Today is the day we begin the official school year. Learning, of course, takes place year round.

This will be my fourth year teaching, and my first year with three school-aged children plus a preschooler. I’m sure it will be quite the adventure.

I begin every school year much as I began school when I was a student: with the full expectation and confidence that this will be the best year ever. I love to learn, and I get to learn right alongside my kids. Experience tells me that there will be days where school is more drudgery than fun, but for right now, today, I can’t wait to begin!

UPDATE: Oh, thank goodness. It’s noon and Fritz has completed all his work for today. Billy was done by our 1030 am recess break. I think Katie was done by 10 am. Katie and Jenny will be tough to keep busy this year.

Billy dug in his heels first thing this morning saying he hated school! I’m very glad that we got off to a good start and the day went smoothly, not too hard. I didn’t hold anything back – we did a full day’s work. I was concerned that several subjects and workbooks were being picked up where we left off – so no review or slow beginning like when you start a subject anew. His reading lesson was tough, but we went slowly and I didn’t push it. He did fine.

Fritz didn’t magically develop the ability to stay on task and work independently in the last three months. Too bad. I hate pulling teeth. Fortunately, after 3 years, I’ve learned how to explain a lesson and then give him some time to work on it. If he’s not doing his job, we move on and all his assignments pile up at the end, and if he chooses to spend the afternoon sitting and staring at his work, that’s his problem. At least I can get supper started without worrying that I haven’t covered his history lesson.

All in all, though, a good start, an early ending. Would that all days be this pleasant…