An open letter to my son's 3rd Grade Teacher:

My calendar tells me that next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. So I wanted to take a moment to share with you just how much we have appreciated having you as Carson's third grade teacher.
This year we have watched Carson grow and thrive in ways we could only imagine. It's clear that Carson loves school and that, more importantly, he loves learning. He views himself as a reader, a writer, a thinker, and a problem-solver. He looks forward to school each day with an enthusiasm that I pray will last. 
Even more endearing is Carson’s love for YOU. When a long-awaited toy car arrived in the mail to add to Carson’s growing collection, the first thing he wanted to do was take a picture of it and email you to tell you all about it. Even though your workday had long-since ended, you took the time to respond with enthusiasm and care. His eyes lit up as he read your response. 
Each time I'm in your classroom, I marvel at how you handle each child with grace, love and kindness. Your calmness is something to behold. You and I both know that Carson is a quirky, spunky, spicy and unpredictable child. And he's just ONE of the 29 quriky, spunky, spicy and unpredictable students you have this year. And yet, you don't just tolerate him and all of his unique (and sometimes downright annoying) traits – you delight in him! 
I wanted to say a special thank you for not sending homework this year. These homework-free evenings have been a lovely gift that our family has unwrapped each and every day. 
Throughout the school year, I've kept an ongoing list of things we have been able to do as a family because you have not sent home meaningless reams of worksheets.
We have been able to:

• take bike rides
  
• play baseball in the backyard
  
• learn to throw a frisbee
• play board games (I have yet to win a game of “Sorry”)
• read books aloud together - so far, we've finished 7 novels
• enjoy non-rushed family dinners
• play with other kids in the neighborhood
  
• learn some responsibility with added family chores like helping with meal preparation and walking the dog
• relax!

Instead of requiring Carson to fill out a reading log each night, you've introduced him to books and authors and encouraged him to explore his interests. He stays up (way too late) each night reading because he values reading, not because he has to clock a certain number of minutes or wants to earn a pizza or prize. 
Thank you for giving your students the gift of time. Time to read, time to write, and time to think deeply about science and social studies and math. Your classroom reminds me of the wise words Donald Graves once said: "It takes a lot of slow to grow." I see a profound and rare unrushed rhythm in your classroom and in your teaching. Thank you.
So, during this Teacher Appreciation Week, I just want you to know that we appreciate you so very much. Teaching can be a lonely enterprise and a thankless job - so I want to take a moment to simply say thank you. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to your profession and to the children in your care. 
We honor you. 
Kelly and Cory Boswell