No More Teachers, No more Books

We recently celebrated Narls' last day of kindergarten. There was a celebration at his school, where he was selected to read - in front of everyone! - a paper he wrote about what he enjoyed most this year (which was making new friends). I don't know if I mentioned it on the blog, but this kid's reading is on fire. He's reading at least two grade levels above.  He reads independently, he reads chapter books, he reads silently, he basically reads whatever he can get his hands on.

The kids sang some songs, we were given a binder of some of our child's best work, and we munched on cookies and crackers.  We had his teacher sign his Dr Suess book, which will be annual tradition until he graduates (thank you pinterest), and gave her a gift- a mani/pedi combo. Trust me, she earned it.

 

Narls may be doing well academically but he had some behavioral problems this year. He showed his class his bare bottom (resulting in a write-up and a trip to the principal's office), his inability to sit still and stay in his seat led to a broken playhouse (resulting in a write-up and a trip to the principal's office), and he's had trouble choosing kind words over mean words at times. Three times, in fact, all of which resulted in, you guessed it, write-ups and trips to the principal's office.  The third time for the same infraction should have landed him a suspension, but his teacher - his biggest supporter and advocate, talked the principal out of it. She believes in our boy as much as Clay and I do, and got him a couple days of missed recesses where he spent time with her, talking and helping, as opposed to a day or two out of school. She even loaned Narls several books about kindness, which he really appreciated.

The past month alone has been a busy one. Clay and I chaperoned a trip to a farm, and I got to say, I've become an old pro at school field trips. Quite a change from my first, huh?

The farm is called Grandpa Tiny's Farm, but all the kindergartens called it Grandpa's Tiny Farm, and we got quite a few exclamations of "but it's so big!" and "I expected it to be tiny!" Seriously, these kids are the best (except when you have to ride a bus with 50 of them). They got to milk a cow, see a baby chick hatch right in front of them, and watch wool turn into yarn. It was fun. 

 

We had an end-of-the-year picnic, with hotdogs and chips, snow cones, bounce houses, and face painting. The whole family could come, which thrilled Emerson, and it was just as much fun as the field trip. I love how much this elementary school does.

 

We kicked off summer break by getting Narls his very own library card. And he checked out his first book, King Arthur, that he's halfway through already.

I am so proud of this child. I am proud of how well Clay and I are doing raising him. I admire his spunk; when I was his age I was so afraid of getting in trouble that I wouldn't dare do some of the things my son does. I want him to learn that there's a time and a place for everything, but I don't want him to lose an ounce of his spirit or his courage. I love his silliness, even when I have to endure another round of armpit farts. I love his thoughtfulness, even when he's asked me 13 questions in a row. I am constantly amazed at what he puts together and the words he chooses to express himself.

So, goodbye, Kindergarten. You were a blast, but it's time to move on.

Here's to an amazing summer break.