It's just a number!

So, I've had the big birthday and got to enjoy a little quiet time at the beach with my hubby! Having such a big birthday prompted me to do a little reflecting on the things I've learned along the way. Naturally, that led me to think about all the fun I've had teaching kindergarten over the past 25 years.


Of course, I'm speaking entirely from a biased point of view, but I truly feel I am part of the greatest profession ever! There is nothing quite like seeing the look of wonderment in a child's eyes when new learning "dawns" on them. And who doesn't love the excitement of the back-to-school rush!


Since 50 is the theme of the day, I decided to list the top 50 things I love about going back to school. I hope you will join me and comment on a few of your own favorite things!

1. planning, pinning, and checking out the dollar store for new finds
2. wasting the entire first day back in your room reconnecting with friends
3. that first faculty meeting...getting all the details straight
4. the new plan book that is filled with nothing but possibilities
5. the inspirational speaker on institute day and the so-so PD that follows
6. getting your desk all organized, knowing it won't last long
7. replenishing your stash of Advil and chocolate...for emergencies only
8. thumbing through all your idea books for creative new ideas to try
9. getting your copy of The Kissing Hand ready and the hand-outs copied
10. having plenty of coloring sheets ready in case you run out of things to do
11. pencils sharpened and stacked neatly in their little jar
12. painstakingly double and triple checking your first welcome letter to parents
13. nameplates perfectly centered and affixed to each desk
14. the slight lingering smell of Lysol spray and fresh linen candles
15. the new pot of ivy that makes your desk look all homey and inviting
16. the countdown of days still left of summer
17. the countdown of days until next summer
18. the lessons you've carefully planned, that you won't look at again
19. wondering where you will stash all the extra supplies they bring
20. the excitement and sleepless night before school starts
21. the last few quiet minutes before the flood gates open
22. seeing the fear/excitement/wonderment in their eyes when they first walk in
23. those awkward smiles on the first day of school pictures
24. persuading the parents that everything is okay and it's time to head off to work
25. the tears...from the children and their mothers
26. the excitement/panic when the door finally closes and they are "all mine" 
27. wondering how in the world you will fill the day ahead of you
28. trying to catch an older kid in the hall to deliver your notes to the office
29. going through the little remember their name mental exercises
30. hearing all the strange new pronunciations of your name
31. the unmistakable smell of a just-opened box of brand new crayons
32. reviewing how to line up, walk in line, stay in line, behave in line
33. counting them one more time to make sure no one has escaped
34. trying to explain lunchroom procedures to kids who have never been in one
35. taking a deep breath before walking into the lunchroom
36. passing out plates, praying they won't drop them on the way to the table
37. passing out lunches, seating them, and keying in their code...at the same time
38. opening 20 packs of ketchup and 20 cartons of milk
39. finally sitting down to eat with only 6 minutes left in the lunch break
40. hoping what's left of their lunch ends up in the trash and not in the floor
41. wearing something you had for lunch somewhere on your clothes
42. already dreading lunch time tomorrow
43. that panicked feeling just before the last bell rings 
44. searching your room one more time...just in case you left someone behind
45. making sure they ALL get on the right bus or in the right car
46. finally getting to take a bathroom break!
47. forgetting about just how little they know in August
48. thinking about how far they will have come in May
49. praying for each child and the mountains they will climb this year
50. the mandatory after school nap that will help you recover from the exhaustion of today and increase the likelihood that you will show up tomorrow

Now, it's your turn! What tops your list of back to school memories? I'm sure I've forgotten a few, so please comment and add your own! We've all been there and we can all identify! Thanks for reading and playing along!