I remember the smells...the smell that would envelop me each time I entered the building. I don't exactly know what that smell was, but I believe it to be a combination of construction paper, glue, books, and maybe even the concoction that was used to clean the floors each evening. I remember going back to Jennings School as a college student, and upon entering the first thing I noticed was that smell. I brought me right back to kindergarten.
Lately I've been reflecting on the other memories I carry dear with me from those K-6 years.
What are the memories that float to the surface whenever I think back?
Well, here they are...
- Big Books in Kindergarten and the excitement of wondering what adventures Miss Bailey would read share from the characters of alphabet island
- 3rd grade plays...we did two that year with Mrs. Smith...The Mystery of the Gumdrop Dragon and another math mystery. The name of the math play escapes me, but I remember that one character was Mr. Addition, Ms. Subtraction, etc.
- In 4th grade, Mrs. Adams guided us as we built a tepee in the classroom out of two-by-fours and bulletin board paper. We were able to read in there if we were lucky enough to get first choice of reading spots for the day.
- Also in 4th grade, we used milk cartons to create puppets and then wrote and performed plays in groups. We even got to design the scenery for our productions.
- In 5th grade, we actually got to publish our writing into books! This was not a common practice in the 70s, and I was so excited to not only write, but illustrate and publish my stories with Mrs. Gerrity.
- I also remember creative writing time in 5th grade, where Mrs. Gerrity would read a story-starter and we would get to finish the adventure. I loved creative writing!
- Finally, I remember all of the books. Where I went to school, students had the chance to read every day. Not just the books we were assigned as a "bluebird" or "robin", but also our own self-selected books from the class or school library and even books we brought in from home. SSR time was our choice time for reading.
Me in first grade ⇨⇨⇨ 
When I look at the things that inspired and left me with lasting memories of my early schooling, nowhere do I mention tests, homework, textbooks or book reports. In fact, the things I enjoyed most were times when I had student choice through my reading, writing, spots for reading, and creating.
I remember the relationships and how my teachers made me feel. Mrs. Adams bought our entire class McDonalds one day for lunch! Several of my teachers actually walked us to McDonalds in early spring to enjoy Shamrock Shakes!
I remember teachers who made me feel special...teachers who I know cared about me.
I remember teachers who made me feel special...teachers who I know cared about me.
My walk down memory lane reinforced what I already know is best for kids and their success in school:
It's all about relationships
It's all about student voice and choice
It's all about student engagement
