I'm feeling a little lost today which seems funny coming out of my fingertips. I'm a pretty content person but this year has left an empty space. I am taking a year off of teaching to stay home with my little guy. Don't get me wrong, I love the extra time with him and value every moment of it. He fills my life differently then my job does though. I thought that volunteering in the classroom would fill that void, but it just makes me miss it even more.I miss seeing the children eagerly walk through my door to see what today will bring. I miss the buzz that fills the room before announcements begin. I miss the busy pencils transferring ideas while quiet music plays in the background. I miss seeing little bodies scattered around the room, books in hands, and eyes glued to the pages in pure amazement. I miss doing experiments and listening to their thoughtful inferences. I miss the hugs that come when the day is done and the books that are tucked under arms to make the journey home. I miss the quiet classroom at the end of the day when I sit and reflect on what happened during the day. I miss that feeling that I've made a difference and that my teacher cup is overflowing.
Until next year, I'll read like a crazy person and devour professional books that are recommended. I'm not just on a leave from teaching, I'm on a sabbatical...constantly learning and getting better at my craft. I'm also relishing my time with my son, knowing that it will be different next year.
The period of adjustment takes time and often we don't give ourselves what we need to see it through. What a perfect opportunity to learn, maybe take on a passion that you haven't been able to study. Just breathe...maybe some yoga...digital storytelling...hmmm...
ReplyDeleteSo many possibilities to bring back into the classroom next year...
Bonnie
It is better to miss your teaching experience than to be fed up with it. The year off has two advantages. You'll get to see the wonder of learning and growing your little guy goes through, and you'll be refreshed and glad to get back to classroom later.
ReplyDeleteYou know I think teaching is in our blood and essentially a piece of who we are. You love your time with your boy, but there is also a yearning inside to teach others. Great slice to show your feelings.
ReplyDeleteYou showed many of those moments you miss, that your love for teaching continues, even though there are a lot of other things that are good in your life, too. It sounds like you feel so confident in the teaching role, but now there is a new one, a baby, along with making the year fit with the sabbatical goals too--both not so easy & at least, both new. Even though "new" is fun, it doesn't mean it's easy. Best wishes in your new challenges.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who did take time off, I can honestly say that your teaching will definitely benefit from this year away. And being there for you little guy in that important first year is irreplaceable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity for you this year! You will never regret the time with your littlest one. Your future students will benefit from this time away.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that you love your life whether you're at home or at school. Enjoy the little one now, look forward to your other love.
ReplyDeleteI really struggled being at home with my daughter when I had her, the year seemed to crawl by very slowly. To be honest there were days that I absolutely hated it... (although that doesn't sound right, I did). I love what I do and it is so invigorating to be back, but the evenings at home of eat, bath, sleep go very quickly, and in a flash it seems as though this year has now flown by. Would I stay at home for a year again... I'm not sure... but I don't regret that I did. Be well...
ReplyDeleteI loved catching a glimpse of the array of emotions that come from making a big decision. I am glad that you are enjoying the time with your son, as well as having a chance to read a lot of great books.
ReplyDeleteThe school year is at the time where it is just flying by. This is the last week of our third quarter and fourth quarter always seems to go by the fastest of all! I wonder if the start of a new school year will sneak up on you.
It's so hard to leave the classroom! I, too, am missing my teaching. It's good that you've set a clear time for returning, to know that you have that to work toward and look forward to. And I love that you're thinking of this time at home as a sabbatical, a chance to strengthen your teaching. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThe time you spend with your son will not only be a tremendous blessing to you both, but will also make you an even better teacher when you decide to return. Time is a gift we rarely give ourselves. I'm glad you did.
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