A few weeks ago we got caterpillars to put in our classroom. We were intrigued with the growth that occurred every day! With the proper nourishment, those caterpillars got bigger and bigger until they enveloped themselves in a secure and safe chrysallis while they transformed. One by one the butterflies emerged from their chrysallis, drying and stretching their wings, anticipating their freedom.
This week we let the butterflies go. They eagerly fluttered from their safe, yet stifling environment without so much as a backward glance. Though some of the children were sad to see them go, we had to explain that it's just part of the process.
We have had 13 students in our transitional kindergarten class. For the past nine months they have been enveloped in a protective environment with 3 adults who love and care for them as they learn academics, social skills and how to control some emotional outbursts. They're stretching their wings now, anxious to move on. Tomorrow we set them free. They'll probably leave without a backward glance. There will be mixed emotions as they go, but it's part of the process. They won't leave empty handed; a part of our hearts will go with them.
Thank goodness for women like you...mommies entrust their little ones fresh from the nest and you give them wings! :D
ReplyDeleteVery cool! 9 days until I set my little butterflies free and I couldn't be more relieved.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure they will fly wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteWell told. I'm looking forward to mine flying in 8.5 days as well! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to let go.
They will do great and have such good memories of your time together:)
Have a wonderful evening!
Oh, that is so sweet. I bet it is hard to see your little ones move on from year to year.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if my teachers were sad to see me go.....probably not.
I love this post. You must be an incredible teacher.
I am so glad school is out tomorrow for the youngest and next Wed. for the older one!!
ReplyDeleteAs a mother I always loved summer time with my boys. We were always up for the adventures of summer! I'm still that way even now with the GRANDS.
So well written. Don't be too sad, you'll get new caterpillars next year.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are done? I am so jealous. We still have one more week.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your thoughts, and know what you mean. I have the same feelings towards my students.
Can I send my caterpillars to you for a year?
ReplyDeleteI love your analogy of setting your butterflies loose. That is sweet! I love teachers! Especially good and loving one's like you! Letting them fly on their own! Priceless!
ReplyDelete*sniff* Yup, the butterflies make a great end-of-the-year analogy!
ReplyDeleteI fel more confident sending my daughter to school knowing there are teachers like you. Thank you! The world needs more teachers like you!
ReplyDeleteI love the analogy of the butterflies. That is wonderful!
Soon, my daughter will have her Kindergarten graduation. I will be thinking of the butterfly.
Have a great weekend!
I think butterflies are amazing. I remember watching one come out of a chrysallis as a child. I thought it was so amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful parallel!
ReplyDeleteLove it--thank you. (Yes, some times it's very hard to let go ; )
ReplyDeleteLetting Go is one of the hardest things for me EVER
ReplyDeleteno matter what it is
even though I KNOW it is life's process and how we grow
oh, the pain of letting go
So sweet and touching!! I'm sure they'll look back on their time with you with fond memories. I remember my best teachers, and I'm sure you are one of that kind!!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky those caterpillars had such a warm, safe environment to change into butterflies in! Teachers are the lifeblood of schools!! Thank you for caring!
ReplyDelete