By yesterday, our collaborative foam boards were complete and it was time to think about the "set" for our end of the year Concert. The children decided that the bulletin board on the right of the rug area should focus on Puff the Magic Dragon. Three children volunteered to take on that task. Of course we had to discuss how they might draw the mural. One child thought I should ask the janitor for a ladder. Another quickly replied that couldn't work "cause where would you put the markers?" After much discussion, it was agreed a table might work.
Yesterday afternoon when I went home right after school, "our concert area" looked rather bleak. Last night I went back and with the help of a parent volunteer, we hung paper on the bulletin board. It was already for the children to decide this morning at circle time some of the major themes they wanted to get across in the Concert. After much discussion they decided they wanted to create "our big beautiful planet".
They worked in shifts since it would be impossible for all twenty-two to work at once.
Meanwhile, two girls were making a "Rainbow Planet" sign to hang from the ceiling.
After we finished our mural, we had lunch and then went out for a very "long recess" because in the afternoon we were having our "dress rehersal" and performing for another kindergarten class. All to soon it was 2 o'clock....I was worried the children might "clam up" but it went without a hitch. I think we are ready to perform for the parents tomorrow at 10 A.M.
Performing "Turn the World Around"
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Our Songs:
"Pretty Planet"
"We are All One Family Under One Sky"
"Turn the World Around"
""Listen to the Water" (about protecting our rivers)
"Down By the Ocean"
"Rainforest"
"This Pretty Planet"
"The World is a Rainbow"
"Puff the Magic Dragon"
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And now kind friends, it's time for me to go to bed. Concert is at 10.....and tomorrow night another Retirement Party.
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Comments: 47
They (and you) did a fabulous job! I'd love to hear that program, too!
Thanks, Alison. I think you would really enjoy the Concert. They are so earnest when they sing songs about "saving our gentle blue giant, Mother Earth".
This is so super cool. I'm all warm smiles. Future muralists!!!
William:
I'm glad I brought a smile to your face last night. Being a former teacher, you understand all the co-ordination and planning that goes into "the process". Hopefully, once school is out, I will be around Gather more to read and comment on articles of friends. For the most part right now, I'm trying to wrap up school.
Marvelous, Bob .... a beautiful swan song for you ... and for the little ones who will move on to other things, too.
Are you sure it's not an ugly duck song, Magi?
Even ugly ducks turn into swans, Bob. And I'm certain they are already beautiful swans.
A "roasted" duck or swan to be tonight, Mag....just got in from my retirement party.
What an exciting way to end a successful school year and the start of your new life! I wish I could be there too. I know I would be so touched that I would end up crying.
You have a right to be very proud of them.
Marge, they performed wonderfully and were very proud of themselves. As for the retirement party, "what a roast".
"our big beautiful planet" is so cute - what a perfect way to get them thinking about this marble we live on. and i love the looks on their faces when they're drawing - such concentration and purpose.
good luck this morning - and have fun tonight, my friend.
Mona...the kids were great and when they sang the last song, "Puff the Magic Dragon" I don't think there was a dry face in the crowd.
As for the evening, a million tales were told and sung about an eccentric teacher.
they accomplished a lot in a short time
am looking forward to today's episode!
A great job.
What an awesome project. And what a great cap to what has to have been a legendary career. I have a feeling there are some parents who are regretting you won't be there when their next child is old enough for kindergarten.
All things must end, Roy....it's time to move on.
Thanks for posting this to Rainbow Connections - Colorful Competitions!
Their shining faces are the most delightful rainbow of all. You're a great teacher... and I'm sure at these parties, they're celebrating you and mourning your retirement.
A bittersweet time, Sherrie.
They are very hard at work.
I find it amazing that they all work so well together, children could teach us a few things. What a great theme too! I wish I could see them perform. They sound like a great class. You are going to be missed so much by everyone.
Nana...they were fabulous at their performance. I WAS so very proud of them.
Bob, reading this essay makes me moan that all children could not have had a teacher like you. What a way to start one's school life. You give them something special. It is theirs forever. I am anxiously awaiting seeing videos or photos of the concert. This has been grand, and I just know the concert will also be. Congratulations on your retirement and I hope you do all sorts of things you want to do.
I have no pictures of the Concert, I was too busy directing but I imagine some of the parents will share some pictures with me. As for the retirement party, ditto. I did bring my camera but it was so much fun with all the "ole stories", the "roasting songs", etc. I forgot to take pictures. Never fear, another kindergarten teacher was snapping away. The theme was "A Walkabout in Australia"....in September, when school starts once more, I'll be traveling in Oz for 71/2 weeks.
Beautiful - this reallymade me smile.
I', glad I made you smile.
I love these pictures Bob. The kids take their work so seriously. I marvel at their concentration.
Nanc, they were a great bunch of kids.
Bob: getting tears in my eyes as we watch you celebrate you last days of this part of your life. Sounds like it was a great concert.
Here I am Grems sitting in a 19th century cottage on the rugged, rocky shores of Flye Point, Maine and it does feel bittersweet seeing these pictures of the children and their "last act" of my teaching career.
Great work!
Congratulations! You won 1st Place in this month's Photo Essay Competition at Rainbow Connections - Colorful Competitions - Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us!
Thanks Sherrie...I need to stop by Rainbow Connection and view all the other winners.
What a beautiful mural they've created! Congratulations to the children and to you for your win in the RC competition! :)
It's amazing what 5 and 6 year olds can create if only given the chance.
Sounds like you give them room to create! It's so different these days and so very much better! Congrats on your win!
Wonderful! Congratulations!
Oh, this is so neat. I'm glad RC gave me a reason to find it. It brings back such delightful memories. Congratulations!
Such fun! Congratulations on your win with Rainbow Connections!
fantastic photo essay and congrats on your win
10 4 u
congratulations on your win!
Adorable shots! Congratulations on your Rainbow Connections win!
What a wonderful photo essay. I loved all the photographs. Congratulations on your Rainbow Connections win!
Great photo essay, the kids did a wonderful job on their mural!
Congrats
Fantastic photo essay! What a great program to inspire such creativity from your students.
Congrats on your RC win!
I missed this one - I'll be back to read it - for now - Back to say CONGRATS on your RC win!
Congrats on your win!