The first day of school is such a special day! I love the way that my students come in shy and expectant with hopes of a good year in their eye. I love the air of excitement that pervades the building and the extra special effort everyone puts into doing everything right.
I catch myself looking for familiar faces among the older students and realize that my “big kids” are now in jr. high and won’t come back for a visit unless they have a younger sibling. I find that I am surprised by just how small a newly minted 5 year old really is. Its on the first day of school when we notice that all of our students have grown taller. AND it’s on the first day of school when even students who have shined or struggled in years past get a chance to start over.
I enjoy the careful way everyone walks down the hall and the sense of wonder and excitement that comes when my students realize that THIS year, they actually get to do something they have looked forward to for a long time. I can’t help but find that the cheers that accompany an announcement about ordering recorders VERY encouraging.
Oh… and the singing! When I hear my students sing at this time of year I am reminded of why I have the best job ever! I work really, really, hard to do what I do, but I don’t know of many folks who feel that their job creates joy. When my students are actively engaged in a musically beautiful moment, there is joy…. and I got to be there when it happened. Today in music class the ice of an over air conditioned summer started to melt into the warm camaraderie of a back porch swing. Today, on the first day of school, I have students who just met who have taken the first steps toward a life long friendship all while playing Skip to My Lou My Darling.
I could say more, but as wonderful as today was, like all first days, it was an exhausting one and I am BEAT!
Oh yeah, the other thing I like about the first day of school is that because I’m a music teacher, I get to have a first day, every day this week! I hope you all have had a great day!
