Nine Days Left

This week I had one of those moments that remind me why I teach.  The three fifth grade teachers have been doing 30 minute rotations where we each teach an overview of a topic that we just haven't gotten to this year.  Tuesday we covered Cattle Drives, Inventions, and Votes for Women--all in 90 minutes!

Thursday it was time for another rotation so I asked the class to get ready for Social Studies. Most of the class applauded.  I was absolutely stunned, and asked, "Do you like Social Studies?"  Several said, "We LOVE learning about history!  It was one of the best moments I've ever had in my teaching career.  I taught about the Vietnam War with a smile on my face. 

There are nine days of school left until summer vacation, and I'm experiencing my usual feelings of "Hold On!  You can hold on!"  This is the nicest class I've ever taught, (and I've taught some really nice classes) but they're ready for summer, and so am I.  We're working hard, and we're having a lot of fun, but it is almost time to say goodbye.  My students have grown up, and they are ready to be the big-shot sixth graders at the school.  Some will come and visit me next year.  Some will move away, and I may never see them again.  Partings are a bittersweet part of being a teacher.

I can feel my pantry calling to me.  Clean me, it says.  I need some organization in here.  My kitchen floor is moaning to be mopped.  I keep saying, "Nine more days.  Hold on for nine more days."  Only the wedding, the weeding, and the laundry can't wait.  Wedding duties continue.  Invitations arrived this week, and it's time to address them.  I can't wait.  Weeding isn't quite as fun and fulfilling, but whenever the rain stops, I rush out to weed my wilderness.  Will the grass ever stop growing in the flower beds? 

Nine more days of school.  Hold on.  You can hold on.