Ready or Not...

What a difference a year makes!

I started my 34th year setting up my "teaching space" in a corner of my classroom.

My teacher Bitmoji was ready to welcome my students virtually.

After a year of teaching from afar,

tomorrow, 

I will welcome a class of 4-year-olds into our physical space,

masked of course,

but in person for the first time in 17 months.

I always like to start the day with the students with a Check-In.

I want to gauge how they are to start the day.

I want them to know I care about how they are feeling.

I want them to know I am interested in their lives.

I want them to feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and questions.

I want them to know that there are adults and friends in their classroom that care too.

I want them to know that together, 

we will be there to support, celebrate, listen, and help them if they need it.

So I will begin...

Singing voice: 

Hello - Jane,

How are you?

I feel _____________!

How about you?

I feel overwhelmed with my To-Do List, 

Note: There is ALWAYS a To-Do List, always

but I feel EXCITED.

It's been a long time since I had a classroom of students.

When you love something

and it's been taken away from you for over a year, 

it's tough.

I think that's why I taught summer school.

I mean sure, the financial gains were welcomed,

I own my Subaru, 

have a new 60-inch vanity, 

went to Disneyland, 

and stayed at a really cool railroad car.

But I loved teaching my 6-8 kiddos in person.

It was something I had missed so much.

Even with Zoom,

it's not quite the same.

I feel INSPIRED.

I love all the amazing, colorful, thematic, inviting, beautiful classrooms on Instagram.

But this year I decided that I want students to see themselves on every wall in the classroom.

I want us to build our room environment together.

I know the walls may be a little plain,

but I also know they will soon be filled with the most incredible, amazing, creative pieces.

I feel GRATEFUL.

I am surrounded and supported by an amazing team of educators

who are willing to try new things,

and different words,

to ensure that all feel welcomed and included.

It's going to be a good year.
Bring on 35!