AS A MOTHER, you experience so many emotions on the first day of school. You want your child to be excited, confident, and safe. But, you also have a countless number of worries about how they will interact with their classmates and teachers. Will they find a friendly face? What will they do when faced with rejection or uncertainty? Will they ask for help if they need it?
As a mom of four, I wish I could tell you that this gets easier as the kids get older, but that would be inaccurate. My youngest has just entered kindergarten, and even I have to admit that all the same emotions came flooding back with a vengeance on day one.
Despite all my fears, however, day one was a complete success, and I have to give credit where it’s due: the teachers. First off, my five-year-old’s teacher has the most confident, reassuring voice, combined with boundless positivity. Being the smart, experienced teacher that she is, she had coloring pages ready to go at each child’s desk to get them right into the fun of class (Genius!) … count on markers to be an icebreaker and help a little kid feel right at home.
For my third-grade twins and my little first-grader, I could not be more impressed with how the teachers balance fun and learning, all while keeping a firm hold on the classroom’s attention and respect. These ladies — like so many other teachers — are heroes for our community. They work tirelessly to educate, equip, and inspire students to love learning and grow academically, while fostering a safe and nurturing environment for them to flourish.
If you are a teacher, I just want to say THANK YOU for everything you do! Never lose heart, keep up the great work, and know that every mother blesses your name in her prayers.
CREDIT
column by CELESTE JO WALLS
Celeste Jo Walls is managing editor of Central Florida Health News. She may be reached by e-mail at celeste.walls@centralfloridamediagroup.com.
