A Year Makes a Difference

A year makes a difference. 

My eyes opened one morning, and I was excited. Today was the day I would meet, hopefully, the majority of my students and their parents, and as the day continued, my excitement built and grew. These were the kiddos I would be with for the next two years, and I could not wait to meet them. Today was my second open house at school.

A year ago, my eyes opened, and I was unbelievably nervous. A year ago, I was going to meet, hopefully, the majority of my students and their parents, and as the day continued, my nervousness built and grew. These were the kiddos I would be with for the next year, and I was semi-excited but mainly nervous. A year ago was my first open house.

A year makes a difference. 

At the open house this year, I started to build relationships with students and their parents. Some came and just dropped everything off and others spent half an hour in my room. I told some about the 40 book requirement, others about my belief in open and honest communication, while some were brief hellos and explanations as my room was full and I needed to get to all the students and parents. Last year, I'm not even sure what I said to parents. I just know that I was terrified of them worrying if they would make my first year miserable or not. 

A year makes a difference.

I'm more enthusiastic this year as opposed to last. I'm more confident, more self-assured. My comfort level has boosted as I interact with students and their parents. I feel more prepared about various aspects of the curriculum. I have a much better plan in mind for the year.

A year makes a difference.

This year, I still couldn't sleep before the first day of school. The reason was different though. This year, my excitement level was off the charts which led to a night of sleeplessness. Last year, nervousness brought on a night of sleeplessness. This year, I over planned the first day of school and was more confident in my carry out. Last year, I under planned and felt like I only just survived. This year, I feel more purposeful in my community building activities. Last year, I ached to start content because all the beginning of the year routines and procedures were unfamiliar to me.   

A year makes a difference. 

If a year makes such a difference,  what will 5, 10, or 20 make?