Today I got ready for school and snuck out of the house while Maggie and Barry were still sleeping. Maggie finally sleeps most of the night in her own bed, but usually quietly finds her way into ours by the time dawn breaks. As I tip-toed back into our room to get my shoes, I could just barely make out their sleeping shapes – both on their backs with one hand above their head. Sydney was snoring at the foot of the bed and I chuckled to myself as I left. I love my family.
We’ve very slowly found ourselves a bit of a routine around here. And it seems to work, but I know this feeling of things settling and finding their place is only temporary because more change is on the horizon. For now I find comfort in knowing what the next couple months will bring: early morning departures, early afternoons together and bed times that come only too fast. We’re going to soak it up, this new normal.
Every year that I’ve taught, Barry has gotten to know my “kids” from the funny anecdotes and stories that I bring home. He is such a good listener, that he remembers kids from years past and will sometimes bring them up. This year is no exception, I’ve got 22 hilarious kindergarten students that I spend my mornings with. From the time I greet them at the door, with a handshake and hello, to the second I wave goodbye, with a happy smile, we’re going. Half day kindergarten just doesn’t stop. At all.
Today was the first day that we had a somewhat regular schedule and I panicked because I’m extremely worried how I’ll fit it all in – I have high, high expectations for these students and that means that I need to be prepared. It also means that I need to honor the process of these little 5 and 6 year olds. And some days that means that I don’t get to fit it all in, no matter how prepared I am. And I LOVE a good plan. Of the four days of school I have had so far, I have found myself learning something new about kindergarteners. They are capable and I am too, so I’m confident that we’ll get where we need to go.
Seeing how my students function in the classroom – taking turns, following directions, helping others, asking questions, trying something new, expressing frustration – makes me a bit more hyper-aware as a parent to Maggie. I notice her in a different way and have become more intentional with my words, actions and choices. I wasn’t sure that was possible, but we’re constantly evolving and changing, right?
Our princpal has not been able to be at school for the last few days and we’ve had a former principal return to us for this short time. This woman sends the staff a quick e-mail in the morning and typically includes information that is necessary for us to know. But she also laces her notes with positive notes, comments and quotes. And the other day she refereed to us as ‘champs,’ when I read that I felt SOOOO cool and it wasn’t even specifically meant for me. It was a reminder that the simplest of things – a nickname, a smile, a quick compliment – can make anyone feel good.
Included in one of her e-mails was a portion of one of Mary Oliver’s poems. This, just like being called a ‘champ,’ made me remember that each day we can make the choice to be happy, positive and patient.
“Good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
In happiness and kindness.”
Taken from Why I wake Early by Mary Oliver
Get after it, Champ!!
