Last day of school…
So it’s been two weeks since my last blog and a lot has happened. I’m still working on my “Spring Break #2″ blog, but it’s taking me a while. Sorry. In these past two weeks, I’ve finished teaching, begun to edit my novel from last summer (some of you know about this, some of you are probably thinking, “Erin wrote a novel?”.), and visiting museums/other things in Lyon that I’ve yet to visit this year. My last week of school was a little tough. I had a lot of assignment to finish up, grade, and turn into appropriate people. (School is still going on. It doesn’t end until July 1st?, but my contract is up – so no more cool American teacher – all the students have full time classes with the other English teachers. The kids are a little bummed.) My very last with each of my classes was precious, especially with the little ones – 6emes. Almost all of them had a “mot de depart” (farewell letter) and some sort of little gift. I don’t remember when I stopped giving gifts to teachers (end of elementary school I think), but getting all their little gifts (and I got some good stuff!) makes me want to reconsider teaching middle school long term! haha just kidding!
But aside from the flowers, makeup, jewerly, etc. that I received, their letters were by far what meant the most. Some of the letters were absolutely horrible (written in Franglais) but I’m giving them effort points for trying to say everything they wanted to in English. It was cute to see things like “Good return” (for “bon voyage”), “you will miss us” (instead of “we will miss you”), and more. The older classes also wrote me “mots de depart”. Theirs were all in English and surprisingly very good. (I’m sure some used some online translators (that which I don’t encourage).) Oh well. Here’s a quote from one girl:
“The most important and enjoyable thing about you that I will remember is the way we worked together. I mean you were my teacher but I have always feeling [felt] your kindness and generosity…Best of luck where ever you go. I hope all your wishes come true and I really hope you passed [spent] a good time with us. Hope to see you again in life. Kisses.” (I left in her mistakes so you didn’t think this was too good to be true.)
Here’s another favorite:
“I liked when you use[d] to make jokes, and the way you teach. It was great…I want to say that you are very special and I will miss you. Hope to see you a next time. Take care of yourself. Thanks for showing us your yearbook it was super great! Keep being pretty. If I was by my self in the room I would cry. If I had more time I would write more. Thank you. Have a great life. God bless you. I love you. I wish you all the best.”
Ok, so these two extracts were two of the best. These are also some of my 9th graders. Granted when I was in 9th grade, my French wasn’t this good. So, needless to say, I’m very proud of these two and the level they’ve obtained in English this year! Yay!
