Aug
1st Day
Hudson officially started school today. I had lots of mixed emotions, but none of them were sad or anxious for Hudson. I was so excited for Hudson to finally get to try out school. It’s the start of an extremely long rite of passage. I was also very proud of him for being brave and willing to try such a new experience. He does have quite a few friends in his class so I’m sure that will help. His teacher is very sweet and welcoming. I”m sure Hudson will grow to love her.
Once in the classroom Annie went crazy. She thought everything was so cool. Hudson was fine when we left, but Annie threw a royal fit. You’d think she was being tortured…which to her, it may have felt that way.
The emotions I really had to come to terms with, were the ones that came on as I realized I was finally on the other end of the education spectrum. I have been a student, a teacher and now…I’m the parent. The student in me wanted to pull up a chair next to Hudson and enjoy the day listening to stories and singing. The teacher in me wanted to control the chaos. Filtering the questions that poured through my head was like trying to stop the water in a firehose with your hand. Will she do DRA assessments? What kind of core curriculum does she plan on teaching? What systems are in place to ensure that all of the students are learning and growing? Does she have a collaborative learning style? Does she know how to set her objectives to the correct level of difficulty? Is she familiar with NCTM content and process standards and will she integrate the subjects? One by one, I tucked each question back into my brain. I am no longer the teacher!!…her classroom, her kids, her curriculum, her call, her responsibility! Panges of teaching are a little raw today, I realize I do still miss it. Then again, how can you not miss a huge part of you that has just ceased to exist? Some might think, that teaching primary can squelch the feelings or even compare, but it is not the same! I know, I know. You’d think I was missing a child. If you happen to see me a little meloncholy, just nod, smile and ignore me, I’ll be fine…tomorrow!
21Aug
Looks like Hudson had a great start!
I can totally relate to your feelings of missing the old life. I felt exactly the same way whenever I would go into a hospital or doctor’s office. Now that I can work my passion a little bit again, it is a glorious feeling to be back. Absence does make you appreciate it all the more when you return. Just tuck that back in your brain too.
21Aug
You’re such a beautiful bride–much too young to have a child in kindergarten!
21Aug
I tell you what, I miss teaching with you! I’m sure you will enjoy doing the PTA thing though! All the teachers are going to LOVE you, because you know exactly what they want! He looks so cute! I’m excited to hear how he is liking school.
21Aug
Wow, Hudson looks less than thrilled in the pictures! I fear I’m going to be the same way when Max goes to school, maybe worse considering I have Blattman-know-it-all blood in me. Let me know how it goes biting your tongue in parent teacher conferences being on the other side of the table!
21Aug
Hudson looks like a very serious student. He will do very well!
21Aug
Oh, cute Hudson! I hope he is still enjoying it. Audrey just asked me when the next vacation is. Oh boy, a long way to go but getting there! They need to make a book called First Week Gitters!