Student Teacher Success

This week we said good-bye to our beloved student teacher, Miss Palandro.  Major sadsville in our classroom.

This was my first experience with a student teacher, and it could not have gone better.  My class was so fortunate to have such a wonderful experience with her.  She will definitely make a positive influence on many young lives throughout her career.

I wanted to thank her in a special way for all the hard work she put into our classroom.  Many years ago when I student taught in a first grade classroom, I was so touched by the gift that my host teacher put together for me.  (Thank you Jen!!!)  I wanted to pass that tradition on to my own student teacher... a personalized teaching bag and picture books for when she has her own classroom.

A few weeks ago I secretly sent out a letter asking parents to send in a book for our student teacher.  I asked for either a new book or a gently used one from their personal collection.  I did not want to pressure parents to spend a lot of money.  I was so surprised with what my kiddos brought in!  They definitely really thought about the books they chose.  Parents were extremely generous and some even added some extra touches.  So thoughtful!

My firsties did a FANTASTIC job of keeping our surprise a secret from our student teacher.  I had them bring their books directly into my teammates classroom as they came into school.  I interrupted my class during specials to explain the surprise and reminded them to keep it QUIET!  They succeeded, and I know Miss Palandro was very surprised!  There wasn't a dry eye in the house as she walked in.  We enjoyed cookies (of course) and my kids took turns reading their cards to her and showing her what books they brought in for her.


My contribution was a personalized bag from Thirty-One and some of my favorite read aloud books.  In each book, I wrote a personal message about why I chose that book and how I thought it might help her during her career.




If you are interested in a gift like this for your student teacher, you can download the parent letter I sent.  I made a version for both a female and male student teacher.  
{Click HERE} for this FREEBIE



We will miss you Miss Palandro!!!

14 comments

  1. This is SUCH a cute idea...I am sure she loved it! Thanks for the freebie!
    Kheila

    Two Friends in First

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome!
      It was so much fun to give her all those books!!
      Colleen :-)

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  2. My mentor teacher did something like this for me!! You will never know how much she will use that bag and 2 how appreciative of those books she will be when she gains her own classroom!

    Jessica*

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    Replies
    1. I know, right?! I still have my bag and all the books I received from my teacher!
      Colleen :-)

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  3. I bet she loved that! You are a wonderful cooperating teacher, she was lucky to have you! :)

    ~Jessica
    Fun in PreK-1

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  4. How sweet! What a great way to help someone start a book collection!

    Lindsay
    For the Love of First Grade

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    Replies
    1. It was so much fun! I had a hard time stopping at four books for her after getting the bag. There are so many books I would love for her to have!
      Colleen :-)

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  5. This is so cute!! I plan to student teach next Spring! I am super excited!
    Love your blog design!
    Just found your blog! Now following!
    Looking forward to keeping up!

    xo
    Christina
    pieceitalltogetherx3.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! You will LOVE student teaching!!! You have chosen a fabulous career!
      Colleen :-)

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  6. What a sweet gift!! She was lucky to have you to work with! Don't forget, you'll be featured on my blog tomorrow!
    :) Dana
    Fun in 1st Grade

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    1. Dana, Thank you for the fantastic feature yesterday! You are so generous to share your blog space with new bloggers!!! Colleen :-)

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  7. Hey there Colleen! I found your blog through New Teacher Blog Tuesday. I'm so glad I did. I just finished my time with a wonderful student teacher, too. I did something similar (a personalized bag and the students brought in school supplies she might need.) But I like your book idea better. Gonna have to tuck that little idea away for the next time.
    Meghan
    First Grade Hugs and High Fives

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Glad to have found you, too!
      I'm follower 33 :-)
      Colleen

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