Autumn, school, and the Golden Rule

               

Officially, fall will be here in a couple of weeks, but for now, it still feels like summer in these parts of North Carolina. I even saw some people swimming in their apartment complex pool while driving through Durham (to visit my son). Yes, it was hot enough for that.

We took him out for lunch, and enjoyed a chat of catching-up with each other's lives while putting away a plate of barbecue, cole-slaw, fries, and hush puppies. My husband and I shared a plate, not because it's cheaper that way, but because our appetites seem to be shrinking. We don't eat as much as we used to, which is a good thing since our metabolisms are obviously slowing down to keep up with the smaller meals. You just can't win! I can see why seniors are given a discount when they eat out. They do eat smaller meals.

It was a very nice visit. We laughed, talked about family stuff, school, work... very nice. Sometimes when I call him and ask him if he would like to go out for lunch or dinner, he already has other plans (between school, work, and a social life). But there are times when I call and he's free... and the two of us hop into the car to meet with him. He is doing well, and I was happy to spend some time with him, even if it was only two hours. They were two exceptional hours during which I delighted in hearing his voice, watching his face, and listening to his side of the discussion.

School went well this week. My replacement teacher arrives Monday! I called her Thursday evening to welcome her to our school and ask her if she needed anything to help her get moved in, but she assured me that all was taken care of. She is looking forward to teaching in our school, and excited about meeting the students. I've been talking it up with the students, too, to build up their anticipation of her arrival. I didn't want any of the younger ones to put on an act when they realize I'm not going to be teaching them every day. No pouting or acting stubborn, you know?

One of my younger students, a first grader, had a great idea on how to make her feel welcome and loved right away. He thinks I should buy some flowers and have them in my room before she arrives. He also suggested I buy them just before I get to school so they'll be fresh. What a thoughtful kid! I think I'll do just that.

Well, we did spend some time Friday painting a seven foot long banner that says "Welcome Ms. _______!" I decided to forego the usual reading and writing lessons and told them we were going to paint the banner and they were going to write her a welcome letter to make her feel good about being here. Each student (1st and 2nd graders only) in my class wrote their letters (with a little help with spelling), and then they painted (I drew in the large letters, they painted them in and decorated with flowers, bugs, animals, and their names). At the end of the day, I hung it across one wall of the classroom... it looks spectacular.

How could she not feel welcome? I'll spend the day with her on Monday, and then on Tuesday, I'm off to prepare for my art integration classes, which will begin on Wednesday... I cannot believe it's happening. Will someone pinch me, please?

If I walked into a strange, new classroom and saw that huge colorful, student-made banner with my name splashed across it hanging on the wall like that, I think I would feel like this school really wants me, and the kids like me already, right from the start. That's how I want her to feel. I've never met her before, but that doesn't matter. It's just the Golden Rule in action.

Well, I'm off to read my Sunday School materials. All this excitement about teaching art full-time has me pumped!

Oh, and I'll be thinking about the Weekend Assignment: what animal am I like? Will write about that tomorrow, probably.

Have a great weekend!

bea

and thanks to Donna (nightmaremom) for that lovely graphic. If you want one just like it, you can snag it here, or go to Donna's website and snag it there. I think you should go to her website first, if you have never visited her before. She has some great graphics for your journal.

Tags: school, nightmaremom's graphics, autumn,