Student Thumbprint Tree

Two years ago, I pinned a great beginning of the year idea: a thumbprint tree.  I was reminded of that pin when one of the third grade teachers did this with her class.  I just knew that, since this is my first group of kiddos, I had to start this year! :)  My plan, borrowed from my 3rd grade friend, is to add on each year using a different color.  It looks a little bare this year, but I'm excited to see it after I add more prints next year! :)  BTW, the kids thought this was the coolest idea ever!  I highly suggest it with your students.

I am also posting a letter one of my students wrote me last week.  I read the book, First Year Letters to my students and their assignment was to write a friendly letter.  I gave them the option of writing a letter to next year's students or to me.  We reviewed how to write a friendly letter, and when the students started writing, they were ALL writing letters to me.  It made me smile.  The letter below just warmed my heart. :)

It has not been an easy year, but I am absolutely going to miss these kids.