One of the things I love most about this time of year is how independent the kids are.  Watching them read, inside their heads, fills my heart with joy.  They are learning to love to read.  That is the best gift a teacher ever gave me and I am truly blessed to have been able to share that gift with so many kiddos.  That is my favorite part of my 19 years of teaching first graders.

Just have to say,  I have taught 4 of the Smith girls and I think this might be the silliest one!