We finished our third day of school today. It's amazing how quickly we settle into our routines. How do we re-establish those routines but guard against the complacency of doing things the way we have always done them? How can we start the year with a new set of lenses through which to view our learning community? Can we get in the habit of asking "Why?" so we know our decisions aremeaningful and purposeful?
Today I was strolling around the cafeteria helping students open the juice boxes, milk cartons, and string cheese wrappers when a second grader stopped me as I walked by. He said, "My name is Jaden. I'm new here and who are you?" I love the way he felt comfortable enough to strike up this conversation. I told him my name and that I was the principal. I knew he had transfered from another school in our district and told him that his principal had told me he was coming to our school. We had a brief conversation, and I moved on. I won't forget Jaden's name tomorrow or the next. We have made a connection. My challenge is to make those connections with all the children at our school.
Tomorrow will be the end of our first week of school. We are settling in and making our new friends feel welcome. The hope of the new school year is ahead of us.
I think the challenge as an educator (as well as part of the fun) is to try to find that type of connection with each student. Making them have a "memorable moment" gives them a true sense of importance, as well as providing them with the self-confidence that they need to get their year off on the right foot. Have a great year!
ReplyDeleteJaden was so excited to see me when I stopped in his teacher's room one day. My students were actually buddies with his class last year. He thought it was great that we had both moved to the same school. :)
ReplyDeleteAny time you want to connect with some 5th graders, we would LOVE to have you stop by and join us as readers and/or writers!