Popping in from a Sunday porch-sit to send a massive thank you out into the world. Thanks to all who contributed to my classroom via my Amazon Wishlist. Thanks also to the wellspring of good wishes sent on silver threads and gentle breezes from wherever you are, straight into our classroom windows. We have felt and received all messages, gifts, and loving thoughts.
Following are some thank you notes from my grateful students. When there was a receipt and scan code in the package I also sent out thank you notes via the Amazon app.
My old buddy. Wyatt Earp Moss. 17 years and 6 months. His jumping and yard patrol has been more vigorous of late. I think it’s because of his “diet”. He and I are both trying to be aware of when we’ve had enough. I help him by picking up his food when he’s finished – no more grazing. I can’t be sure, but I think he’s lost 1 or 2 pounds.
I remember when he was a kitten and never sat still even for a second. He’s turned into a napper and my constant porch companion. Wherever I go, there he is. Cat love from the posse of 1.
Good old Dan Price. Unsung hero, keeper of journals, and inspiration for so many. One of the very early illustrated sketchbook pioneers. I show his books to my students so they can see one way to keep a writing journal.
There are so many. And none are wrong.
I model in my classroom writing journal daily. They are gradually “getting it.”
I looked with dismay on the “never frown” and thought that perhaps someone is getting sent the wrong messages in life, but then aren’t we all?
A continuous stream of mental clutter that we have to sift through and ignore.
The stickers are a HUGE hit. I knew they would be.
So to be clear, the black journals are their diaries or writing journals. A place to process thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
They will also have sketchbooks for drawing, painting, doodling, collage. Those I will show you once we get started on them.
This letter is from one of my students who is learning English. I have students this year who hail from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Belarus, Eritrea, China, Cambodia, Columbia, Mexico, and Central America. 2 speak almost no English, but thankfully I have other children who are fluent in English, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese who are enormously helpful. My little translators!
I love having students from all over the world. Some moved here as babies, some were born here, and some came here only months or years ago. Citizens of the world!
I’m still in the honeymoon phase, but I can already tell that this is the best class I’ve had in about 5 years. They are a stand-out group and I am amazed by their resilience. Good kids. Kind, thoughtful, expressive, and happy to be in school. Not at all what I was expecting.
Don’t we love that about life? Sometimes we imagine the worst and end up with something brighter and more hopeful than we could have dreamed. I can tell you that I for one, am enormously grateful.
I bought a silicone mask bracket that is making it easier to keep my face covered all day. It creates some breathing room inside the mask. That and my USB mini-fan are lifesavers. I was anxious about keeping the mask on all day, but somehow I’ve adjusted! We get tested weekly and so far, no positive cases of Covid. I’ll be getting a booster shot as soon as it’s available. We are all washing our hands a lot and keeping our desks clean with frequent wipes.
The classroom games we received are 100% Extremely Awesome
So is one child’s giant donut water bottle.
Okay people. Update me with news from afar.
ON MY BOOKSHELF
I would never characterize Addie LaRue as “joyous”, but it is interesting and keeping me engaged. It does read like Y.A. and I don’t necessarily recommend it. I needed a book fix and it was available on my LIBBY library app. Simple as that.
Shuggie Bain. It’s a hard read, but I think an important one. Little Shuggie and his ma will break your heart. I look forward to more from this writer. If you’re reading some good literary fiction do let me know. I went through a lot of unputdownables recently but I’m currently floundering. Looking for my next read.
Happy to hear all is well in your corner of the world. Sending smoke signals of something a little bit sweet and full of happiness, your classroom tribe sounds like a great bunch of kiddos. I hope that in the coming months that all goes well and they grow and thrive under your keen and watchful eyes. The journals look amazing. It’s great to see a teacher encouraging written expression. I fear this is going wayside and it’s such a vital thing, the art of writing and if only one catches the wave that carries them to continue the exploration, well that’s gold. Those mask thingabobs are so helpful, gives a little extra breathing room behind the mask. I too, am waiting on word when boosters are available and today I got my flu shot, staying on top of all of that. Wyatt is looking quite dapper I must say. Such a regal cat of a certain age. Waving hi from Minnesota and wishing you every ounce of goodness you can handle.
OHG this is the best thing I’ve read today! So happy for you and your students. xo
Love the little letters of joy. Can we still donate? Highly recommend ‘ Molokai’ as a read that will fill your heart! Wishing you a beautiful school year
Yes! Link is in the post. Thank you, Karen.
Hi Mary Ann. So glad to hear your classroom adventures are going well and everyone is staying safe and healthy. I saw that you added some water bottles to the wish list. I placed an order which was linked to the orange bottle, but since orange isn’t one my favorite colors, I also sent one in purple and blue. I hope that doesn’t cause any challenges – drawing straws or Rock Paper Scissors is always a good way to resolve! I’ve had several bouts of heat exhaustion in the past year, so I’ve become a hydration zealot – a good habit to start when you are young. As for reading, (I’m pretty late to the game but) I recently discovered Poetry 108 an anthology of poems selected by Billy Collins. It was conceived as a daily dose of poetry for high school students. I gave a copy to my daughter and bought one for myself. Every week I choose a poem and write her a letter giving her the page number so she can read it along with my own reflections.
I absolutely LOVE that book and have a copy and read from it v.v. frequently. zzz best! My sister and I read one a day to each other on some vacation or other. WAIT. it’s coming back to me…i had picked it up at a library that was having a used book sale. this all took place on lummi island a few years back. i still remember that awesome island library and getting that book for 25 cents.
the water bottle color is no matter. these kids are so easy going they will NOT care what color they get. thank you!!!!!
What a joy it is to read those thank you letters, even though I didn’t get in on the wish list in time. How lucky they are to be in your classroom with you for their teacher, providing great supplies( stickers!) and journaling support. I would have loved having you for my teacher! I wish you the best of years.
BIG THANKS Cynthia xo
Imagine!
They’ve tumbled through space- both inner and out
To have the great good fortune to lamd in your class.
Lucky kids and teacher.
Especially love to see the reply cards and drawings.
They are a Reminder that life can be sweet, even during such chaotic times.
Peace and hugs to you. Please stay safe.
P s: sure wish I’d had a teacher as giving as you are.
Thanks Sassafras, I am not all sweetness and light. Ms. Moss does get bees in her bonnet from time to time. I do try and keep my alter ego in check. LOL
Always love reading your posts. I’m loving ‘Three Apples that fell from the Sky’ from Narine Abgaryan at the moment. Recently liked ‘All the light we cannot see’ Anthony Doerr
Oh I did did did love ATLWCS by AD. Will check out the other one! thanks, Liezl
this makes me so happy .
I love what you give to these children .
it’s priceless .
lots of love and prayers for you and those children .
sending some love hearts in YOUR direction from the bubble machine built into my fingers. xoxoxo
It was worth it to donate just to be called a “stylish donor”! 😉 I received your acknowledgement, too…glad to hear you got it! Have a great school year with these awesome kids!
i thought that was FUNNY. No clue how she came up with that. an inner sense, i suppose. LOL
Loved reading the comments and thank-you notes from your students. You are an amazing teacher to connect so well with students from so many different backgrounds!!!
If you haven’t read it yet, try The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — a thoughtful read and very entertaining too.
Kudos to you!
The variety of different students is wonderful! Thanks, Linda.
The Light of Paris, Eleanor Brown.
The People We Meet on Vacation
Ordinary Grace, William Kent Krueger (it’s been around but I just discovered it..wonderful)
Three books I had a hard time putting down and couldn’t wait to read the next day.
duly noted. each one!
Your interesting follow up post and sharing the wonderful thank you notes warmed my heart. I see and feel the love and hope more schools are modeled after your approach. Made me smile a lot!! Gives me hope. Thank you MA❤️
Thanks Stephanie, the packages are heart warming and life-affirming.
I’d like to go back to 5th grade and be a member of your class! I just finished “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah and it was wonderful! Also, just to reassure you, my daughter was in-person learning all of last year and we had no shut downs at all. They wore masks constantly, had clear dividers between students at lunch, and only moved through the hallways in one direction and only went to their lockers twice during the day if they needed to. You’ll have a fantastic year of learning. Unfortunately our school has made masks optional this year, so I fear we may be in for a tougher go this year but I remain hopeful.
Jenny, I’m happy to hear the story of your daughter’s school. Their lunch situation sounds ideal ours is less so with students mostly unmasked and no social distancing. But everyone has to do what they can with what they have and so far my school is giving it a good try. I think it will all work out!
As a retired school psychologist, all I can say is gosh I love what you’re doing. These kids are in good hands and deserve any and all necessary supplies and the freedom to get and keep going.
And yes. How about that Shuggie Bain.
I loved Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It seems like I read in one of your recent blog posts that you have Californio heritage therefore Mexican American heritage so, maybe you’d like this book too.
So sorry I missed contributing to your classroom donor list. Love these letters of gratitude from your students. I just finished reading a novel, “The Venice Sketchbook” by Rhys Bowen. I actually went to bed early every night I was reading the book, so I could continue reading it.
“Dear Stylish Donor” I am in love. It is a pleasure to be able to donate each year. Reading each thank you made me smile; however, The stylish donor valuation was so great. Thank you Mary Ann, for the privilege to help your class.
Mary Ann, I don’t know who is luckier–those kids or you. How marvelous and amazing and, as you say, RESILIENT. Thank you for much for sharing with us! In the midst of so much awfulness in the world right now, this cheered me no end. Love to all from France!