"Camille"

If that picture doesn't make you love this little girl you are crazy. I take pictures of everyone in my class in the first week of school and we use them for a variety of purposes throughout the year (matching pictures to names, creating class books, about the author pages). As the kids come over for the picture some are matter-of-fact, some are shyly hesitant, and some, like this darling, strike a pose. There was no hesitation for this one, she strutted over and planted herself just right. I loved it.

This is one of just a few of my kiddos this year that I sort-of knew from last year. She was across the hall from me and was often in the library before school so we had chatted some. Any kid who chooses to spend their mornings in the library is going to sit well with me.

I'm calling this sweetie Camille, a nickname my parents and sister will understand as it was one they used for me quite frequently as a child.

Camille is the child who said, on the first day of school, "Yea, now the fun's going to start!" She has said that more than once since then. Typically she doesn't really know exactly what is coming but she is excited about it. We can build a lot of learning off that kind of enthusiasm.

Yesterday Camille and I sat down together for a reading assessment. She's right at benchmark for the end of kindergarten/start of first grade. She has some great strategies under her belt and, again, she gets excited about the story. I think I'm going to really enjoy having her in guided reading groups.

Another fabulous thing about this kid is how she thinks. She'll request odd things (chances to go outside at random times, opportunities to play with stuff she brought from home) quite matter-of-factly. While I typically have to say no to her I appreciate that she asks. It suggests a child who doesn't feel too stuck in a routine or structure but is willing to consider all options.

Camille has made me smile more than once every day so far. I can't wait to see what the year holds for us together.