First Day Jitters

Today was the first day of school. Let me tell you, students are not the only ones with nerves on the first day. Teachers get the jitters, too. I walked down the hallway to see students giving their teachers and peers hugs in celebration of a new year. What a way to start the day! As I waited for the students to arrive, one parent and student came in to get a picture with the teacher and the "teacher-in-training!" That really made my day! When all 23 fourth graders were seated we did some introductions. I told them I was from the suburbs of Chicago. This turned into story time because every one of them wanted to tell me about their trip, or trips, to Chicago. One little boy asked me, "Are you from a bad part of Chicago?" After the basic introductions the students had P.E.  Immediately following, we had an assembly with all the students K-4. The principal introduced all the teachers. When it was time for my introduction he pronounced my last name as "Nebula." I guess I am part of the solar system these days. I never thought my last name was that hard to pronounce but I have a striking suspicion that I will be going by "Miss N." At 10:30 we arrived back in the classroom. I got to tell the daily joke..."Why didn't the teddy bear ask for seconds? Because he was stuffed!" The kids seemed to like that one. That's one thing I love about elementary students, they will laugh at any joke! After the students got the giggles out of their system it was time to label all of their folders. Now for you who are unfamiliar with the way elementary students work, this took an entire hour. To get 23 nine year olds to write their name and subject on six folders is a truly daunting task! By the time all the labeling was done everyone's stomachs were growling and it was time for lunch. When the students went to lunch I left and enjoyed one of my last free weekday afternoons!