How do you do it?

[PolythenePam]

Teachers--and parents--how do you prepare yourself for the new school year's arrival? I've done all the back to school shopping for my kiddo and now I'm at the stage where I go by my classroom a couple of times a week just to poke at things. Move them around. See how it's all gonna come together in less than two weeks.
I've already planned my first lesson, readied my welcome back letters for mailing, put the tables where they belong. It's sort of like dipping my toes into cold river water. I do it a little at a time because any more would be a shock to my system.
I love this time of year. It's like being a kid all over again wondering what the new year will bring. Anyone else out there know what I mean?

 

[enjoyingitall]

I know just what you mean..I've been teaching for 16 years, but just before a new term begins, I get those excited anticipation feelings. Not all jobs give one the chance to start fresh each year.
I've got a month yet before my pre-planning begins, but I'm already getting things in order.

 

[Calamity Jane]

My oldest starts Kindergarten this fall. I'm stuck between really excited that she's growing up, sad because it makes me feel old, and thrilled that she'll be out of the house all day.

We've done the clothes shopping thing, and need to go get the shots. I haven't done school supplies yet, but 'Kindergarten Roundup is just around the corner.

That first day she gets on the bus will be a killer, I just know it.

 

[bluntforcemama]

Yes, I know what you mean! I love the fall (the season more than the school year), and it helps with the "impending doom" of starting all over again with a new group of kids. Usually there's no other way for me to enter a new school year other than jumping in head first. I might flounder a for a bit, but I get my footing and away we go!

 

[enjoyingitall]

My oldest starts Kindergarten this fall. I'm stuck between really excited that she's growing up, sad because it makes me feel old, and thrilled that she'll be out of the house all day.

We've done the clothes shopping thing, and need to go get the shots. I haven't done school supplies yet, but 'Kindergarten Roundup is just around the corner.

That first day she gets on the bus will be a killer, I just know it.

Wait till you send one away for college..Now that makes ya feel old.

I remember the feelings you're having now though, there was a bit of anxiety when I sent my first one to Kindergarten. It gets easier each day though and they come home with such great stories to tell you, all full of excitement. Good luck with the first day feelings.

 

[marksgirl]

PCG

Just wait until graduation day rolls around...wanna talk about feeling old!

Still have one more to get through school now and very soon it's off the the mall to buy new clothes, shoes...etc...Yep I'll be broke again! Love this time of year it so exciting!

 

[PolythenePam]

Ahhhh, enjoying--you have another month? For some reason school here just starts earlier and earlier every year--I think that the powers that be are trying to ease us into the year 'round school concept. I actually think I'd like it, what with mini-breaks throughout the year. Don't you just love hanging up new stuff for the kids to notice? I buy things and think "ohhhh, so and so is really gonna like this"! I'm lucky because I often have the same children for 3 or 4 years since I teach a special needs class. It really gives me an opportunity to watch them blossom.
Saving the shots for last, pagan? That sounds like me--my daughter made me promise after her last round of shots that she wouldn't be getting any more till she goes to middle school. I can relate to the ambivalence about your baby starting kindergarten--I am lucky enough to teach at the same school my kiddo attends. I'm not sure how lucky she feels about it, however.
Thank you both for the responses---I appreciate the insights.

 

[PolythenePam]

Yes, I know what you mean! I love the fall (the season more than the school year), and it helps with the "impending doom" of starting all over again with a new group of kids. Usually there's no other way for me to enter a new school year other than jumping in head first. I might flounder a for a bit, but I get my footing and away we go!

I know exactly what you mean--I sat for an hour today and just drooled over my new art supplies, and over the new animal print bordette that will just totally ~make~ my classroom. I imagined all the cool projects the kids are going to create to cover the walls. All the new ideas and insights that I hope they uncover this year. The things that they'll teach me. I wondered about what the kids were up to--I actually might go wander through WalMart and look for a few of them this weekend. Little things like that make me love teaching.

 

[Basia]

I have almost finished my back to school shopping. All I need to pick up is some shirts and wait for the bookstore to open so I can spend $400 on books again.

 

[enjoyingitall]

Remaking my class room each year is so fun! I teach American History and Gov't, so I always wait until just after July 4th and then go shopping for wall hangings and stickers and things. Stores have the leftovers there to choose from. My students always tell me they feel like they should be saluting when they come into my class room. Always has a patriotic touch to it.

Yes, west coast schools start much later than some other areas. Our students don't come until the day after Labor Day.


I teach at the same school my daughter attends. I'll even have her in a class this year..Not sure how that's gonna go..but here's hoping for the best.

 

[PolythenePam]

I can't imagine teaching my own child, although my kindergarten and first grade teaches were both my aunts. That has to be hard. My daughter asked the other day if I'd go teach middle school when she goes in a couple of years. I had to laugh even though I was touched that she thinks she wants me there. I' m afraid that'll all change when the time really rolls around.