Light chatter filled the room and stories were being shared. It was writing workshop. A small group of students were sitting around my table, chatting. A few slice ideas were being passed around. Writing was happening in notebooks and on iPads.
“I don’t know how to end this,” one of my girls said, pen in hand. The statement wasn’t directed at anyone specifically.
“Just say The End,” replied another.
“I can’t do that! Ms. Bless said that I can’t do that,” said the first. “I always remember Ms. Bless telling me not to say The End.” She was referring to third grade, because I have been lucky enough to have some of my students in both third and now fifth. It is good to know that several of my lessons have stuck. Because then she continued, “She also always told me not to say no offense. Because if I say ‘No offense,’ I just shouldn’t say what I was going to say after that. It’s probably offensive.” I love that I have been able to build onto what I have already taught some of my kids about writing and life. 🙂
I pulled up a slideshow of ideas for narrative endings and passed my computer to her. (She knows how to take a mentor and use it.) Then, I turned to talk to another student. The chatting and writing continued, but I’m not sure what was being said.
She eventually passed me back my computer, as I continued to work with other students – seamless. A sign that we know each other, we are a team, and words aren’t always necessary.
“No offense, but…” and then she stopped. We made eye contact. “Never mind.”
jenniebblog 
I love that she remembered!!! I teach juniors and once in a great while they’ll email me or message me on social media to have me or tell me something that stuck with them. Best. Feeling. Ever. 😁
I love hearing my words come out of my students’ mouths. Must be even better to hear words you said 2 years ago come back again!
It’s great to know that your lessons were remembered! Most teachers never have the opportunity to find out such things. ~JudyK
What a wonderful slice! It’s good to know that kids really are hearing what we say–especially the good stuff.
They love you and have taken so much of you with them. You impact everyone you know. 😘
What a great moment when you realize that what you say stays with your students! There is a lot of delayed gratification in our profession, so to hear something like this is perfect!