First Year, First Day

Kids have it easy on the first day of school. No one really knows a first day of school like a teacher. So much more to think about!

I will be honest though, it actually seemed pretty easy. Not saying I loved everything that happened, or that things were perfect, but I made it. Without any big panics or rowdy children. Well, I did have a boy cry. But that's because he was worried his mom didn't know that the first week of school we get out early every day, and he forgot his phone number so he thought he wouldn't be able to call her. Don't worry, that had a happy ending. :) In a nut shell - Sure, there are things that I wish I had done differently, but I can live with the way they happened. It won't prevent my class from functioning successfully.

For the most part, today was like any other day (any other teaching day, I guess). To my credit, I have prepared well and had my materials and schedule ready. I didn't get to everything on my list, but that's okay. If I didn't get to it, that means it probably wasn't important enough to make the cut, or if it is, it's on the schedule for tomorrow. To BYU and my school's credit, I was taught well and knew what to do and what to expect. To my coworkers, family, and friends' credit, your suggestions and examples have been incredible and soothing.

Here are some things I learned today about Third Grade and my new school:

~Third graders have shorter attention spans than I had anticipated. Not that any gave me trouble, but I could tell when they were struggling. I don't blame them though. First days are not fun when you have to sit and listen to procedures and rules and all that boring stuff... (Don't worry, they did have some activities thrown in between the boring stuff.. Still can make for a long day though.)

~When you are new to a school, even as a teacher, the students probably know the schoolwide rules better than anyone. Haha. I didn't mess up any rules, but they remembered rules about the playground and whatnot that I hadn't been told yet... Good thing I asked if anyone had questions/comments.

~Not every idea in my head actually happens as nicely as it seems it would. I definitely need to get more in the mode of 8-9 year old thinking.

~I need to remember what I say I will do when talking to the kids.. And do them when I say I will instead of an "Oh yeah!" moment. Happened a couple times today. You know, things like.. take the home lunches to the lunch room, or "I lost my name tag with my lunch number.. Will you write it down for me?" "Will you fix my name tag, my string broke.." And the poor guy that just needed his phone number looked up (I said I would get it for him) and then I made him wait a few minutes in tears because I just had to finish explaining their planners before they went home.... Sigh. It is okay to make the students wait, especially if it means stopping the class to help them, but still, I had free moments that I still forgot. I guess THEY will remember to bug me again though. Kids always remember. :) By the way, because I know you all are concerned- The boy's mom was there right when she needed to be and he beamingly pointed out that she was waiting for him just outside the classroom. :) I think the remembering will get better quickly though, seeing that I shouldn't be as preoccupied with things I need to do once I'm in the swing of it. Like I said, first days are harder on teachers. We have to remember to instruct the kids on so much at the beginning!

~And I've learned that I love 8-9 year old kids because they are still quick to forgive, eager to listen, try their hardest, and are increasingly independent.

Anyway, I give the day 3 out of 5 stars. Thanks to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and prayers and offered words of encouragement. It worked!

And now it's time for bed at 8:30! ;)

P.S. Oh, and sorry. I forgot to take a first day picture! I know, it's a tragedy. :\

Holly