Dear Ms. K.,

Wow, this semester seriously flew by so fast for me. It was actually a pretty good semester. I got all the classes I wanted, and I was in a good place in life. I don’t know why this semester stood out from all the rest. I guess it’s because I felt more mature and started to feel like an upperclassman. But, I must say, your English class was one of the few English classes I ever enjoyed going to. You made all the discussions lively and you made reading fun for me. I admit, at times the amount of writing you gave was pretty ridiculous [Editor's Note: LOL!], but they really got me to think about everything and made me reanalyze what I was reading. And I also give you props for actually making me be able to enjoy reading Shakespeare this semester. Usually, I would absolutely hate reading Shakespeare, but this semester, you made it really fun to read and easier to understand. Honestly, you are probably the teacher that I learned the most from. You actually took the time to explain the material to us and you taught things so clearly and in a way that made us look at things from a different perspective. Everyday, I would always love coming to your class because I always learned something new everyday. You seriously made my English experience that much more interesting and fun for me. This semester was seriously really good for me and having you as a teacher was so much fun. I wish you could come back next year! But I’m pretty sure you’re going to come and visit us in the future. But anyways, that is generally how I felt all semester. I learned so much and I can’t believe it’s already over. I’m going to be a junior already! It seems like only yesterday that I was at freshman orientation, not knowing anyone in my class. But now I feel so much different. I’ve met so many people, even some that have changed my life all together. This semester, I realize that sometimes in life, you have to go for what you want and achieve for the greatest. Thank you so much for everything, Ms. K. I’ve probably done most of my best writing with you and you’ve inspired me to keep writing and to keep a journal of my own to express my thoughts in. Thank you for making me the best writer I know I can be. You never made me not want to write. Thanks for teaching me everything I need to know and everything I needed review in. Please come and visit us in the future! I’m going to miss you Ms. K! Good luck with everything and please consider teaching at L.!

Always,
J.

Cute letter #2:

Hi, Ms. K.!

I remember that last year in the arena, I was so happy to get the final spot in Ms. I's class. The word around school was that she taught well and I was very excited. I didn't even know what the Ms. K. in the parentheses meant when I was picking out which English class to take. On the first day of school, I was very surprised when you announced that you were not the teacher I set my sights on. I was a bit hesitant as I wondered what the semester was going to be like. After the first week, I realized that you wanted everyone in the class to get to know each other, just like in the first week of 2nd grade. It was a little strange at first, but I really liked it in the end because I knew the names of the people I was taking to. I enjoyed this and a lot of other things about your class. Throughout the semester, it seemed like you didn't want a day to go to waste. You always had us writing, analyzing, or discussing. I really appreciated this because it made me feel as though I was going through the same emotions and experiences of the characters. All the analyzing made them come alive. Your standards took a while getting used to because many of the English teachers I've had in the past went easy on me. I also wasn't used to having so many essays, but your comments were so helpful that I think my writing has improved significantly. You pushed us hard, but I'll be mature enough to say that is was worth it . I really hope that you teach 11th grade English next year or even AP English.

I'll see you in the hallways,
V.


I swear I didn't write these myself.

This is really nice validation, especially after all the grief I've gotten from my master teachers and the complete lack of interest and total indifference shown to me as far as offering me a job next year. (It's like it never occurred to anyone that I might be worth consideration for a job.)

Anyway, I promised them I would have their esays back for them by Friday, so off to do more grading. Still, the cuteness is pretty overwhelming.