Yesterday was my first day as a third grade teacher in the school that I attended as a child. It was magical.
My son and daughter woke up excited to begin the new school year. My son informed me that first grade was going to be the best year ever. My daughter couldn’t believe that it was finally time for her to go to kindergarten.
We decided to park at my parents and walk through their backyard to school. It was a little surreal making the same walk that I made every day from kindergarten through fifth grade.
We got to school a little early and my kids spent a few minutes hanging out in my classroom and in the library. When it was time to begin school my son headed off to first grade. My daughter got very very nervous about kindergarten. I didn’t see it coming. It was one of the hardest moments that I had ever experienced as a father. Thankfully, her teacher was able to take my teary eyed little 5 year old into her classroom, so that I could great my third graders.
My morning with my students went well. I tried hard not to get overwhelmed, and did my best to be patient. Going slow now so that I can go fast later, was something that I kept reminding myself as morning progressed.
After lunch I was reading my students The Story of Fish & Snail when I spotted my daughter in the hallway lining up for recess. She smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up. At that moment I knew that teaching at Parma Elementary is what I am suppose to do.
In the afternoon I had my students do a quick write. I was blown away by their willingness to write and their eagerness to share their writing. I have lots more to share, but I am way too tired to type.
Your children are ridiculously cute! Glad they and you had a good first day. There is nothing quite like the excitement at the start of the school year for kids. I used to work w/ truant kids a lot in my old job. Even the ones who I knew would hardly be in school 2 months down the road were always there on the 1st day of school and excited to be there.
What a great story. I was in tears reading it. I don’t teach at the same school my girls (1st and 4th grade) attend and I definitely miss that. I wish you a fantastic year at Parma with your 3rd graders and your son and daughter. Thanks for sharing.
Yes indeed. There were signs all day that it was going to be a very good year! I am sure having the coolest teacher in the school as a dad is about as cool as it gets – at least in elementary school! I am sure you will all have a great year!
So glad to hear that your first day went so well, Colby. I was fortunate to teach at the same school that my son attended from kindergarten through fifth grade. It’s just the best! Enjoy!
Your daughter giving you a thumbs up made me cry. I took my kindergartner in for what they call “screening” yesterday. She’s been so excited, but as soon as the teacher came to get her, she clung to me and started to cry. I would so so love to be able to see her halfway through her first day (Monday) and see a thumbs up.
I work in the library of my kids’ (3rd and 5th) school and I love it. Yesterday I had a similar situation with my 3rd grader being so nervous she couldn’t eat breakfast–this is a girl who often has 3 helpings of oatmeal! Being able to see her wave happily to me in the hall just an hour later made me so happy. I just had my 5th grader in class this morning and it is so great to have a window into her school world. I’m glad to hear you are off to a great start! I look forward to hearing about your journey.
What a wonderful and uplifting first day! You gave me goose bumps and your story brought back so many memories. My oldest is a senior this year and his jaded attitude is a far cry from the wide-eyed anticipation of those first elementary years. Kids grow up way too fast. Savor every moment. I wish you a terrific year in third grade and many happy memories sharing this year with your children!
What a great post! I had the joy of being the teacher librarian in the same building with my daughter from when she was in second grade all the way through 8th grade. There were pros and cons (especially when she got into middle school), but the pros far outweighed the negatives. Such a wonderful feeling of community. Good luck with your new adventures!
Your children are just so adorable đŸ™‚ Saw your son in a previous video, but not her! Of course, it was her excitement that blinded you to her temporary “here it is!” anxiety. I had that the first day I brought my son to pre-school. Totally didn’t expect him to be crying! It passed quickly đŸ™‚
It seems you often put up “happy” posts that prove to be tear-jerkers. Makes me wonder if you haven’t gotten tips from Barbara Walters đŸ˜‰
So glad things went well! Honestly–I expected nothing less! đŸ™‚
I taught at the same elementary school with my children and it was, as you said, the right place for us! You will all have very special memories of going to school together and sharing your community. Congratulations on making such a great choice for you and your family! Have a great school year! Can’t wait to read more about it!
Glad your first day went well. I am a media specialist and I also had the joy of having both of my girls with me from K-5th grade. I wouldn’t change that time for anything.
I just read this today Colby. It moved me to goosebumps. I, too, decided to change schools so that I could teach where my kids go to school. Seeing them during the day is completely joyous and sometimes emotional for all of us, but totally worth it. Thanks for sharing. I love following your journey and so appreciate the reader and teacher and parent that you are.
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I think it’s just the most special thing to have your kids at your school, Colby, & to walk that same walk you did-sounds like a very good day indeed!
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Your children are ridiculously cute! Glad they and you had a good first day. There is nothing quite like the excitement at the start of the school year for kids. I used to work w/ truant kids a lot in my old job. Even the ones who I knew would hardly be in school 2 months down the road were always there on the 1st day of school and excited to be there.
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What a great story. I was in tears reading it. I don’t teach at the same school my girls (1st and 4th grade) attend and I definitely miss that. I wish you a fantastic year at Parma with your 3rd graders and your son and daughter. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes indeed. There were signs all day that it was going to be a very good year! I am sure having the coolest teacher in the school as a dad is about as cool as it gets – at least in elementary school! I am sure you will all have a great year!
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Yay!!! I’m SO happy your first day went so well! đŸ™‚
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Yay, You! And Yay to your kids, too!
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Sounds like it’s all going to work out wonderfully! Glad you and your kids had a good first day!
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Enjoyed your post, Colby – what a great first day for all the Sharps! Best wishes for a fabulous year đŸ™‚
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So glad to hear that your first day went so well, Colby. I was fortunate to teach at the same school that my son attended from kindergarten through fifth grade. It’s just the best! Enjoy!
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Sounds like it was a great first day. I hope you and your kids love your new school.
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Hooray! Sounds like a perfect start. My son is in 3rd grade this year…maybe we should compare notes.
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Your daughter giving you a thumbs up made me cry. I took my kindergartner in for what they call “screening” yesterday. She’s been so excited, but as soon as the teacher came to get her, she clung to me and started to cry. I would so so love to be able to see her halfway through her first day (Monday) and see a thumbs up.
So glad everything went well!
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Sounds like a great first day! I’ve been dreaming of sending our kid(s) to my old elementary school. A little bit jealous of you!
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I work in the library of my kids’ (3rd and 5th) school and I love it. Yesterday I had a similar situation with my 3rd grader being so nervous she couldn’t eat breakfast–this is a girl who often has 3 helpings of oatmeal! Being able to see her wave happily to me in the hall just an hour later made me so happy. I just had my 5th grader in class this morning and it is so great to have a window into her school world. I’m glad to hear you are off to a great start! I look forward to hearing about your journey.
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What a wonderful and uplifting first day! You gave me goose bumps and your story brought back so many memories. My oldest is a senior this year and his jaded attitude is a far cry from the wide-eyed anticipation of those first elementary years. Kids grow up way too fast. Savor every moment. I wish you a terrific year in third grade and many happy memories sharing this year with your children!
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What a great post! I had the joy of being the teacher librarian in the same building with my daughter from when she was in second grade all the way through 8th grade. There were pros and cons (especially when she got into middle school), but the pros far outweighed the negatives. Such a wonderful feeling of community. Good luck with your new adventures!
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Love this post! I am so glad that you had a great first day!
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Your children are just so adorable đŸ™‚ Saw your son in a previous video, but not her! Of course, it was her excitement that blinded you to her temporary “here it is!” anxiety. I had that the first day I brought my son to pre-school. Totally didn’t expect him to be crying! It passed quickly đŸ™‚
It seems you often put up “happy” posts that prove to be tear-jerkers. Makes me wonder if you haven’t gotten tips from Barbara Walters đŸ˜‰
So glad things went well! Honestly–I expected nothing less! đŸ™‚
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I hope ‘magical’ becomes the norm, not the exception. Thank you for a heartfelt post.
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I taught at the same elementary school with my children and it was, as you said, the right place for us! You will all have very special memories of going to school together and sharing your community. Congratulations on making such a great choice for you and your family! Have a great school year! Can’t wait to read more about it!
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Glad your first day went well. I am a media specialist and I also had the joy of having both of my girls with me from K-5th grade. I wouldn’t change that time for anything.
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Yay!! Glad your day was a smashing success!!
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What a big day of firsts! I hope you all have a terrific school year.
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful intense joyful day. You have so much to look forward to, so take a pat on the back for making it all happen!
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So happy for you. I am glad things are feeling just right. đŸ™‚
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Welcome home, Colby!
What a wonderful first day (back)!
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I just read this today Colby. It moved me to goosebumps. I, too, decided to change schools so that I could teach where my kids go to school. Seeing them during the day is completely joyous and sometimes emotional for all of us, but totally worth it. Thanks for sharing. I love following your journey and so appreciate the reader and teacher and parent that you are.
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