The first week back after a long holiday break is exhausting. Friday night I’m finding the same problems I’ve found for years anew. Teaching is a humbling career. I know I’ll never master the work. Still (and perhaps because of this), I’m glad I get to be here.
Inspired by Linda Baie’s post, my list poem celebrates moments spent in a messy, filled-to-the-brim classroom.
A list of goodness
- Smiling good mornings
- Hugging missed friends
- Returning to routines
- Opening a new (crack) book
- Deafening quiet of reading
- Caring arm around a grieving grandson
- Watching rain sheet down
- Disagreeing turn to debating
- High-fiving hard-won success
- Breaking-cloud sun
- Running (finally) on the playground
- Making sure he’s okay
- Discovering because of classmate’s idea
- Forgiving an unintended hurt
- Accepting it will never be done
- Tending to what matters most right now
Join in and celebrate the week with Ruth Ayers on her blog Discover, Play, Build.
To Read To Write To Be 
Stamina for daily school days has to be rebuilt. Next Friday will be better. Your list brings back the joys of the community a classroom creates.
Sweet. This is what a classroom community feels like.
Such a full week, such a full life!
I love list poems. I wrote this on Linda’s post as well – it makes me think of The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha. There are so many simple, awesome things that go on in classrooms every day that are worth celebrating.
I looked for the book Lisa mentioned & it sounds like one to read chapter by chapter, whenever needed! I’m glad I helped give you an “in” to today’s celebration. Yes, that week back is hard, and it seems that your weather added to the challenge. The three day weekend will be a help, won’t it? Have some R & R & play a little!
I cannot imagine how exhausting it must be to be a teacher. You are truly society’s superheroes, and deserve to celebrate each and every one of those daily victories.
A perfectly said list
The tiny celebrations add up to a wonderful, yet exhausting, week! But it’s these little things that make it all worth it, right?
That stamina thing- that Friday night feeling- I think I feel it every Friday, not just the one after the first week back…
I love your list Julieanne. But then I always do love your posts because they are so full of insight and wisdom.
And yes– we are living parallel lives. Hope all well in your corner.
Your opening lines capture the feeling of the first week back so well. I love how you proceed to celebrate with the list, where each word is chosen carefully.
Julieanne, the deafening quiet of reading must have be heavenly. Students reading and loving the experience is such a great joy.