Wednesday, August 20, 2014

First Day Jitters

"It's today! It's today! It's today!" I feel just like George in Stuart Little. Today is my first day back at teaching after a brief, one-year retirement. And I am so excited.

So...what is wrong with this picture? Well, I'll tell you. There are no children milling about the room, and that is what has been bothering me ever since I've gone back to work. I don't do well in an empty classroom. I suppose teachers are like entertainers, in a way, and we enjoy performing for the crowd. Playing to an empty room...there's no fun in that!

Last night was Back to School Night at Monroe Elementary. True to form, I talked too fast, and I was a little nervous, but just meeting my children put my mind at ease. They are darling. They are so beautiful. And some of them are just like me, a little nervous about this day.  I'm looking forward to settling into my rocking chair for our morning meeting. That is my time of day to assure them they belong here, and for them to tell me what is on their minds. We will work through our problems, and discover things about each other during our class gathering.
This will be our theme this school year.



To let them know they're not alone, I'll be reading First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg. I think it will help us all relax to know we're not alone. Kids aren't the only ones with a case of nerves; most teachers admit to dealing with that, too.
My prayer today is that I will not rush. I will remember that it is not the curriculum I'm teaching...I teach children. When I remember that, my school days fall into place in all the right ways. I will take deep breaths, and slow down, and savor every moment that I can. I want my kids to know that Room 26 is where they belong. They don't have to try to fit in; they are wonderful human beings just the way they are. We'll all be learning together this year. I want school to feel like a home away from home for all of us.

I was wide awake at 4 this morning, which, while better than 3, is still pretty early. This August hasn't been any different than the thirty before when I was teaching elementary school. I just get so excited about school starting, I can't sleep. Like I said before, this is like Christmas morning for me. I have the next year to unwrap these gifts their parents have given me for this second grade year, and I want to help my kids discover how uniquely special each one of them is.

Wish me luck! I'm heading in early, just to go over our schedule one more time to make sure I haven't forgotten everything. Then I can relax, and enjoy getting to know my little ones. And I will put these jitters to rest, once and for all. 



12 comments:

  1. I saw the first picture and thought--that's such a welcoming room!

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    1. Thank you, Crystal. It's pretty bare compared to most, but after awhile, I will display the work of the kids...

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  2. Denise, welcome back to what you love. The room is beautiful. You and the kids will have a great year. Thanks for the peek.

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  3. You don't need luck because you have skills and heart! Have a wonderful first day with the kids.

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  4. Teacher to teacher (formerly) you're going to rock it. I look forward to hearing more as the year unfolds.

    Blessings!

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  5. You are the kind of teacher I hope my grandsons have. Your love and dedication are so evident. Yes, you are getting 30 or so gifts, but each of your students is getting a gift in you as well. LOVE the owl poster.

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    1. It's always so good to hear from you, Anne. Thank you.

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  6. You are the best kind of teacher I'm glad you didn't stay in retirement:) we need teachers like you to motivate our youth to love education... I'm a bit jealous I love the idea of being a teacher, I coached but that doesn't require a special degree:)

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    1. Julianna, thank you for your kind words. It is good to be back at school!

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