August is slowly ending....summer is drawing to a close and fall is quietly tiptoeing in behind it. Back to school commercials are rampant (and have been for quite awhile much to my dismay)! Staples and Wal-Mart are overrun with frustrated parents and students clutching their supply lists. And of course, teachers.
It's always interesting being a teacher and wandering the school supply aisles at this time of the year. I often get funny looks as I throw ten packs of glue sticks in my cart, or eight packs of markers. Of course, I get to overhear all sorts of interesting conversations between children and parents too, and I'm often left chuckling to myself at the things I hear children say to convince their parents they absolutely positively must have something for school.
I'll admit it though, I get caught up in the excitement too. Interestingly, the traditions my parents started with us as children are still followed, by me at least! Growing up, we always went back to school shopping. We bought a new outfit to wear on the first day and stocked our backpacks with shiny new notebooks, sharpened pencils and markers. Once I became a teacher, I decided that every year I would make sure I have something new to wear on the first day of school, be it a new skirt, a fun shirt or some funky accessories. And I fill my cart (and my classroom) with shiny new markers and glue sticks, tape dispensers and stickers.
As I reflect on this cycle of new beginnings I am going through for the seventh year running I can't help but consider myself lucky. It is fun and invigorating to get a fresh start every year. To wipe the slate clean (pardon the pun!) and start new--a new group of students, a new classroom arrangement and a whole new chance to make a difference in someone's life. So, as summer draws to a close, rather than being sad (OK, I am a little sad) I am re-energized.
3 comments:
Even as an adult I can totally understand the need for the shiny new notebooks and sharpened pencils and such. I still wistfully think about the first day of school even now *grin*. Thanks for sharing this :) I'm happy you're excited and love to see the hope of touching someone, expressed.
Have a great day!
Muse
I adore the summer and I get sad when it's over -- fall can have a melancholy feel to it. But, on the other hand, I do really love fall & I'm with you on the fresh start feel. I think people are programmed to feel that way since throughout their childhood the fall is the start of a new "year." And, I love new office supplies - I'm jealous that you have justification in buying them...whereas I just have to use what is already in my office. ;-)
Good luck with the coming school year! (Maybe I can help you wrap journals again this fall?!)
So are you back at school yet? Judging by the number of times I have to stop for school buses on my way to work you must be... I hope you're loving your new group!
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