Gratitude: Week One

School started on Wednesday, with much fanfare and a little singing.  Back to school is like my 'New Years,' so this year I am going to try and post five things I am thankful for each week.  Thanks to my co-worker Dorian for her inspiration.
Here is my list for this week:
1. Flexible Seating- My school is reimagining classroom spaces.  Over the summer new mobile tables with white board tops, as well as chairs and stools that allow students to wiggle were delivered to the classroom.  As I arranged the furniture for the start of school, I wasn't sure if it was too big or I had ordered too much.  This Friday, as the students worked on a large scale drawing of themselves, it was great to be able to pop up all five tables allowing the kids to spread out.  At the end of the day, all of these tables nested neatly into a stack in our classroom library.  Way different than the rows of static desks in my day.  My eyes are firmly open to this change. (pictures to come)
2. Co-Teaching- First off, I have the best teaching team.  Sara has been teaching second grade at our school for more than 15 years, and Emily looped with the now second graders, having been in their first grade classes last year.  Each of us coming from such a different teaching background just makes it that more rich for our students.  Add that to dividing the workload and combining the students into a single large class at least once a day, what a rich experience they will be getting.  I am energized for the year ahead.
3. Lunch- At school they provide lunch every day.  It is generally healthy, mostly organic and has variety.  With our current kitchen remodel, having a great lunch to rely on is so helpful.  And when there are leftovers, chef will make me a togo box.  So nice!
4. Chemotherapy- I know this one is weird, but, think backwards with me.  If chemo didn't exist, think about what my fate would have been.  Not pretty.  I started back to work full time on Wednesday, doing the thing I love most, spending the day with children.  If not for chemo, I would not be there, teaching every day.
5. Naps- With so much fun and excitement this week, I have enjoyed napping this weekend.  Glad that sleep helps with my stamina so much.

Now onto another great week ahead!