Preparations

Two days until school starts. I am ready for the most part, just finishing my introductory power-point. That helps me stay on track so I don't forget to tell the students anything. I look forward to getting back to teaching. Summer is great, but when school starts you know cooler weather is not far behind. 

 Plus there is something to be said for making a difference in a student's life. I love to see how much progress the students make, in spite of me. I love to see a student at the beginning of the year say on their  Reading survey, "I don't like to read." I beg them to read books in the beginning. 

Then by the end of the year I have to fuss at the student by saying, "Put the book away, please." I find it curious that at the end of the year they still say, "I don't like to read." That is the cool thing to put down, I suppose. So I have created a closet reader. I'm OK with that. 
I'm ready to make a difference again, even a small one.

Writing

I haven't written much so I thought I might practice what I preach. Write, write, write!
1st draft, not polished in any way.
 
Back to School
New school,
new principal,
new coworkers,
new kids,
new friends,
new experiences,
new joys...


Shiny floors,
fresh paint,
grand entrance,
bright halls,
softly lit rooms,
bold posters,
smiling faces...
This is what I see as the new school year begins.


Trepidation,
anticipation,
excitement...
This is what I feel as the new school year begins.

"I will fail them."
"I will teach them incorrectly."
"I will make a difference in their lives, for good or for bad."
"I am trained for this."
"I can do this."
"I can help make their lives better."
"I can help them feel the joy in reading and writing that I do."
These are my thoughts as the year begins.

Help me.
help the kids.
guide me.
guide the kids.
help me reach them.
help them reach me.
help me teach them.
help them teach me.
This is what I pray as the year begins.