2/10/26 #wherewerv, #solTuesdays
I spent the last four school days teaching fourth grade in “my school” (aka the one I retired from in 2022). Although this teacher was in a different classroom from the one that used to be mine, this is where the majority of my fourth grade stuff ended up. (I found notes I had written in one of the resources. That was weird!)
During the four days we spent some time on a poetry unit. They were asked to write 2 or 3. As we were transitioning on my last afternoon, one of the students shared this with me.
Awwww!! I am honored to be the focus of one of her poems.
This made me think about what would I would use as my focus for an acrostic poem. This word popped up, as I heard it multiple times over the four days, usually in the form of a question, “Aren’t you supposed to be retired?”
Resetting myself
Entering a new phase
Treating myself with grace
Intensely reflecting on past, present, and future
Relishing healthy relationships
Embracing adventures and time spent in nature
Deciding when to teach, when to just… be.
WhereWeRV 
I long for that last line: when the decision-making is all mine!
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It’s gratifying to be able to decide so many things that are out of a teacher’s hands, including when to get up, eat, & use the bathroom! My favorite has been deciding what I feel like reading!!
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Ahh, you inspired a writer for sure and inspired yourself as well! I have reason to believe there are some lucky students in that classroom who are glad you decided to teach them this week!
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Thanks! I certainly hope so! I will say when I’m in my dear friends’ kindergarten rooms, some of the student flat out tell me they are glad I’m there that day. Warms my heart!!
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I love slices that are born from interactions with students. My favorite line from your poem was this: Treating myself with grace.
I need that, too.
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Maybe “grace” could have been my One Little Word for this year, because I am working hard to apply that to myself! Don’t we all need some of that?
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Love that you got to be there for four days- lucky kids! Lucky teacher to have you guest teaching for them.
Your acrostic is perfect and so is the student’s.
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Thanks, Ona. I think YOUR students are lucky to have you all year! You are an inspiration. I hope you know that.
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You’re so kind to say that. ❤️ thank you.
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this is what I can’t wait to experience : Deciding when to teach, when to just… be
oh, retirement, come quickly!!
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It truly is the best feeling! Finally allowing myself to spend time the way I want with much, much less guilt! (There may be a tiny bit of I should put the book/phone/walking shoes down & clean… It’ll get done when it gets done!) How many more years do you get to spend working full time?
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