Time to Fly-Lessons Learned

I felt with the end of school near it was a time of reflection for the year and all the great learning that occurred. One thing I realized as I looked back through pictures was that my class learned compassion and empathy, in addition to content.

OUR STORY 
It started in the fall with learning about bats, specifically White Nose Syndrome in bats. A disease that is killing our brown bat population.  What we aimed to do was educate ourselves and others on this deadly disease and the impact it is having on the bat population.  98% of bats affected die. Without these creatures, our insect population isn't controlled which can also effect our crops.  With no natural predators, farmers have to rely on insecticides. Most kids and adults are scared of bats.  The students looked past their fears and misconceptions and began to want to help. 

Lesson Learned:  Respecting nature teaches respect of all living things and the important role they play in the world.

FALL

About this time is when I found out that a special student of mine was going to have a Bone Marrow Transplant and soon would be leaving our classroom. The kids didn't really understand what was happening, they just kind of went with it.  She was very brave as she sat in my classroom and explained what would happen and why she wouldn't be back at school for the remainder of the year.  I was in awe at this eight years old bravery and courage.  My problems certainly didn't compare to hers.  Her spirit and determination was truly something I will never ever forget.  Her only worry as she spoke to us was that she couldn't be with her friends at school, and with me in third grade.  My heart swelled with the love this child had for learning.  I discussed it with her mom and we decided to stay in contact all year by having live skypes.  She couldn't actually be in the classroom, but we did everything in our power to make her feel she wasn't missing anything.  There were days she was in the hospital not feeling well, other days she was just bored, and yet others she just missed her friends.  After every skype her mom told us how much this simple task meant to her, how her spirits rose just because she felt connected. She left in November but she came back to visit us just over a week ago and it was like she had never left. The kids accepted her with open arms. They treated her with compassion, empathy, and love.  Our connection was so strong even though she had been gone most of the year. 

Lesson learned: It's the little things in life that bring you the most happiness.

  

'

SPRING-A TIME OF NEW BEGINNINGS

We moved into Spring and explored plants and butterflies.  We planted milkweed and observed the growth and change of this plant as well as our painted lady caterpillars.  We learned about the importance of pollinators and how nature is connected. We planted our garden and now we will be able to watch it grow and bloom, just as we have this year.  

Just as a butterfly goes through it's change, I can say my class is ready to fly. 

  

This year is symbolic in a lot of ways , but some of the lessons my class learned aren't in a book or on a test, or something they can memorize. They learned how to support one another, be compassionate, kind, caring, and empathetic.  They learned with their heart and their mind.  I truly believe the lessons they learned this year will have a lasting impact and as they continue through life, impacting who they become.

LESSON LEARNED: We are here to see each other through.