reflection

I consider myself a pretty reflective person, and isn't reflection what this time of year is all about?  This post actually isn't about the season, though; now that I'm nearly a semester into my first year at elementary, I thought it would be a good time to reflect, and share about all that I'm learning.

When I left middle school, I was ready for a big change.  There was a (large) part of me that was scared that I might be making the wrong decision, one I could regret.  But I took the leap anyway, feeling like I was at a "now or never" crossroads.  What I've found over the last seven months is that I got the big change I wanted ... and I don't regret it at all.  I am getting an education, that's for sure, and regardless of where I end up down the road, I think the decision to make a change will forever have positive career impact for me.  New perspective is always a bonus.

Here are my big "aha's", in no particular order ...

• Elementary teachers are more different from middle school teachers than elementary kids are from middle school kids.  With the exception of kids' ages, kids are kids are kids.
• On the other hand, considering kids' ages, I found out quickly that the sense of humor that made middle school kids laugh makes the little ones look at me like I have seven heads.  Don't worry, I've made some adjustments.
• I get a lot more hugs at elementary school, and I don't have to worry about them being borderline-inappropriate.  When a little one needs a big hug, my brain doesn't immediately jump to "let's just go with a high-five".  It's comical, and also so sweet.
• The camaraderie that exists (or has the potential to exist) in an elementary school is so awesome.  The size of the staff lends itself to this, as does the generally more nurturing (with students and among colleagues) nature of the teachers. 
• I use a lot more hand sanitizer these days.  And I used A LOT of it at middle school.  So that's saying something.
• I have long believed that teachers are the most amazing, hard working people on the planet.  Elementary teachers have solidified my belief.
• Discipline at elementary might actually be harder than it was at middle school ... which I hadn't considered.  The offenses are generally less serious (i.e. haven't found any drugs or knifes yet this year - knock on wood (kidding ... sort of)), but the impulsive nature of the little ones and/or their inability to appropriately express their feelings often leaves them completely unsure of (or unable to articulate) why they made a wrong choice.  Whenever I have to spend some time with a special friend, I picture my Sara sitting there, and that shapes my whole approach.
• I'm learning so much about SPED referrals and testing.  Although we did some of this in middle school, it was minimal as most identification and testing happens before 6th grade.  One motivation for moving to elementary, for me, was to learn about the beginning of this type of process, so this piece has been very valuable.
• There are so many things that happen in elementary school of which, as a middle school teacher and administrator, I never really considered the value.  I've learned that everything we do, beginning day one of kindergarten, counts.  It all matters.

I've had many people ask me whether I like middle school or elementary school better.  I feel like that's an unfair question: how can I possibly compare ten years of middle school to one semester of elementary school?  I can't.  I will say that I miss so many things about middle school, starting with the students.  I went into education with a desire to teach middle school.  I love those funny, awkward, moody kids who think they know everything but who are actually totally lacking a developed frontal lobe.  Middle schoolers are the best (and sometimes the worst).  I miss that.  But I also feel like elementary has revitalized me, and I'd certainly like to stay for a while.  There's no telling where my career will take me, but what I've learned is that it's okay to make a change, even when it's a little scary, and new learning always ignites a spark.  I feel like I'm breathing fresher air this year, and I absolutely love it.