First day of school stories

I’ve had really intense dreams about school the last three nights: Sunday’s was about solving a ridiculous scheduling dilemma for a math block (success!) and Monday’s was about finally convincing an early childhood teacher to teach procedures to her kids instead of just yelling all day when the kids ran wild.  In both dreams, I got that really good feeling that comes when a classroom is running smoothly and the kids are excited about learning. Ahh, good times.

And last night? I dreamed I asked for my old teaching position back, worked the planning week, and then put in my notice the day before the kids started because I realized there was no way I could work full time in Florida when I live in New York. Consciously, I am okay with this–I’m excited about doing more instructional coaching.  But apparently my subconscious is finally realizing I don’t have my own classroom anymore, and it is not entirely thrilled. Let’s face it, this is the first time in 12 years that I haven’t gotten the full experience of the first day of school. Technically, it’s the first time since 1983.

Fortunately, I can live vicariously through all the fabulous teachers I know. Here’s how the start of the school year is going for the rest of you:

Kiri’s already got funny kid stories (Elbows, Knees, and Dreams).
Mary Lee shares a first-day poem in memory of her own 4th grade teacher (A Year of Reading).
Mrs. Lipstick’s impatiently waiting for the first weeks to be over so the fun can begin (Organized Chaos).
Matt Halpey realizes just how delicate his students are (Look at My Happy Rainbow).
John Spencer is letting students set up his classroom (Spencer’s Scratch Pad).
The Bus Driver’s been back to work for a month and gives field trip advice (Tales from the School Bus).
Rebecca’s giving tips to help kids get into homework routines (Notes From the School Psychologist).
The first day of school falls on Seymour Simon’s birthday–hello, teachable moment! (Teacher Ninja)
Yes, Larry Ferlazzo is still carrying a full load of classes (Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day).
Sarah posts a LOLcat to get us through the first day (Confessions of an Untenured Teacher).
Jenny decides whether to discuss students with their previous teachers (Elementary, My Dear Watson).
No A/C for the first day? Talk about a rough start (Happy Chyck Wonders).
Preparing for lots of positive changes and some new decor (Peace in the Classroom).
After a rough start, Kauai Mark is actually getting substitute teaching work (Just a Substitute Teacher).
No rosters the day before school starts? (Bluebird’s Classroom)
Funny, random kid stories (are there any other kind?) (Teaching Kindergarten).
8 days in and already tired (A Truth Universally Acknowledged).
Cute and hilarious student work abounds in lots of recent posts here (Chitown Girl).
JLV has a ready answer for anyone who asks how his summer was (The Jose Vilson).
Mr. McNamar tries not to despair over pre-assessment scores (The Daily Grind).
Mr. Teacher recounts the chaos: the top 10 memorable moments from his first day (Learn Me Good).
Edna Lee swims in the pool of shame, but loves her new class (Regurgitated Alpha Bits).
Classroom pics are up along with a report on the first ‘family meeting’ as a class (The Rookie’s View).

If you’ve blogged about starting the new school year and I’ve missed your post, please share it in the comments!  And if you aren’t a blogger, tell us…how was YOUR first day back?

I’ve had really intense dreams about school the last three nights: Sunday’s was about solving a ridiculous scheduling dilemma for a math block (success!) and Monday’s was about finally convincing an early childhood teacher to teach procedures to her kids instead of just yelling all day when the kids ran wild.  In both dreams, I got that really good feeling that comes when a classroom is running smoothly and the kids are excited about learning. Ahh, good times.

And last night? I dreamed I asked for my old teaching position back, worked the planning week, and then put in my notice the day before the kids started because I realized there was no way I could work full time in Florida when I live in New York. Consciously, I am okay with this–I’m excited about doing more instructional coaching.  But apparently my subconscious is finally realizing I don’t have my own classroom anymore, and it is not entirely thrilled. Let’s face it, this is the first time in 12 years that I haven’t gotten the full experience of the first day of school. Technically, it’s the first time since 1983.

Fortunately, I can live vicariously through all the fabulous teachers I know. Here’s how the start of the school year is going for the rest of you:

Kiri’s already got funny kid stories (Elbows, Knees, and Dreams).
Mary Lee shares a first-day poem in memory of her own 4th grade teacher (A Year of Reading).
Mrs. Lipstick’s impatiently waiting for the first weeks to be over so the fun can begin (Organized Chaos).
Matt Halpey realizes just how delicate his students are (Look at My Happy Rainbow).
John Spencer is letting students set up his classroom (Spencer’s Scratch Pad).
The Bus Driver’s been back to work for a month and gives field trip advice (Tales from the School Bus).
Rebecca’s giving tips to help kids get into homework routines (Notes From the School Psychologist).
The first day of school falls on Seymour Simon’s birthday–hello, teachable moment! (Teacher Ninja)
Yes, Larry Ferlazzo is still carrying a full load of classes (Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day).
Sarah posts a LOLcat to get us through the first day (Confessions of an Untenured Teacher).
Jenny decides whether to discuss students with their previous teachers (Elementary, My Dear Watson).
No A/C for the first day? Talk about a rough start (Happy Chyck Wonders).
Preparing for lots of positive changes and some new decor (Peace in the Classroom).
After a rough start, Kauai Mark is actually getting substitute teaching work (Just a Substitute Teacher).
No rosters the day before school starts? (Bluebird’s Classroom)
Funny, random kid stories (are there any other kind?) (Teaching Kindergarten).
8 days in and already tired (A Truth Universally Acknowledged).
Cute and hilarious student work abounds in lots of recent posts here (Chitown Girl).
JLV has a ready answer for anyone who asks how his summer was (The Jose Vilson).
Mr. McNamar tries not to despair over pre-assessment scores (The Daily Grind).
Mr. Teacher recounts the chaos: the top 10 memorable moments from his first day (Learn Me Good).
Edna Lee swims in the pool of shame, but loves her new class (Regurgitated Alpha Bits).
Classroom pics are up along with a report on the first ‘family meeting’ as a class (The Rookie’s View).

If you’ve blogged about starting the new school year and I’ve missed your post, please share it in the comments!  And if you aren’t a blogger, tell us…how was YOUR first day back?