Tag Archives: Back to School

An Extra Special Back to School Night!

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As my husband and I entered our daughter’s third grade classroom with soft classical music playing, I was filled with joy, not only because her teacher reminds me so much of my third grade teacher but because this was the first time I was back in my daughter’s school, let alone classroom for over a year and a half!

Though Quinn did such a wonderful job adapting to virtual learning last year and never complained about not being in the classroom, when I read her “About Me” presentation that she put together for my husband and me, I came to the realization that she missed being in person more than I thought.

There’s something special about being in person. That interaction with classmates and the teacher is needed for most and allows them to thrive and socialize. Though knowing that the vaccine is not available for Quinn’s age group still makes me a bit nervous, I’m grateful that she was not robbed of another year of limited to know socialization with her classmates and teacher.

On top of that, she was selected as the student of the month for her classroom which makes me very proud. This truly is starting off to be a special “back to school” experience for my daughter and me as well.

All the best,

Tanya

Hoping a Great First Day of Kindergarten Equals a Wonderful First School Year

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This morning was a big milestone day for us. My husband and I took our daughter to her new school for her first day of kindergarten and anxiously waited for a detailed report on how everything went once school was over. With butterflies in my stomach, I still had to go in for my first day of teaching, so when my class concluded, I raced from the classroom, got in my car and drove directly home hoping to arrive just in time for my little girl to be walking up the street with her dad so that I could immediately hear about her first day, and I made it!

Quinn said that she had a great day and got to go the music room and played outside. The teacher read fun stories, and she at all of her lunch in the lunchroom. My heart finally stopped palpitating as Quinn told me about her day. I now feel a bit more comfortable in her ability to transition to a new school environment and that it involves. I’m so grateful and glad that my little girl had a great first day. Here’s to her having a wonderful first year!

All the best,

Tanya

Off to School: One Down & One to Go!

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2016-09-02 09.20.03

Having Fun in My Office Before Class

Last Monday was my first day back, and it was tough leaving my daughter on the days when we would usually be together, but thankfully, we had a transition. My three year old was able to spend time with her nana when I was teaching class and even joined me on Friday as I conducted my children’s literature class since she does not start school until this upcoming Tuesday.

I spent most of today making sure all of her belongings she will take to school have labels with her name on them, selecting and ironing her clothes for the week and packing up snacks for the both of us so that the mornings can go as smooth as possible.

In doing these tasks, the reality is definitely setting in: Quinn is a big girl now and on her way to preschool. I’m so glad that I did practically everything today so that we can just enjoy time together tomorrow on Labor Day. I’m just hoping I can keep it together when she officially starts school on Tuesday, especially since I won’t be able to be there to drop her off since I have early morning classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All the best,

Tanya

School’s Back in Session: Preparing for a Major Change with My Little Girl

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2016-08-16 17.38.46While summer may not officially be over, the start of my fall semester begins tomorrow. I’ve been teaching at the same college for nearly ten years and am typically nervous on the first day, but this time, my anxiety is heightened at the thought of knowing that having my daughter at home full-time is swiftly drawing to a close. My husband and I have been blessed to work out a schedule where I’ve worked from home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and he on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be there for our daughter. This year, I’ll be experiencing two major changes because I’ll be on campus Monday through Friday, and my daughter will begin preschool for the first time the day after Labor Day.

Usually, the night before the semester starts, I’m concerned about having a good first day, have a nightmare or two about something crazy happening in the classroom and hoping that everything go smoothly, but this time, I’m joining the ranks of many parents who are concerned about the morning juggle of getting their child or children ready as the ready themselves to go off to work or school. Though I’m sure everything will go well tomorrow morning, I can’t help but think about how I’ll miss the routines my three year old and I have when we’re home together. We’ve both gotten to know each other so much and enjoy each other’s company, and part of me will miss that time together.

I am, however, so grateful for all of the time we’ve spent together, especially this summer during my break> I just have to remind myself that through these changes will be new and wonderful experiences that will bring my daughter and I even closer together this semester.

All the best,

Tanya