Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

March 18, 2019

Mystery Reader #SOLC19

I arrive in the parking lot and take a big breath.  I've arrived at the school I used to teach at.  My former first graders (now fourth graders!) have talked about me to to their current teacher.  She invited me to be a mystery reader.  They don't know I'm coming.

I take a minute to calm my nerves.  I haven't been back to see students in a couple of years.  My former principal has moved on to another job.  The rest of the office staff remains.

"OH MY GOODNESS!" one secretary yells.  She then wraps her arms around me.

"Look who's here!" calls out the other.  "I'll let Jaclyn know you are here."

I sit outside the new principal's office, feeling out of place yet right where I belong.  I did work here for 12 years.

Numerous former co-workers walk by, doing a double-take as they see me.  The custodian (who usually works nights) teases, "Back to teach first grade again?  I'm sure they could use your help with the plant unit!"

I'm finally given the signal that it's clear to walk down the hallway towards the fourth grade room.  As I enter, 30+ kiddos are sitting on the rug with their eyes covered.  After I'm seated in the mystery reader chair,  Jaclyn signals to them they can open their eyes.

"OH WOW!" "Look who's here!" "Hey!"  I can't figure out who said what as I see their faces light up.

It's so good to see my former firsties in these lanky, long fourth grade bodies.

I read a favorite book from first grade:  Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.  A new student wants to provide commentary as I read.  I show patience even though my students get annoyed.

We laugh, we reminisce.  A few are convinced that I don't remember their names, but I surprise them with telling them stories about themselves from first grade.  We snap a picture with the whole group of students, and then take pictures of the eight students (of my 18 original first grade class) who still attend the school.

***
This school year my students are fifth graders.  They will be leaving the school in June, bound for middle school.  I plan to contact my other friends, their fifth grade teachers, to see if I can join them for a fifth grade send-off.  I never thought this class would imprint themselves on my heart like they did.  We survived and thrived during my first and only year (of my career) as a classroom teacher.  I will not forget them.

3 comments:

  1. You absolutely need to go back for their send-off before they go to middle school!

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  2. This line- I sit outside the new principal's office, feeling out of place yet right where I belong.
    And the fact that you could tell each student a story about themselves in first grade. 🥰

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  3. I love that they were so glad to see you!!! I often think of my last fourth grade class, who would now be juniors in high school. I hope I will get some graduation announcements!

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