Who Needs Sleep?

Thousands of us teachers started back to work yesterday, I was one among them. I entered into my classroom, with some dread. Where had the summer gone? It seemed like yesterday when I was scrambling to get it packed up for the summer. The summer is just a memory....but not yet faded. I long to jump on my bike to cruise down the South Platte trail or sit on my patio reading a great book.

Some people think teachers have it made because we have the summers off. I will admit that it s a perk to have that time off. However, I don't know how long I could have lasted as a teacher if I didn't have that long break to disconnect and re-energize. I learned to immerse myself in my play, as I do with my teaching in the Fall. Working with kids takes a great deal of energy--both physical and mental. That stamina has to be built up--just like we do with the kids.


So, after a picture for my new staff badge, and a group shot with the whole staff out in front of the school--we were released for our designated "teacher work day." It wasn't twenty minutes later, that all K-3 teachers were required to go into the library for a training or re-training on one of our assessments. I sat there thinking about all I had to do. It urks me that we have so many meetings!!

After a full day of working and meetings--I decided I had to go shopping for more "teacher stuff." I went in for a few specific things and come out with two large bags full. Once I got home I worked on making labels for the files of the new class of kids. I don't mind this mindless stuff that requires little or no thinking, I can do it while in front of the TV. I also wanted to get ready for the testing we do next Friday--so I spent another hour working on the computer.

Finally, I decided to go to bed at 11:30. Now, I'm a night owl--during the summer. But this is something I have to change once school starts. I can no longer stay up past midnight and wake refreshed and ready to go. (I don't really think I ever could, even when I was younger!) So, I get to bed and--I can't get to sleep.

My mind was thinking about all of the things that I wanted and needed to do. I tossed and turned, trying to turn off my mind. This always happens when the school year begins. I go from worrying about which route I'm going to ride the next morning to planning, meetings, and getting every little detail prepared for school. It's a transition that takes some time.

I finally got up and took an Advil PM to help me sleep. I guess I must have slept because I woke up the next morning--but definitely not refreshed!! I was thankful I didn't have to work with kids this day. I'm hoping for a good night's sleep tonight and I've got to stop dreaming about working!!