New momentum and connection

When spring time arrives, you can feel the shift in students, teachers and general population's energy. While we are nearing the end of the year, and student motivation to work (especially my 8th graders) is assumed to drop, there is still a renewed sense of drive.

The sun is up longer, the days are slightly warmer and the excitement of summer puts an extra pep in everyones step.

I am finding myself to be more grateful for each day I get to spend with my students. We've made it past the dreaded "is it winter or have we finally made it to spring" hump.

This is the time of year where the stress of grades and perfection starts to drop on all fronts. I find I have better, more genuine conversations with my students and we really get to know our class on a deeper level. It is something that, reflectively I wish I could maintain all year. But it's special as you see 8th graders begin to reflect themselves on their years in grammar school. They realize they are about to make a major leap into a massive high school and life becomes a bit sweeter. I find that the behavior is less of a problem and more of them expressing themselves more than normal. What do I mean? Well, they not only talk more, but they are conversing about their life at our middle school, old teachers, best parts of the year. They are joking even more than ever. (if that is even possible) And I find that as I let them breath a little bit, we end up having thoughtful interactions AND learning at the same time.

They are more willing to work with their classmates of all types. The light is back in their eyes and the excitement of what is to come is blooming. It is one of my most favorite times of the year.