Reflecting on the Year by Jennifer Rosenbaum

As our school year draws to a close, I've asked my students to reflect on what they have learned in pre-kindergarten by drawing a picture and commenting on their illustrated accomplishment.  Their thoughts, both insightful and accurate, depict the tremendous growth that they have made over the past nine months.  Here are some of their most memorable observations:

Mayala: "I learned to do math like a kindergartener!"

Following her exclamation, Mayala wrote and solved simple addition problems all over her paper.

 

Jose: "I learned to play."

Jose drew a picture of himself playing with blocks.

 

Makiera: "I Lt to RTE my nem." [I learned to write my name]

Makiera then wrote her first and last name and drew a picture of herself with very large hands.

 

Suniah: "I learned to read.  I like to read with Makiera on the pillows."

Suniah drew a picture of herself and Makiera sprawled out on pillows holding books in their hands.  And on a side note, Suniah really did learn how to read! She is currently reading at an end of first grade/beginning of second grade level.

 

Ruby: "I LR to Ruby." [I learned to "Ruby" or I learned to write Ruby.]

Ruby wrote her name and drew rainbows all over her paper.  

When I look at photographs, student work, and assessments from the beginning of the year, I can see concrete evidence that my students' reflections are true.  I am so proud and excited by their collective progress, and am eager to see what they will accomplish in the years to come.