The first day of school

Yesterday was the first day of school for our kiddos which in turn means it was also my first day of school. The beginning of a new school year is always bittersweet. You're excited about the new year and all the possibilities. I get really pumped about being a really good teacher and all the cool things I'm gonna do to make my students successful. Then there's the other side, no more lazy days, no more sleeping in, no more lack of responsibility and well honestly being a teacher is just plain exhausting. So yesterday I embarked on another kindergarten journey with a brand new set of kids. Most of them I know from last year in Pre-K and a few are new. I always forget how hard it is at the beginning of the year. The kids are young, they cry, the parents cry, they dont know how to do anything and I mean anything. The kids who were in pre-k last year apparently regressed during the summer because these kids couldnt even walk in a line. So now I have to start all over again and work super hard so that I can get them trained so we can actually begin learning. I'm sure some people think its weird to refer to training my kids but seriously they have to be taught what to do when they finish their work, how to walk in a line, how to go to the bathroom, etc.... and until thats all in place I can't even begin to teach them anything about letters or numbers or learning. I guess if I've made it this many years in kinder though I can make it through one more beginning of the kindergarten year.

Dear Spain

Dear Spain,
I miss you. I'm very sad that I left you. I wish I could visit more often but you're just so far away. Maybe you could relocate a little closer? I'm sure lot's of people tell u that they miss you but I guarantee its nothing like me. I miss your sun. I miss your people. I miss the people who come to visit you too. I miss your crazy hours and chinese shops. I miss your tapas and sangria. I miss your clubs and fiestas. I miss your bocadillos that are oh so delicious when drunk. I miss your language. I miss trying to understand your language. I dream about you all the time. I can't wait to see you again.
Love,
Juli

I heart school supplies

Alas summer has officially ended, :(. I was sad to have to leave Spain and all my E.S. friends. Things Ill miss the most about summer are Spain, the swimming pool, sleeping late, being lazy, and traveling. However, with the end of summer comes a new school year and yes I am a dork and still get super excited about the beginning of the school year. When I was in school, wait I still am in school, but before I became a teacher, I loved this time of year. All the new supplies and clothes and just the general excitement. New classes, teachers, friends, old friends, teachers and classes, it was all so exciting. Now I can't wait to meet my new students, buy new school supplies, and new clothes. I even like putting my classroom back together, except for the bulletin boards. The one thing that I really dislike about a new school year other than having to wake up early is having to put up bulletin boards. BIG FAT PAIN in my butt!