I'll Never Be Good at Good-Byes

It is now the half way point of first semester which means as a 'split-placement' student teacher, my General Ed experience is over and Monday I will begin my Special Ed placement.

This past week (the last week in my second grade class) I took over full time and taught all day for the whole week. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things i've done. If you asked me 8 weeks ago if I thought i'd be ready and able to teach an entire day, my answer definitely would've been no. However, I was ready and it was amazing.
It has always been my dream to be a second grade classroom teacher, so this little taste of what it would be like was a dream come true. I have been so happy and enjoying every single day of the semester. I became very attached to all of my students and had the best relationship with my cooperating teacher.

Leaving on Friday was very very difficult and sad for me. It was almost comparable to "Week 6, Day 6" in the summer. Although I will be right next door for the next 8 weeks, I won't be spending all day everyday with my 21 second graders that have a stolen my heart.
Here's little glipse at how special these children are...they had indoor recess on Friday so during their recess they all sat at their desks while my cooperating teacher and I exchanged gifts. I had each student write her a letter and i made a whole scrapbook for her so the kids have been anticipating her recieving it for weeks. As we took up their entire recess reading cards, gushing over our gifts, and crying...one of the students raised their hands and said "This has been the best recess ever!" and then every student enthusiastically agreed. That is why leaving them is so difficult.

Anyways, I am keeping an open mind for my Special Ed placement because I know I will learn a lot and most likely become attached to all new children that I will eventually have to say good-bye to.