So. I went to the dentist...

I can't remember just how many times I've sat at the computer with the desire to blog, only to draw a complete blank on where exactly to start.  Well, it seems that the stimulus I needed turned out to be the thorough and needed cleaning brought on by a nearly 4 year delay in making it back for a routine dental cleaning.  Fun times, indeed.

We are now one month into another school year.  Classcraft is up and running again.  We even have a few quotes up on the Epic Quote Wall.  All in all, it has been good to be back and I have enjoyed beginning to build relationships with another excited and diverser group of students.

Last year, I really, really wanted to make blogging a habit.  Something that I would want to do every day as part of my own reflection and growth as a professional.  I came across a 30-Day Blogging Challenge for teachers.  I made it 10 days in before things became irregular and my blogging fell off the digital cliff.  I'm going to pick up where I left off.

My topic for this entry has to do with my favorite part of the school day.  Now, when I first read this question, there were lots of moments that came to mind.  So many conversations with students and teachable moments.  Too many to really recount here.  If I had to be more specific, though, I would have to say, somewhat selfishly perhaps, that my favorite part of the school day is in the hour or so before classes start and the day begins.

I enjoy the quiet at that part of the day because it gives me the time I need to get my head ready for the day.  It isn't just about making sure that I have all my planning ready and needed assignments prepared, although that does happen from time to time.  Rather, I come into the class, turn on some music, and try to weap my head around what I need to get out of the day.  A little bit of meditation to get things rolling.

While I am somewhat protective of this personal time, I also enjoy the occasional visits that come from my students, past and present.  They might come and look at my Geek Shelf (many items courtesy of Loot Crate), or talk about whatever they're up to and share a little bit more about who they are.  It's in these moments that I get to really understand and appreciate my students in a way that doesn't always manifest intself in front of the whole class.  I remember doing that with my own teachers when I was growing up and I have a deeper appreciation of that now that I'm looking at it from the other side.

~Mr. T