"We got to celebrate together -
our backgrounds and holidays.
We have a lot of differences,
but we're connected, always."
School years begin and end in rapid succession, it seems. As another year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on some of the ways that teachers have helped their students during the school year. The opening memory is of the first day of school, showing a tentative child approaching her new teacher with a smile and wave. It's time to get the new year started.
As the pages turn, days are spent in scenarios that happen in most classrooms throughout the year: storytime, reading and writing, celebrations, Halloween hangovers, outdoor activities, speaking in front of classmates, art and music classes. The list goes on, and reactions to what is happening on days spent together are shared in colorful, detailed mixed-media collages that will have listeners remembering their own days at school. The text is telling, and often compares scenes of varied feelings.
"There've been days that were sweet.
And days that were too sweet.
Days when we felt brave.
And days with cold feet."
All the while the teachers were there doing their best to make a difference for their students. By creating a caring community together, students felt welcome, heard, and a part of something pretty special. This tribute to those who transform the lives of the kids in their classrooms is a lovely readaloud as the days wind down, and will encourage listeners to consider some of their favorite times of the past year.
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