
Why is it so confusing to my brain?
Yesterday we had a professional development day, so today was a fake Monday, but somehow it messed with my brain and everything felt off. All of our usual beginning of the week routines had to be transformed because it was really Tuesday. The schedule was different, the school news video we usually watch was not uploaded on time, we had double the kids to share in Morning Meeting, the list of little tweaks felt like it went on and on, including our team having to meet at recess as we did not have any time at all yesterday and we have a field trip coming up in two days.
I did not really have time to go over the math activities that my colleague had just passed on to me. I felt my shoulders rising, as they do when I get stressed. Just before we transitioned to another activity I played the school news. I was trying to get my groove back on.
“I will not be there for the field trip Thursday,” T said to me just before lunch.
“Oh, but I think you will. Your mom has volunteered to chaperone,” I reminded her.
“Well, she told me this morning that we would be going to Bangkok for a doctor’s appointment,” she said (and she is a reliable student, always knows what is going on).
So as soon as the students left for lunch I emailed mom and awaited her response, then got two emails that required me to coordinate with a colleague, so I went for a walk to search her out and burn off some of my negative energy. After consulting with her we each had a job to do, but as I found her in the early years cafeteria I remembered that I had a treat in the fridge there waiting for me (the kind music/art teacher who had been sick this weekend made treats and attached coffee cafe vouchers for all of us who helped out with the production rehearsal in her absence.
I still had that energy, so I walked the treats to my teammate who had also volunteered, since I know where she always eats lunch.
By the time I did that my better mood was gradually building. I ate a quick lunch with another colleague (somewhat frustrating conversation- not on her part!) and the went to pick up my fifth graders.
As is usually the case, working with kids makes me happy, so a mini lesson and three small groups later it was time for my planning period while the class was at performing arts. I got a few emails sent and continued to work on adminstrivia, went in to check something with my teammate and when I returned there was a mound of bracelets on next to my laptop. A colleague who had led a double pd session yesterday ended his session with asking us to take one of these brackets and tie it around a colleague’s wrist while thanking them for helping us to become better teachers. I had asked him where he got the rackets so I could buy some to do a similar project with the fifth graders. He said he had got them in Lao and had lots and would happily share. I had messaged that I would love that, but only if he would let me pay. He snuck them in while I was out- so kind (but I still sent an email asking if I could pay).
How did these two lovely colleagues know I needed their kindness today? Every night I start my notebook with what I am grateful for- today was so easily named, kindness!
A great reminder to me to be that light for others.