I found myself a bit frustrated after the first day of school asking myself questions like, "Why don't they listen to me when I am speaking?" or "What is so hard about sitting criss-cross on the carpet?" or "How do they not know how to write their own name?" And then it all came back to me...
- Why don't they listen to me when I'm speaking? Well because for many of them, this is their first experience at school and they've never been in a group larger than 10 before. They don't know when it's their turn to talk or their turn to listen.
- What is so hard about sitting criss-cross? Sitting. Sitting is hard, for more than 10 minutes. Asking them to sit criss-cross is a total game changer. Be happy if they're sitting for now.
- How do they not know how to write their name? Well, writing their name requires knowing how to hold a pencil, and holding a pencil properly is something a lot of your students don't know how to do. But they will, soon.
As I reflected upon our first day together and these answers started popping in my head, OUT went the frustration and IN went the excitement!
THIS is the best time of the year.
THIS is when the lightbulbs start going off in their little minds.
THIS is when your students are like little sponges, soaking up each and every word you say.
THIS is when their little personalities unfold right in front of your eyes.
THIS is when they need your love, attention, dedication and energy the most.
THIS is when these little babies start to understand the feeling of success.
THIS is when you start noticing that each day keeps getting a little better.
THIS is when you get the opportunity to help shape and mold a wonderful little 5 year old.
THIS, this right here, this is what you LIVE for.
So yes, there is no tired like back to school tired, but there is also no better feeling than this feeling right now. Soak it up, teacher friends! This is as good as it gets. Have a fabulous week!
