When I picked Quinn up from school, she and her classmates were all crying as they came to the realization that their time with their teacher, Mrs. Smith, was ending š„ŗ. Iām going to miss her too and am appreciative of how awesome, caring and generous she was. These last few years have been overwhelming, to say the least, but she made Quinnās third grade experience a memorable, wonderful one for which Iām grateful.
All the best,
Tanya
This is it: the last day of third grade for my daughter. Sheās excited, and I am too! Iām so glad Quinn had a wonderful school year back in the classroom after virtual learning for the previous year and a half.
Sheās grown so much, both physically, intellectually and mentally, for which Iām grateful. Now itās time for some summer break fun!
All the best,
Tanya
Today, my daughter along with 57 third graders did presentations on the United States of America. About a month ago, each student selected a state to investigate and find out facts to share for this special day. Quinn excitedly told me, āI picked Michigan because Daddy went to University of Michigan!ā
Though she worked on the project independently in school, my husband and I occasionally asked her random questions about Michigan to make sure she was prepared. We discussed ideas for her outfit, she helped locate images for me to iron on her shirt. Her dad let her borrow his University of Michigan hat and āMichiganopolyā game.
We both proudly came wearing our navy blue and gold to support Quinn, and she did not disappoint. I noticed that quite a few parents stopped by to hear her presentation as I circulated around the room to hear about other states from different children. Iām so proud of Quinn and so glad my husband and I were able to be there for her.
All the best,
Tanya
I love that my daughterās school uses Class Dojo to share events and classroom memories. But last weekās memory was extra special. For the first time in two years, I spotted Quinnās smiling face immediately. She didnāt blend in with the sea of children wearing masks where I had to zoom in to find her. I immediately spotted her in the middle of the third grade crowd holding with a peace sign in the air with a huge smile on her face.
Most recently, her school made the difficult decision to make masks optional. Since Quinn is vaccinated, my husband and I allowed her to determine if she wanted to keep wearing a mask. She opted not to but said she wants to carry one with her just in case.
Though I blurred out the faces of the other children for privacy purposes, they all looked so happy, and it practically brought tears of joy to my eyes to see all of their smiles. Is the tide officially turning? I hope so! These children are so resilient and been through so much. They deserve to have some fun without constantly worrying about all that came with the pandemic. We all do! Hereās to seeing everyone smile big in the weeks and months to come! š
All the best,
Tanya
As my husband and I entered our daughterās third grade classroom with soft classical music playing, I was filled with joy, not only because her teacher reminds me so much of my third grade teacher but because this was the first time I was back in my daughterās school, let alone classroom for over a year and a half!
Though Quinn did such a wonderful job adapting to virtual learning last year and never complained about not being in the classroom, when I read her āAbout Meā presentation that she put together for my husband and me, I came to the realization that she missed being in person more than I thought.
Thereās something special about being in person. That interaction with classmates and the teacher is needed for most and allows them to thrive and socialize. Though knowing that the vaccine is not available for Quinnās age group still makes me a bit nervous, Iām grateful that she was not robbed of another year of limited to know socialization with her classmates and teacher.
On top of that, she was selected as the student of the month for her classroom which makes me very proud. This truly is starting off to be a special āback to schoolā experience for my daughter and me as well.
All the best,
Tanya
āI donāt know why, but I think this is the most excited Iāve been to start school! Maybe itās because we werenāt in person when we started school last year,ā my third grader told me. A few days ago, I shared with my daughter that third grade was one of my favorite school years. I loved all that we learned and thought my teacher was the best.
Quinn told me that she has a feeling that this year is going to be great for her too. So far, her teacher sent a lovely welcome letter addressed to Quinn, called us at home to speak with my husband and me and to welcome Quinn and had a smile in her voice and eyes when we met her in person today. Though the school is set up for social distancing, I am hopeful that all will go well and that Quinn will come home with a smile on her face and eager to learn and make friends throughout the school year.
Seeing her happy face and excitement has actually helped me feel less nervous as I start my new semester teaching in person for the first time since March 2020.
Hereās to a fun, productive and wonderful school year!
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 