From This Teacher's Heart❤️

School starts tomorrow here in Ontario, Canada. After an eventful, enjoyable summer, I am headed back to start my 21st year as an elementary teacher. With retirement coming soon, I am fully determined to make my last years the best years yet!

I know I will have a hard time sleeping tonight as I trade the lazy days of summer for the busy, daily demands that an elementary teacher's schedule entails. Even teachers get nervous before the first day of school, and I am no exception, even after 20 years in the classroom.

​I am sure I will check my alarm again and again, and again.

I wanted to take this time to share some things that are on my heart as I head back to Room 21 once again. 

The classroom is ready to say WELCOME!

All last week, I spent time in my classroom, tidying, organizing and getting my classroom in order to prepare for my students' arrival. I did a lot of purging this year as well, as I had some personal resources and stuff that was no longer useful. It is so satisfying to get everything ready and feel well prepared to welcome the kids in. 

I have lots of inspirational signs and positive affirmations all around the room to foster a warm and inviting classroom atmosphere. Desks are placed in small groups to encourage friendship and group interaction.

What is now a very quiet and sacred space will soon become a busy bustle of excitement and energy.

The students are there for more than learning.

Photo by olia danilevich at Pexels

I have always been a firm believer that the students are placed in a specific teacher's class for many reasons. Our team spends great effort and careful consideration placing each student in a class that meets their needs and learning styles.

As a Christian teacher I also believe that God has my students there for a greater reason. I have only 10 months to love them, laugh and learn with them and I take that very seriously. I want them to remember this year with fondness as they reflect on their time at my school.

It is so amazing to see their personalities come out as they feel comfortable and to see learning, growth and personal development happen. We become a little family and it is always amazing to witness.

I pray for my students that they will thrive, love school and feel very loved here.

​It is my desire that they have found a place where they feel like they truly belong in Room 21.

Great colleagues make your day.

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They say "it takes a village to raise a child," and that falls into place as well in our schools. We work with these kids as a team, striving to help them in all areas. Many days can be stressful and difficult, but with great coworkers, it somehow makes even the hardest days bearable.

I have an incredible group of people who I work with. They listen and help me problem solve. Having them in my corner is absolutely amazing.

We need each other in the education field and I am so glad I never feel alone.

A bonus as well is the kids provide us with some of our biggest laughs too and that sure helps to break the tension of a difficult day.

My heart is ready.

Photo by Pixabay at Pexels

It is often hard to say goodbye to a group of students in June. As much as I try not to be emotional, more often than not I have a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as they leave for the summer.

We have come so far as a little family and at times it seems sad to have to start over again in September. 

But then September comes and the new group arrives with all their toothless grins and boundless energy and we start all. over. again.

Yes, working with kids can be stressful, difficult and frustrating at times, yet beyond the challenging parts there truly is so much joy and satisfaction.

I have a plaque on my desk that says "Find the Joy in Every Day" and that is what I strive to do. Some days are harder to find the joy than others, but that's just life sometimes. You take the good with the bad and we get through it together.

My new class right now are names on a page, but I know soon they will be sweet little students who have made a lasting imprint on my heart. 

Until next time,
​
Dana

Psalms 37:5 ~ Commit your ways to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Little Lesson Learned: Kids need caring mentoring adults who believe in them. Getting to work with kids and help shape them for the future is a great responsibility.

Author

​Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. Dana desires to "love God and love people" whole heartedly. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much needed encouragement. Dana lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)  

Tags: teaching, teachers, elemetary teaching, classroom, Christian teachers, back to school