A Year From Now...

With just 2 weeks left until I meet my new class, I can't help but try to unravel all the emotions that approaching my 15th, first day of teaching holds. I'm equally as excited & apprehensive about our new curriculum. It's destined to be great! And I'm eager for the new challenges that it brings, both for me a teacher & for my littles. But the truth is... I've had so long to marinate in the idea of its arrival and immerse myself in all-things that it contains, that with nothing that I can other than read some more... & prep some more... I. just. need. to. start!

Entering a new school year always brings a great deal of joyful anticipation as I eagerly look forward to the new little hearts & minds that I will be entrusted with in first grade.

I can't wait to see their sparkling eyes and their toothless grins as they walk into my classroom that first time... looking around at all that's been set in place for their learning experiences that lie ahead. Those are the moments that simply take my breath away!

Time & time again this summer, I've caught myself anticipating how I will feel a year from now... having one year of teaching this new curriculum under my belt. Gaining new insights into the strategies & struggles that are woven through it like threads on a tapestry. I've also caught myself selfishly wishing that I could fast-forward through, as a way to detour & avoid the struggle.

Shame. on. me.

That would mean that I would miss. every. Joy!
That I would miss every struggle.
That I would miss every opportunity to grow as an individual.
That I would miss the blessing of growing to know & love every. single. one of my precious little learners.