Tomorrow I begin another new school year. It's the first day of school! This is my tenth year of teaching and even so I get excited and nervous about the first day of school...just like the kids do.
The new supplies are always fun. A week or so ago I headed to Staples and Target to buy new pencil boxes, crayons, folders, glue sticks, pens, and books. I enjoy starting a new plan book and school year calendar. It feels good to get the classroom set up and organized so it's just right when the kids arrive. When we finally get our class list it's exciting to read the previous teachers' comments, write name tags, and prepare a the seating chart. I am always amazed when I get to my line and see how little the students are compared to the class I said good bye to in June. Meeting the new kids and putting a face to their name is how I begin the first day. I promise them that I will know all of their names by the time they walk out the door at the end of the day, and I always do.
The new supplies are always fun. A week or so ago I headed to Staples and Target to buy new pencil boxes, crayons, folders, glue sticks, pens, and books. I enjoy starting a new plan book and school year calendar. It feels good to get the classroom set up and organized so it's just right when the kids arrive. When we finally get our class list it's exciting to read the previous teachers' comments, write name tags, and prepare a the seating chart. I am always amazed when I get to my line and see how little the students are compared to the class I said good bye to in June. Meeting the new kids and putting a face to their name is how I begin the first day. I promise them that I will know all of their names by the time they walk out the door at the end of the day, and I always do.
At the same time I have some anxiety about the first day of school. I want them to like me but also respect me. I want to like and respect them. I want to meet their needs. I want them to live up to their potential. I worry that those one or two in kids in the class who require more of me won't get it being in a class of 20+ students. These thoughts have swirled around in my head since I have started preparing for the new year. Some of them will disappear as soon as the first day of school begins. Others won't subside until the end of June.
I can't believe my summer is over. The first day of school is tomorrow!
Good luck, although I doubt you need it.
ReplyDeleteI share your feelings about the first day -- especially the trips to the office supply store. I'm really looking forward to mine as well . . . although we don't start for another month! Heeheehee. =)
I can't wait to hear how it goes.
I always thought that my daughter was going to be a teacher because she gets positively giddy over school supplies...still!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this year's class and your first day tomorrow!
It's very refreshing to me to hear you so excited about going back, even after so many years. Bet you're a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteWow, your year starts early. My son starts kindergarten 8/24. Talk about anxiety and excitement. Good luck even though I am sure you're a wonderful teacher. The kids are lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteI usually don't hear you talking about this beginning of the year excitement! I feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteAll the feelings of excitement, anticipation, organizing, setting up...all of it I enjoy.
Then after the first week I'm like, "Ugh."
Just kidding. Mostly. :)
You've described what I expect it to be like so well.
ReplyDeleteWait... the teachers send on comments about each student to the following year's teacher?
ReplyDeleteHow many times are you going to devastate me with the Truth about what actually happens in the Teacher Lounge???????
Hey Pumpkin! How are you? I haven't been to your blog in forever.... been working TWO jobs... busy, tired, cranky, you know the drill.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, just thinking about you and knew school was getting ready to start (my kids started yesterday) and wanted to say "hola". Hope you have a GREAT class and the first day goes really well! :)
Well, how was it?
ReplyDeleteOoooooooooooh! I am so excited for you. And of course sad that your summer is over. What is with California and Georgia? We don't start till after Labor Day. September 8! I have to think of some more fun things to do with the boys before reality comes crashing down around us : )
ReplyDeleteYou are a great teacher because you care about the ones that need a little more. I love that about you.
HAPPY FIRST DAY!!
ReplyDeleteThis is my 26th year and I still have a hard time falling asleep the night before the first day of school!
I have another week and a few days before the first day....but the setting up has begun :)
lMnop