yes it happened. school started! that’s not me welcoming my 30 new charges into the classroom with my trusty sidekick, but i like the big friendly wave. feels like the start of something promising.
and that’s how i felt at the end of the day. each year has a different vibration and this group is humming an earnest tune.
i haven’t been showing up here at my online cabin in the woods for campfire stories because i’ve been busy, people! i started going in to work in the classroom 2 weeks ago. it takes me an extra long time to get ready due to all the staring into space my brain requires. there are too many thoughts in this old head of mine.
so i poke along at my own pace, slowly pulling ideas together.
among other things, i covered some old wooden bookcases with some contact paper i picked up in sweden 2 summers ago.
my room is in the old wing of the building, but the windows let in the most divine light.
tomorrow i’ll take everyone’s mug shot for their writing spot on the bulletin board. we’ll begin our first art project of the year and start writer’s workshop by making lists of writing ideas.
part of my planning includes looking through either my own sketchbook, or past art projects to see what i’ll repeat again this year or do for the very first time.
one of the dear kazakh parents i had last year (her son was in my class) visited me today with a gift of candy from kazakhstan. she had just received a package from her grandmother halfway around the world and brought me some treats when she came to pick up her daughter after school. i will miss the 3 kazakh boys i had last year very much, but some of their sisters are in 4th grade this year and i’m pretty sure they’ll be in my class next year. i have such a deep fascination and love of people from different countries, the more foreign the better!
i couldn’t have imagined landing at such a great school when i took my first leave of absence 5 years ago.
did i mention that i have some of my former 3rd graders in my class? that dream class of 2 years ago… well, i do!
Bookshelf Updates
i regret to inform you that these books were physically painful to read. the grimaces i made with accompanying eye rolling were at an all-time high. if i know anything about reading and writing, it’s that you can’t count on authors you love to be consistent. i had such high hopes for MDH, but it is in a different league entirely from America’s First Daughter that i loved so very much. by the same authors. too bad. as always, don’t take my word for it because your mileage may vary.
okay friends, keep me posted on your quirky adventures. see you soon!
I wish my grandchildren had a mentor, inspirer, teacher like you. You are a gift to your students. And your students a gift to you. Your past students will remember you into their graying years. Stay healthy, happy, and fulfilled. Smiles:Sharon
I too have been disappointed by some of Pilcher’s other books. I just reread the ones I like best!
You are fortunate to have a career that you enjoy, in which you are fully engaged, and where you make a difference in children’s lives.
Our new school year starts the week before Labor Day. I’m not really looking forward to it, sadly.
Best of luck to you!
I’ll bet your kids adore you! I am enjoying my last two weeks of vacation before heading back myself. Though it’s always a shock to the system, I sort of love the feeling of a fresh new start, new pencils, new shoes, clean desks, etc. In the meantime, I am still living it up here by reading for pleasure and learning so much (and playing!) with “Sketchbookery”–thank you, thank you! ~ Beth
You are probably the favorite teacher your students will always remember!
Best wishes for a fabulous school year!
Those kids are mighty lucky to have you! Too bad about the books. Did I already recommend A Gentlemen in Moscow? So good; luscious writing. I finally got around to sending you a tiny donation of supplies. Bon chance, as they say Over Here!
I would so love to sit in on some of your classes! But dear, oh dear!!! ‘Voices in Summer’ is one of my favorite R.P. short stories!!
Enjoy your kids!