The first day is always a whirlwind for me.  Inevitably I end up feeling stretched too thin and worrying about whether or not I’ve been able to meet the needs of our new students.  Simultaneously I fret about not having been able to catch up adequately with returning students.  I know we’ll all have time to reunite, as well as learn about each other.  But I put so much pressure on myself the first day.  Thankfully, it’s not just me.  The other teachers, the students, and the classroom environment itself . . . all work together to make our time together hum along just fine.

Tomorrow we begin with Community Meeting (a short one, I hope!) and then transition right into our morning work cycle.  As I mentioned to a parent this evening, although I always incorporate “get to know you” games at the beginning of the year, I’ve found that students form their connections best when given the time and space to allow their relationships to develop naturally.