To My Resilient, Kind, and Fun-Loving TKiddos Class of 2022:
What an eventful year it has been! From choosing our TA every morning in class (because we could never forget that!) to wearing masks in class to protect ourselves against COVID-19, thank you for continuing to be the resilient, kind, and fun-loving kiddos that you are. While it seems like the “COVID-19 rules” were ever-changing throughout the year, it didn’t stop us from filling our minds with lots of learning, bellies with joyful laughter, and hearts with limitless love. While I am the teacher, I want you to know that YOU taught me leaps and bounds daily, and that YOU are my greatest teachers of all.
As a lifelong learner myself, I do my best to reflect on what I feel truly matters. In my nearly a decade of teaching, I have learned three essential lessons from TKiddos that I feel contribute in leading a harmonious, joyous life: always BE KIND; always DO MY BEST…then REST; and LIVE what I LOVE. As you promoted to Kindergarten and go beyond, my hopes are that you will always keep these factors in mind, and share them with others.
#1: Always Be Kind
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”-Plato
When I first started my career, I had two main goals in teaching that I still hold true to my heart’s core: to instill a LOVE for learning while building a strong foundation of CHARACTER and INTEGRITY in our children. I do my best to model and emphasize the importance of LOVING-KINDNESS, EMPATHY, and COMPASSION in our future generations.
I will always remember how you began to embody these kind and caring acts in our own classroom: your daily “air” hugs and genuine, kind words to your classmates and adults alike brought smiles to my face daily; how you provided SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT to our friends who were afraid to use the restroom or had “potty” accidents; and how you were BRAVE and COURAGEOUS when we had fire drills. Those little acts of kindness warm my heart and soul. You remind me how the smallest act of caring can foster a FRIENDSHIP for a lifetime. You never cease to amaze me with your KIND HEARTS (families included.) I hope you will remember to SPREAD KINDNESS and share with others, even if all you have to give is your SMILE. I hope you continue to build your strong character, be gracious, and ALWAYS REMEMBER rule #5: BE KIND to myself and others.
#2: Always Do My Best…then REST
“I am capable!” (What does that mean?) “HIKI NO!”
(What does “HIKI NO” mean?) “I can do anything!”
-Excerpt from our “I Am Somebody” chant
I hope you ALWAYS keep your INTEGRITY—do the “right” (proper/appropriate) thing/action—regardless of recognition, even if no one is watching, and even if no one else is doing it. Have gravitas!
I hope you keep practicing to “*BELLY BREATHE.” Remember, you can put one hand on your heart and the other hand on your belly. While feeling your heart’s beat and your stomach getting “bigger and smaller,” feel free to recite our chant: “If my heart is beating, and my belly is breathing…then every little thing is gonna be alright” (while swishing your hands from left-to-right, singing “Bob Marley” style.) Next, “breathe in the beauty” (inhale through your nose, and hold your breath); “paint a picture” in your mind of something that brings you love/joy/peace (visualize…close your eyes if you feel inclined to do so);
and, “breathe out the BLAH” with all of your might
(exhale like a lion or dragon)
OR “breathe out the beauty”
through your nose or slight sigh <3
There is no “right or wrong” way. There is only YOUR WAY, so…
DO what YOU feel, and DO what YOU
need to do in order for YOU to FEEL GOOD <3
Remember…it’s ok (and necessary) to take breaks:
rest, regroup, refresh, and recharge.
As we said in class, “Stand up (tall). Hearts out
(shoulders back and bellies in) ;) …and…SMILE" :) :) :)
Be PROUD to be YOU, and WORK YOUR MAGIC <3
It takes COURAGE to be HONEST. It takes COURAGE to take RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY for your actions. I know it will be challenging at times. Have perseverance, grit (HIKI NO!), and PATIENCE.
NEVER GIVE UP; and, ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST!
I am proud of you for learning to be aware and reflecting upon your actions. I am proud of you for learning how to express your
emotions and feelings. I am proud of you for learning to S.T.O.P
(Stop; Take a breath—or two—or few; Observe; Proceed) and to
give your best efforts to make the best choices for you.
I hope you will: listen to, speak from, and lead with your heart.
We all have lessons that need to be learned, and Life will
sometimes give you “the test” before you think you’re ready.
Take the leap; DO YOUR BEST; and—if it doesn’t work out the first time--give your best efforts to keep on chugging along. Failure is not fatal
but rather “an opportunity to begin again; this time more intelligently.”
-Henry Ford :)
Remember: “I am somebody. I am capable and lovable.
I am teachable. I can learn. I respect myself and others.”
-my elementary school chant :)
#3: Live What You Love
“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
-Confucius
I hope I ignited your imagination and that your creativity juices are overflowing. I hope I sparked your curiosity and that you keep asking questions. I hope I inspire you to be a lifelong learner
and that you go on adventures and explore.
While you will acquire more responsibilities as you age, don’t forget to PLAY! Life is like free choice. If you like blocks, become an architect. If you like dramatic play, become a performer. If you like art, become an artist. The possibilities are endless! Do what you LOVE. Work is PLAY! I want you to remember to HAVE FUN: play a sport; play an instrument; get messy; get dirty; read, write, skip, hop, and run; SPEND TIME with FAMILY, FRIENDS, and LOVED ONES. Do what makes your heart go boom and makes your spirit bright; find JOY in your JOURNEY, and do what makes you come ALIVE! Fulfill your PASSIONS, DREAMS, and deepest desires. Invest in YOU, and make time for SELF-CARE. Enjoy! LIVE and LOVE to the FULLEST! Carpe Diem! Be PRESENT! Be MINDFUL. Be EXUBERANT!
Be TRUE. Be YOU…LOVE…and PLAY!
Congratulations, TKiddos! I hope you know that I LOVE and CARE about you, and I will ALWAYS BELIEVE in you. You (and your families) have taught me more than you will ever know. I hope that you will continue to keep me posted on your adventures. You are—and will ALWAYS be—my TKiddos. Thank you for an eventful year! Watch out, Kindergarten!
The TK kiddos are movin’ on up…and beyond :D
With Plenty of Peace, Lots of Love, and Sunshine Smiles
Strive for a KIND HEART, FIERCE MIND, and BRAVE SPIRIT.
BELIEVE there is GOOD in the world; BE THE GOOD.
GIVE AID to the weary and STRENGTH to the weak.
LIVE your LIFE with PASSION and PURPOSE.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD,
and PLANT SEEDS OF LOVING-KINDNESS <3
*YouTube—Sesame Street: Common and Colbie Caillat Sing "Belly Breathe" with Elmo