Day
99: This is the week that all the schools in Westchester start, so I
know it's a frantic time. Some of my friends have been working
diligently, trying to make sure everything is perfect for their first
day. Others are taking in the last few moments of "freedom." Each of
them has that slight feeling of butterflies, as the anticipation of the
new flock's arrival commences.
Then there are the parents who have to readjust from summer living to school life. Some have dropped their kids off at college for the first time, while others get ready for the challenges of a new level of school, whether it be high school, middle school, elementary or their baby's first day of Kindergarten. Whatever the level, their is apprehension abound.
Teachers and parents, we've all had doctor's appointments, first dates, big games, plays to perform in or speeches to make. For each one of those kids, especially those entering a new school, it is all our worst fears and anxieties wrapped into one. We've all been through it, but as adults, we often forget those adolescent and childhood feelings. There is nothing quite worse than that feeling of being unnoticed that we all feel on that first day.
The thing about the first day is that we make too much of it. We forget that those anxieties don't end on the second day or even by the end of the first week. Kids adapt quickly, yes, but they also pick up quickly on our insincerity. Our big smiles, by both parents, friends of the family and teachers, must be real for kids to feel comfortable. That frenetic pace you set the first week at home, can't taper off during the second and for teachers, despite the grind, it must stay consistent throughout.
I've never been a parent or a full-time teacher, but I've been the one to get friend's kids ready and on the bus and I've worked in schools for nearly two decades and I will be the first to admit, you never stop learning. I do know that a child must walk into those doors, feeling good about everything in their life and they must walk out feeling they have not only achieved, but noticed. For teachers, I know it's a difficult one for some, but learning each child's name on the first day should be your number one priority. That second day, being called by your name, instead of "you with the blue hoodie," is essential in the learning process, because they feel appreciated, noticed and liked. I know I'm preaching to the choir, as so many of you already know all this, but it matters.
As much as you teachers do, there is nothing and I mean nothing more important in the learning process than what happens each and every night when your children come home from school. I don't mean when they walk in the door, I mean when you all sit down to eat dinner. Your job, your health, your money issues, whatever the case may be, must all take a back seat as you sit and listen to your child talk about their day. The retelling of their day is integral in the learning process, just the same as, if not more than studying. Your interest, even if feigned, lets them know, they did a good job, you're appreciative and that it is important. If you ignore their excitement in learning, it will fade. You are simply feeding the notion and an important one, that education is the most important thing in their lives. Psst! It is #100DaysOFHopper
Then there are the parents who have to readjust from summer living to school life. Some have dropped their kids off at college for the first time, while others get ready for the challenges of a new level of school, whether it be high school, middle school, elementary or their baby's first day of Kindergarten. Whatever the level, their is apprehension abound.
Teachers and parents, we've all had doctor's appointments, first dates, big games, plays to perform in or speeches to make. For each one of those kids, especially those entering a new school, it is all our worst fears and anxieties wrapped into one. We've all been through it, but as adults, we often forget those adolescent and childhood feelings. There is nothing quite worse than that feeling of being unnoticed that we all feel on that first day.
The thing about the first day is that we make too much of it. We forget that those anxieties don't end on the second day or even by the end of the first week. Kids adapt quickly, yes, but they also pick up quickly on our insincerity. Our big smiles, by both parents, friends of the family and teachers, must be real for kids to feel comfortable. That frenetic pace you set the first week at home, can't taper off during the second and for teachers, despite the grind, it must stay consistent throughout.
I've never been a parent or a full-time teacher, but I've been the one to get friend's kids ready and on the bus and I've worked in schools for nearly two decades and I will be the first to admit, you never stop learning. I do know that a child must walk into those doors, feeling good about everything in their life and they must walk out feeling they have not only achieved, but noticed. For teachers, I know it's a difficult one for some, but learning each child's name on the first day should be your number one priority. That second day, being called by your name, instead of "you with the blue hoodie," is essential in the learning process, because they feel appreciated, noticed and liked. I know I'm preaching to the choir, as so many of you already know all this, but it matters.
As much as you teachers do, there is nothing and I mean nothing more important in the learning process than what happens each and every night when your children come home from school. I don't mean when they walk in the door, I mean when you all sit down to eat dinner. Your job, your health, your money issues, whatever the case may be, must all take a back seat as you sit and listen to your child talk about their day. The retelling of their day is integral in the learning process, just the same as, if not more than studying. Your interest, even if feigned, lets them know, they did a good job, you're appreciative and that it is important. If you ignore their excitement in learning, it will fade. You are simply feeding the notion and an important one, that education is the most important thing in their lives. Psst! It is #100DaysOFHopper
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