BlogsAcademicsPre-K to 8AdmissionPrimary Grades
Making Memories Every Day
Apr 5, 2012 2:20 PM
By Beth Smith '87 - Faculty
Memories are the threads that tie our life together. It is the recollection of things -- good, funny, bad, exciting -- that play such an important part in our lives and shape who we are and who we become. I love memories! Fortunately for me, most of my memories are wonderful. I guess we all try to remember those moments that are unique and amazing and try to forget that grade that wasn't so great in history or that drivers' test we almost did not pass on the first try.
In the last two weeks I have had children wander into my classroom -- maybe because it is spring and I have the door open -- or maybe they are reflecting back on their year in school. Whatever the case, it is so fun to watch someone stop, look around and remember great moments!
Current pre-first grader Charlie May reminded me of some great memories he had of pre-K. He said, "Mom, do you see Tiger? Remember when she came to my house and we had so much fun with her?" Tiger is our class bear that gets to spend the night with each Smartie -- she picks only the hardest worker to go home with each week! Then, he turned and saw a Gingerbread Man and our world map -- "Mom, I remember the Gingerbread Man! He went some cool places. Hey Mom, look -- the Gingerbread Man has gone to Japan this year! That is halfway around the world!" And on and on...
Charlie and his mom talked about the Egg Hunt we had and what the line leader's responsibilities were. His mom and I were just beaming from the excitement Charlie had for all the moments and memories he had. Some were small and some were big -- but they all get added into his treasure book for years to come!
I love watching students I have taught grow up. Graduating senior Cole Miller comes to mind this spring, with his successful career in baseball and wonderful academic career as well. Every week in pre-K for show and tell, Cole would bring a book he had made about the letter we were studying. One in particular stands out -- he wrote a book all about a Quail for Qq week. He beamed when he shared and read the book to us that day! I wonder if Cole remembers that show and tell item -- if it is one of the memories he added to his book long ago.
At Darlington, we are making memories with our children and families every single day. They may not tell you about it right away, but it will come back to them when they see a Gingerbread Man, a favorite book they learned how to read, or a special friend that they made on the first day of school. Memories equal learning in my book. If you have great memories, you will want to forge ahead and reflect back on what you have learned. Most importantly, you will be proud of yourself!
All of those things wrapped up in little bodies can only mean one thing -- success later on in life!
In the last two weeks I have had children wander into my classroom -- maybe because it is spring and I have the door open -- or maybe they are reflecting back on their year in school. Whatever the case, it is so fun to watch someone stop, look around and remember great moments!
Current pre-first grader Charlie May reminded me of some great memories he had of pre-K. He said, "Mom, do you see Tiger? Remember when she came to my house and we had so much fun with her?" Tiger is our class bear that gets to spend the night with each Smartie -- she picks only the hardest worker to go home with each week! Then, he turned and saw a Gingerbread Man and our world map -- "Mom, I remember the Gingerbread Man! He went some cool places. Hey Mom, look -- the Gingerbread Man has gone to Japan this year! That is halfway around the world!" And on and on...
Charlie and his mom talked about the Egg Hunt we had and what the line leader's responsibilities were. His mom and I were just beaming from the excitement Charlie had for all the moments and memories he had. Some were small and some were big -- but they all get added into his treasure book for years to come!
I love watching students I have taught grow up. Graduating senior Cole Miller comes to mind this spring, with his successful career in baseball and wonderful academic career as well. Every week in pre-K for show and tell, Cole would bring a book he had made about the letter we were studying. One in particular stands out -- he wrote a book all about a Quail for Qq week. He beamed when he shared and read the book to us that day! I wonder if Cole remembers that show and tell item -- if it is one of the memories he added to his book long ago.
At Darlington, we are making memories with our children and families every single day. They may not tell you about it right away, but it will come back to them when they see a Gingerbread Man, a favorite book they learned how to read, or a special friend that they made on the first day of school. Memories equal learning in my book. If you have great memories, you will want to forge ahead and reflect back on what you have learned. Most importantly, you will be proud of yourself!
All of those things wrapped up in little bodies can only mean one thing -- success later on in life!
