Real Talk
“Just three. more. days.” I told myself as my alarm clock went off while it was still dark outside. Summer break was so close.
There are so many factors that contribute to the desire to stay in bed this time of year: the hot weather, the thought of containing kids during end-of-the-year parties and crafts, and our desire to spend time with our own families—or, you know, the desire to lay in bed catching up on the million hours of sleep we’ve lost.
“THREE DAYS UNTIL SUMMER BREAK!” It’s what I wrote in big, capitalized letters on the board first thing that morning, as I anticipated the kids’ excitement matching my own in the next few days. We had finally made it to the the end of the school year, more intense this year than ever. I worked hard to continue the pre-break excitement that envelopes my classroom each year as we write poems and tape them outside the classroom for other students to see.
It’s a crazy atmosphere in the classroom the last week of school before summer break, but I can’t help but love it—because I know the much-needed break is just around the corner.
I honestly assumed that each of my students had joined me in my enthusiasm.
“What day do we come back to school?” a tiny voice in my classroom asked.
“August 10,” I stated in passing, as I handed out worksheets.
“Two months?! That’s a long time,” he almost whispered in a disappointed tone.
I stopped what I was doing to look back at my sweet student, who looked noticeably sad.
I suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for the amount of enthusiasm I’d placed on the upcoming break, and the lack of concern I’d put into my students in the past week. The other teachers and I joked about how we were running off caffeine and candy, and openly counted down the days until we were away from all the little people we were responsible for day in and day out.
Don’t get me wrong—I think teachers have every right to be absolutely pumped for any break—but I had this huge realization today that it isn’t always the same for our students. They may not be as excited to spend time with family for various reasons we know nothing about.
They may truly look forward to that greeting at the classroom door each morning. (Have I even done that these past few days?) Even more, they may look forward to the hot breakfast, and then a filling lunch. They may look forward to the communication with their classmates and their teachers. They may look forward to seeing YOU, their teacher. Just the thought brings tears to my eyes. Before the break has even begun, this little boy is looking forward to coming back to school.
If that doesn’t make you want to create the most magical atmosphere in your classroom year-round, I don’t know what will. I’m done wishing away the days before the break, even though I know how sweet it feels to sleep in and sit in solitude on my couch for a while. I erased the THREE DAYS UNTIL WINTER BREAK from the board. Summer break just isn’t as exciting for all our students.
