The Real First Day of School

Officially yesterday was the first day of school, but it wasn’t what I expected the first day of school to be like. Truly, I only got about 2 hours with my students. This meant I only had time to read a few books, work on a craft, and enjoy a snack with them. Then I spent twenty minutes teaching them how to leave my classroom, and then they actually left my classroom.

I left the day feeling a little sad.

But then my significant other pointed out that the kids that came into my room yesterday, well you see, I was expecting them to be like the first graders that left me in May. They only left Kindergarten in May, and I get to help them transition into first grade.  And my expectations affected my mood when I came home. This was something I needed to fix.

This morning is likely the only day this year that I woke up before my 5:30a.m. alarm. During my time reading my Bible I discovered my promise for today:

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles; They will run and not get tired; They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

This spoke to my heart today. I was reminded that the Lord wants great things for my classroom. He promises me new strength as I wait on him and do my best to teach these kiddos.

And it was a great day filled with some wonderful moments. Here are some of my favorite ones:

*Random hugs from a few of my students. Let’s be honest, when a six-year-old makes eye contact with you from across the room, and then walks over to give you a hug, it is a precious moment!

*One student who seemed lonely and a little sad yesterday announced at 2:30, “Mrs. MacLeod, I don’t want to leave our classroom.” What a change from his sad expression yesterday.

*A few students offering to help me with organizational things around the room instead of playing. What sweet girls!

*Students fighting over books. This just speaks to my heart. I mean, duh!

*A shy student who I expected to take at least a month to raise her hand to share, raised her hand to contribute more than once. I called on her every time!

So now I sit, the real first day gone by… (my scratchy throat is reminding me of that). I must say, I will wait on the Lord for strength for each day. This is going to be a fabulous year!