This week I returned from maternity leave for the second time. As expected, the experience is bittersweet. Part of me can’t wait to get into the classroom, but the other part is filled with anxiety about the return to school and leaving my girls. My daughter, Emmeline, was born in May and had turned six months just before my return to school, a similar timeline from my experience with my oldest daughter. The two go to a daycare a few days a week and are watched by their grandparents for the other days, which makes the transition easier, but still!!!There was no way I could bring these emotions into the classroom with me! Kids smell fear. My students need an emotionally prepared teacher; someone ready to dive into the trenches with them and get the work done.
After careful consideration, thoughtful discussions, and experience, these are some of the things that have helped me ROCK my return to the classroom! 1. Adjust to your Child’s Daily Caregiver There was no way I’d be able to drop the girls off at daycare for their first day and go to school focused. No way. I’d be too occupied worrying and wondering about them! Therefore, before I returned to work, I sent the girls to daycare for 2-3 weeks a few short days. This gave me an opportunity to get to know their teachers, school policies, and also provided my kids time to get used to the new routine. After a few weeks, drop off was easier, and I wasn’t worried during the day; I knew my babies were okay and in good hands! Plus, that alone time during the day gave me time to prep materials I knew I’d be using when I returned!2. Get Used to the Morning Routine I tried to wake up at our quasi-normal time a few weeks before going back so I could test a two things. First, I wanted to see how traffic was on the way to daycare at that time. More importantly, I needed to know how long it took me to get ready in the morning with the kids. One day, it took me TWO HOURS to get out of the house with the girls. That was good to know! I made adjustments to our routine, did some more prep work at night, and was able to sleep in a bit longer in the morning.3. Start Later in the Week The first week back to school is EXHAUSTING, add a baby at home in the mix? Forget it! You need time to recuperate. Also, starting later in the week has worked wonders for me in the classroom. I like to start on a Thursday. On Thursday, the students get to know me and my expectations. On Friday, I assess the students through an activity or practice. Then, I analyze their progress over the weekend, plan for the next week, and come Monday it’s like I never left! 4. Get to Know Student Names ASAP This is important. The kids are already in the school mentality. The sooner you learn their names, the sooner they take your class seriously. When you don’t remember your student’s names, it feels like September when it’s just review, and in their brain, no real learning is going on. But! When you learn their names, there is a noticeable change in the students.For me, having a conversation with each child works best. The kids come in and complete a Getting to Know You quiz. While working, I sit with each student and have a 30 second – one minute conversation with them. I ask about their shoes, jewelry, pencil cases, weekend plans, anything that gets them talking! I use their names as much as possible in this conversation. My kids sit in pods, so after I talk to all students in a pod, I stand and recall the names of all the kids I just spoke with. By the time I finish talking to all students, I know all of their names, and they are thoroughly impressed! 5. Plan Out Dinner for Your First Week – and Order Take Out on Friday! The last thing I wanted to do when I got home was cook dinner. Even though I don’t normally meal prep, I did that first week! What a life saver! Find quick, easy foods that you can make without hassle for that first week. And definitely order delivery on Friday! You deserve it!!!6. Get a Support System Find friends, family, colleagues who can help you in any way. Maybe a friend can make copies for you one morning. Maybe your spouse can help pick up the baby. Find someone you can talk to, someone you trust. I’m very lucky to have so many close friends in my building. My first day back I had multiple calls and texts from colleagues saying they were excited I was returning. Yes, I was leaving my girls, but after those messages, I couldn’t wait to get to school! Breathe – enjoy – and try to relax! Going back to work is a huge adjustment. Find happiness every day in your classroom and with your students. It makes the drive to school that much easier!
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