The School Bell Rings Again

Nope, I didn't fall off a cliff or anything dramatic like that.

School started this week and I've just had to keep up with the rhythm of the new season. It's crazy how the ebb tide at work has once again stirred a whirlpool of internal doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety. But not to worry, I think I thrive best in an environment that lets me face my fears. Hopefully, I come out of it, scathed maybe, but a wiser and richer learner.

Anyway, it's been exciting to have the kids back in school, and I can't wait to see the walls peppered with their wonderful creations. The five-year-olds have been a joy to be with; I am floored at how candid but honest they can be. Many of the younger ones have adjusted to their school routines and took to their new world easily. Of course there are still some children who like the idea of going to school but are still mastering how to let go of their security blanket. Believe me, I know the feeling. But I know, too, that this will soon pass.

As we were busy dealing with our back-to-school blues, I finally got lucky reconnecting with some of my first batch of students who are in college now. Imagine, these now adults are still calling me teacher, when twelve years ago I had no clue if I was doing any teaching at all, whether I had more hits than misses in the pedagogical sense. I found the answer when each of them shared their own short story about what they remember most when they were first graders.

Meanwhile, my students from last year who are now going to the big school for the first time have their own success tales to tell about their huge transition. Their parents have been sending messages about how bravely they embraced their new role, how eager they are to learn, and how independent they have turned out to be. One mom said: She likes her new school and teacher but says will love you and Creative Explorers forever.

What a week it has been. In a word, it was a reunion for me. I got acquainted again with our present school community, reestablished communication with my former students, and most importantly, I was reminded again why I teach. It's not about the lessons written on my weekly plans; rather, it's simply the good and happy things that children learn about themselves that really matter.

I'm feeling: the passion again.
I'm listening to: the passion again.

Breaktime

I'm taking a quick break from work to have a little fun. I've been sitting in front of my laptop the whole day--my back hurts, my eyes are red from their workout, and my mind is racing and picking up the pace by the minute.

It's time for an impromptu number.

There are just 10 more days of summer left,
Making 9 staff members anticipate the start of a new cycle.
8 letters in the word creative,
7 in the verb explore.
6 women friends, both teachers and learners
In 5 classes,
or is it 4?
Takes 3 children to spell the difference.
2 classrooms that will hold children's smiles and laughters
in 1 school year, no less, no more.

I'm feeling: hopeful.
I'm listening to: Nirvana in my iPod.

The Preschool Send-off Checklist

If you're a parent who'll soon be bringing your child to preschool for the first time, please get a copy of Smart Parenting, June issue. I contributed a checklist of things parents need to prepare for before that big send-off to school. Entitled "I'm Ready for School!," the guide includes questions you need answered and helpful tips in the following areas:

First Day Blues and Clues: the critical first weeks of classes
The Daily Details: the routines of schooling
The School Supplies: everything material
The Emergency Toolbox: information you'll need, just in case
Home-School Partnership: yes, it is a PARTNERSHIP
The Intangible Backpack: preparing your child in all other aspects

Take a deep breath, co-parents. This is a milestone, not only for our young children, but for us as well. :)

I'm feeling: sentimental about River being in kinder this year.
I'm listening to: River's footsteps as he inches his way to my room.

In The Company of Women

The teachers and I are on to something. We had agreed to improve on our faculty lounge, to make it more of a haven, a sanctuary that's separate from the battlefield that is the classroom. A safe room that we can run to when we want some peace and quiet. A time out that we call for ourselves.

Whether single, married, with or without children, we all committed to transforming the teacher's lounge into a sensual and soulful feast for the six teachers who will occupy it for the school year. For our well-being, not as teachers, but as women.

I like it.

Here are some ideas that we thought we could add in the room:

• Eye candy such as flowers, a display of artwork and photos

• Mood music to fill our tired ears

• Mouth fest of sweets such as cookies, chocolates, and other yummy treats for sharing

• Delightful scents like potpourri, candles, and oils

• Feel-good pillows and fabric for the couch, quaint curtains

• Soul food in the form of books, poetry, inspirational thoughts, or personal stories to tell

It's rather amazing how each one of us is able to relate to this need. We are so different and yet the same. Women.


I'm feeling: the need to pamper myself.
I'm listening to: the voice that's telling me 'Go!'

Separation Anxiety

New things are happening in my work life, and it's taking me all this time for it to finally sink in.

I won't be handling my own class this year ('though I'll be assisting in one) to fill in the big shoes of a partner who rightfully needs to find her own place elsewhere. I'm still thankful that I'll get to spend three hours a day inside the classroom; I cannot imagine not being able to be part of the fun, chaos, spontaneity, excitement, and the creation of masterpieces like these:

I'll continue doing my tasks as school director, but will take on the daily administrative chores that I thought I'd left behind when I quit being part of the corporate world ages ago. That means more office work for me, and so far, this is the hat I like wearing the least. So far.

New possibilities and ideas are brewing, too, about expanding for next school year--a progressive grade school is in the offing. But that's another topic altogether and the only thing I can say about it now is that the thought of it opens a whole new window (no, door) of opportunities for our professional growth. Must. Think. About. It.

I am currently experiencing separation anxiety from things familiar; it's a shift from frolicking in my comfort zone to diving into the deep unknown. But like what we tell our parents whose children are going to school for the first time, separation anxiety is just a phase that they go through in order for them to move forward. With the support of their parents, these young children will eventually learn to trust their new environment and realize that school is a fun, friendly and safe place to be. I should learn from this bit of wisdom because like our kids in school, I, too, am a creative explorer. I will find a way to make sense of everything that's happening around me.

I told my former partner at work the other day, these are good times. I need to believe that this is true for me as well.


I'm feeling: homesick with my kinder kids. Thanks, Kit, Josh, and Eljo for the illustrations.

I'm listening to: the chirping of birds outside my window, signaling that it's the start of a new day.

Work

I remember one of Robert Fulghum's stories about finding it difficult to answer that question which defines who you are: What is it that you do? Didn't he finally decide on saying "I'm a breather of life" or something like that, for lack of a more apt and specific word? But really, how do you sum up in a sentence, a phrase something so immense?

What is it that I do? I teach preschool kids. And anyone who's had the experience of being with children will tell you it's not that easy. Sixteen children in a class, all coming from different family backgrounds, each having his own needs, moods, values, skills, character, and wanting your attention all at the same time. But it's what I love about it. I crave for the whole process of preparing lesson plans, making materials, communicating with children, teaching them, learning from them, managing behaviors, witnessing their growth, and liaising with their parents. Outside the classroom, I'm always on the lookout for new ideas that I can use with the children, a stroke of inspiration to make me a better teacher. I thrive on this creative process of educating children and being part of their young, impressionable lives.

But that's just one portion of what I do. I also respond to the following titles: preschool owner, administrator, program director, finance manager, teacher trainer, guidance counselor, cashier, receptionist, cleaner, guard. That's a lot of hats to wear in my workplace alone, but I will not trade my job for anything else. It's a crazy roller coaster ride but I'd rather be in it than just watch from the sidelines. The view from the top is incredible too, so if the only way up is to start down, or stay down many times over, I'd still take the ride.

Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." What I receive financially from my work really isn't much. But I am blessed to be accorded the chance to make something of my life by giving a piece of myself to these children. I am quite a millionaire that way.

What is it that I do? In a nutshell, I am a giver, and for that I am enriched in many, immeasurable ways.


I'm feeling: like I am where I should be.
I'm listening to: the Backyardigans singing on TV.

Welcome To My WorldWildWeb!

Excuse me, but I need a journal.

A quiet place I can come home to at the end of the day to unload my burdens, smile about little anecdotes, tell trivial and important stories, share lessons learned, and just fire away my random thoughts.

This is my world, my wild web of interwoven details about my passion at work, the many loves I cherish, and finding time for play. As I'm writing this, I realize how seamlessly my work, love and play flow into each other. Like how the river meets the sea.

And so, welcome! I've opened a box of colored pencils for you. Choose a color and scribble something--anything. I'd love to hear from you.


I'm feeling: refreshed.
I'm listening to: the sound of my own silence.