My blog posts have been few and far between lately.  I’ve been busy cleaning up the classroom and packing things away for summer, writing report cards, and trying to keep dates straight in my head.  I teach at a different school from where my kids go.  Right now I’m feeling like my head is spinning with dates for field day, field trips, year end parties, assemblies, and all that comes with the close of the school year.  I find myself putting my playground shoes on in the morning as I’m getting ready for work, and then realizing it’s my own kids that have field day, not my school kids.  Ugh.  It’s almost over.  I get no sympathy from my hubby on this one.

So, what have I been doing (other than things listed above) with my spare time?

I’ve been taking trips to the farmer’s market.

June berries are just starting. Oh. My. Goodness.  There is nothing better, friends.

Of course, there’s been a little baking, but I’m really trying to cut down on that “eating thing” that tends to go along with baking.

There have been lots of end of the year projects.  I told my daughter about a stuffed moose I had worked on with a third grade girl at my school.  My daughter was thrilled when she was assigned a moose for her second grade report!  She used lots of different pictures to help her draw a pattern for her own stuffed moose.  She did all of the sewing and stuffing on her own.  She learned a lot about the different features of a moose through doing this project at home.  She talked about the size of the antlers and why they need to be big, providing protection.  She noticed differences between front and back legs.  Of course, she also strengthened her sewing skills along the way.  I was very proud of her work and the demonstration of her learning!

I’ve been able to attend many fun events with my kids.  I work 4 days each week and my job share partner works 1 day each week.  I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to be able to have one day each week to be able to be there for my kids.  I was able to join the class for their walking field trip to the park for their end of the year party.  My daughter just wanted to hold my hand most of the way.  I truly cherish these days because I know there won’t be too many more, before she’d just rather walk with her friends.
(Side story:  My son’s 6th grade field trip was at the same time as my daughter’s.  When I asked him how he felt about the trips being at the same time, and that I would only be able to go to one, I can’t say I was surprised by his answer. “Oh, I’m good.  You can go along with her class instead!”  I don’t think he was just being nice to his sister… just a hunch.)

I’ve gone to our Science Center field trips and taken my Girl Scouts to the zoo.

By the time school is out, and summer is here, I’m going to need a 3 week nap!  I’ve been busy, but I’ve been having a great time!  Just a few more days!

Happy end of the school year!