I would use these ideas if they were the only way I could “sneak” in a party on Valentine’s Day. I’m fortunate to work in a state that has not adopted the common core and with a wonderful principal that understands the value in creating community through collaboration, not competition. He reminds us nearly daily that we are the best thing in most of our students’ lives. I try to be worthy. Mostly I was struck with that all the students and families in the blog are able to understand written directions and that all the students actually make something at home and bring it to school. Every year I send home a Valentine’s letter, this year’s in four languages, (Not that it matters all that much. Many students have parents that do not read in any language, although they speak several) with a picture of valentine’s box and a class list of names. Every year 3 or 4 students, out of 30, bring in a box that is fabulous in my eyes, but wouldn’t win any prizes in your class. About 10 students bring in Valentines. Rather than judge the students who have parents that are too poor, working too many jobs, too new to the country to know the tradition, too crack addled or otherwise didn’t get it together for Valentine’s Day, I have all the supplies for box making available and tons of valentines that I bought at 75% off the year before, ready to go. Every year I say, “Oh, my goodness, I left my Valentines on the counter at home. Does anyone else need to stay in for recess to get ready for the party?” I love my students and my job. I would not trade them for anything, but seriously, I might make my box out of Legos this year.
I would use these ideas if they were the only way I could “sneak” in a party on Valentine’s Day. I’m fortunate to work in a state that has not adopted the common core and with a wonderful principal that understands the value in creating community through collaboration, not competition. He reminds us nearly daily that we are the best thing in most of our students’ lives. I try to be worthy. Mostly I was struck with that all the students and families in the blog are able to understand written directions and that all the students actually make something at home and bring it to school. Every year I send home a Valentine’s letter, this year’s in four languages, (Not that it matters all that much. Many students have parents that do not read in any language, although they speak several) with a picture of valentine’s box and a class list of names. Every year 3 or 4 students, out of 30, bring in a box that is fabulous in my eyes, but wouldn’t win any prizes in your class. About 10 students bring in Valentines. Rather than judge the students who have parents that are too poor, working too many jobs, too new to the country to know the tradition, too crack addled or otherwise didn’t get it together for Valentine’s Day, I have all the supplies for box making available and tons of valentines that I bought at 75% off the year before, ready to go. Every year I say, “Oh, my goodness, I left my Valentines on the counter at home. Does anyone else need to stay in for recess to get ready for the party?” I love my students and my job. I would not trade them for anything, but seriously, I might make my box out of Legos this year.