I know some of you have already started school and some haven't, but what do you like most about the first day of school? I love how you can feel the excitement in the air. I teach 5th grade and it's their first year in middle school. The kids come in so excited and nervous about being middle schoolers and they really don't know what to expect. Everything is new to them (lockers, switching classes) and I love being able to walk/talk them through it all and ease their fears. By the end of the day they realize that middle school is no where near as scary as they thought it would be. I love that.
I teach in a self-contained classroom so get most of my students for several years in a row. I miss them horribly over the summer so just seeing the returning ones again is exciting. Its also always exciting to get a new student or two .
You're right the excitement is wonderful! This is going to be my first year of teaching 6th grade (which is our first year of middle school here) so I am definitely looking forward to all you mentioned! I taught 7th grade previously and while I loved them, 6th is sure to be a whole new experience, cannot wait!
I LOVE it when their faces light up and they say COACH!!!!!! What are we doing today? Their excitement gets me going. But usually I am ready to see them again by this time anyway. Even in 90+ degree heat with humidity to drench you in minutes.
Same for me. But, I also like the end of the first day because the first day jitters are overwith for everyone. I guess I have a reputation for being "strict" but once that first day is over students relize I am not nearly as strict as what they thought. Whatever strict means in their minds that is.
I love the energy and excitement and noise in the commons where the students wait to be dismissed to their lockers for the beginning of the day. It's fun to see everyone reconnecting after not seeing each other for a while. I also love new school supplies!
I love getting to know the students and finding out which countries their parents are from, since nearly all of the students' parents come from somewhere else.
This is so crazy but my favorite part is sorting the supplies. I love to organize and sort stuff. I also love the kids walking in all scared and shy and you can see them connect with some of their friends from kindergarten. Then all of a sudden they start to open up. So just to see their first impressions/personalities. I love it. I can't wait!!!
I love the very beginning of the day. Our students find out their class/teacher the first morning. At 7:50 (school starts at 8:05) all the teachers go outside with class lists and meet their students at designated grade spots around the building. I usually have a master list for the whole school, so I meet students from grade 1-grade 8. It's fun seeing everyone arrive, ready for a new start.
I love the anticipation of a fresh start. Everyone in that building has the opportunity to re-invent themselves on that first day. Whatever didn't go well last year is gone. The feeling of potential is just palpable at the beginning, with the choices to change or correct or eliminate whatever you choose. It's one of the most remarkable things about this career!
