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In anticipation...

Today was my second day back at work.
The students haven't started yet.
Their first day is next Tuesday.

At this time next week,
I will have met my new students.

I looked at my class list yesterday,
and again today.
I studied my new students' faces.
None of them are familiar to me.
A new class.
Not my old class from last year.
I let myself be sad for a moment.

I loved my class last year.

I swallowed hard.
I took a deep breath.

This is the new group that I will love.
As much as I loved last year's group.

I have a lot to think about
as I organize my classroom.

I make sure that everything is in its place.
I lay out the flexible seating choices.

I think about the first day.
The first week..
The first month.

I sit at my desk - 
yes, I have a desk - 
and look out across the room.
I can see the cozy reading area - 
two couches, 
two chairs, 
an individual desk against the wall
(to give kids the choice to work alone),
a bench,
a large bulletin board,
a white board.

I look over to where the window seat will fit,
and I can already picture my new students 
reading by the window.

I look at other seating choices across the room:
A rectangular table at standard height,
another one low to the ground,
three round tables,
two individual desks - side by side.

I look over to the wall behind me,
where the SmartBoard will rest.
My eyes sweep over the red, crimson rug.
I am there with my students.
During read aloud,
mini lessons,
class meetings,
and celebrations.

And, as I write this,
I can feel my excitement mounting,
waiting for next Tuesday to arrive.




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