What a pleasure Saturday brings
When no alarm loudly rings
Yes, this may be the single thing
I most resent about teaching:
That 5:30 a.m. - BRRRIIING! BRRRIIING!
Happy weekend, everybody!
It is very tempting to let that silly ditty be my "slice" this morning...it was my first waking thought - what a pleasure Saturday brings. I woke up "on my own," with the sun glaring into my window, something I never experience on teaching days. Such a delight.
This school year, one of my personal goals was to make peace with the early morning rising that is necessitated when one lives in the suburbs and teaches in the city. Aleta Margolis, founder of my school, asks us to reflect -
How do you prepare yourself to be in the company of children?
I know, in my core, this is an essential part of being a teacher - to be ready for whatever the day may bring. We owe it to these young children to be as strong, as calm, as present as they need.
This fall, when my second son headed off to college and a spare room opened up, I emptied the room of all possessions except a bed and I threw in a yoga mat and weights, plus my writing journal.
Determined to prepare myself for the company of children, I set the alarm for 20 minutes earlier than I did last year.
Now, when I hear the alarm, I get out of bed and I head to my quiet room. I take 20-30 minutes to think, write, stretch. Whatever I need to be ready for the company of children.
(Don't you love that expression - "the company of children"?)
I believe I am more energized, as a result of this morning routine.
But, I love, love, love Saturday sleep in!!
This school year, one of my personal goals was to make peace with the early morning rising that is necessitated when one lives in the suburbs and teaches in the city. Aleta Margolis, founder of my school, asks us to reflect -
How do you prepare yourself to be in the company of children?
I know, in my core, this is an essential part of being a teacher - to be ready for whatever the day may bring. We owe it to these young children to be as strong, as calm, as present as they need.
This fall, when my second son headed off to college and a spare room opened up, I emptied the room of all possessions except a bed and I threw in a yoga mat and weights, plus my writing journal.
Determined to prepare myself for the company of children, I set the alarm for 20 minutes earlier than I did last year.
Now, when I hear the alarm, I get out of bed and I head to my quiet room. I take 20-30 minutes to think, write, stretch. Whatever I need to be ready for the company of children.
(Don't you love that expression - "the company of children"?)
I believe I am more energized, as a result of this morning routine.
But, I love, love, love Saturday sleep in!!
That's a great question. This week, I had a couple days with 10 quiet minutes before the kiddos came in with all their urgent news- missing teeth mostly, notes from mom.
ReplyDelete"company of children" - a perfect phrase, indeed. Starting the morning taking care of ourselves sets the tone for the whole day, doesn't it? Congratulations to you on adjusting your routine to work for you and, therefore, your students, too!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea! I must remember to prepare myself this week for "the company of children." Mine might not be preschoolers, but they are still children and I need to be ready for them! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDelete