And so it begins...
- Aug 8, 2016
- 2 min read
For the first time since June, my alarm clock woke me up with its terribly annoying "Meerp, meerp, meerp." Instead of my usual internal discussion about whether or not I could get away with 2 or 3 snooze button hits, I shot out of bed and was ready to start my day. This new year at this new school has me feeling so thrilled, nervous, anticipatory, and hopeful. What will the students want to learn about? Are they excited about US History? What mind-boggling projects will they want to explore? At this point, my thoughts are only speculative; I am longing for them to finally be answered.
As I sit here in my room admiring my awesomely color-coordinated bulletin boards I can't help but wonder what I hope for most out of this year. In previous years, I had always hoped to have the "coolest" class, to have the most rigorous projects, to survive. While this year I certainly do hope for all three of those things, I find myself desperately wishing for a rapport with my students (and them with me) that is unparalleled. I am imagining a classroom in which we debate hot, controversial topics and end every time with a common respect and love for the other ideas. I am desiring a classroom in which we care so much for one another that we operate as a family, pushing each other to do better than the day before and demanding (kindly) each other to meet the highest of standards. I am praying to all things divine that we create this beautiful space exuding appreciation, care, accountability, patience, fun, and positivity. I have not been teaching for an extremely long time, but in my 4 years of experience I have realized that classroom culture is imperative to a successful year. My goal is to make my 5th year, the 2016-2017 school year, one for the books by building this classroom community.
As the time ticks on and the morning already feels like it is escaping me, I realize I must end my stream of consciousness. Tomorrow is "the day." I cannot wait to meet all of my students. I cannot wait to start the year. I cannot wait to live in our A102 utopia and figure all about this weirdly wonderful country that we call home.
*Side note: This article made me giggle this morning. Boogers and the first day of school somehow have a connection in my brain.
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