"My kids"

It has been interesting being a teacher over the last 9 months. I have had many good days, and many bad days, and at the end of the day, I still love all my kids...even i mostri (the monsters). Classes are slowly coming to an end, which I have been looking forward to for a few months now, and now feel a little sad about it. I can't bare to tell them or their parents that I may not be their teacher next year, when asked. I said goodbye to little Leo last weekend - my red-headed, freckled 5-year-old who scarily repeats everything I say, and has mastered "sit down please". I nicknamed him my pappagallo (parrot) and I will remember his little laugh every time I called him that. I also won't forget my 3 little 7-year olds girls who know every word to the High School Musical 2 soundtrack, but have no idea what they are singing. They eat way too much chocolate that I am assuming their parents give them, and are always wound up, but their excitement makes for a fun English lesson. They always show me their little dances they learned in school, and seeing their progress has been rewarding also. One girl's mom even paid me a complement. I teach several classes at an all-boys Aero academy. Teaching classes of up to 20 teenage boys was not easy for obvious reasons. But generally, I found myself laughing a lot during these lessons as they told me their stories of partying, break-ups, or first dates. They were genuinely disappointed when I told them it was my last day with them, and they said they hope I will be their teacher again next year. I really couldn't believe it. My other group of 13-year olds said they were sad it was our last day because my class is divertente (fun)...that feels good to know too. There are so many more students that I taught, and hope I have helped. Teaching hasn't always been roses...there were times I wanted to scream...there were times I did scream! But overall, I really did enjoy this experience, and am truly surprised how much I have learned from them all as well.