School daze

I have so much to do, I should not be on this site right now. But I'm so tired, I don't think I should be doing any of the things I need to do -- too much chance of making mistakes. So it's the blog instead, at least for a few minutes, and please forgive any and all errors that might be made.

First day of school! First day for me back in the classroom in eons -- last time was 2005, so 9 years? Yowzers, how the years fly by. I am struggling with the technology, my laptop won't talk to the projectors in the rooms, the copier in my department keeps jamming when I make double-sided copies. Technology is supposed to make things easier, but for me right now it's a nightmare. There are old-fashioned overhead projectors in the classrooms, and I'm actually thinking of using them on Wednesday, until I can get the laptop situation sorted out.

The technology is a nightmare, but the students are wonderful. This is what's great about teaching: the students. First year college students (in the classroom setting) are so much fun to interact with. I'm nine years older than the last time, but the students are still eighteen. It's so nice to look at them and think: here comes the next generation and I get to help.

One of the interesting new technological developments is that I can now see my class lists on line with photographs, to help me learn the students' names. After today I realize that this crutch will be vital: I'm too old to learn so many people's names so quickly. Over and over I would ask the same students their names, and then immediately forget them again. Must work on this, or they will think I have Alzheimer's. Perhaps I do.

Normally I will get home just in time to go pick up the boos from THEIR school, and I found myself wishing today that there was just a little more of a gap, because I really needed a nap before facing the onslaught of first-grade-boyness. But it turned out OK, because I was so happy to see them.

It's strange having them in different classes this year, and not just because it's hard to say goodbye to them in the morning, running back and forth between the two lines trying to kiss them. Last year I had more success figuring out what was happening in their room because I got comments from both of them, and I could sort of triangulate. This year is going to be hard. They sometimes tell me if they had music that day, or art, or PE, or library, or (a new one) computer lab (!!!). But other than the "specials," it's hard to figure out what's going on.

Kid A: "Mom, did you know we have two new kids in my class?"
Me: "New just today or new this year?"
Kid A: "Mom!"
Me: "OK, what are their names?"
Kid A: "I don't know."
Me: "Are they boys or girls?"
Kid A: "Stop it! Stop asking me!"
End of conversation.

It's as though they want me to know things, but since they barely comprehend them themselves, it's really hard for them to articulate stuff. I keep asking, though. Gotta keep that conversation going.

It's past 10:30, so I'll sign off and get ready for bed. I did have a nap in the late afternoon (missed Weight Watchers as a result, but oh well), but I'm still so tired. I think I'll sleep VERY WELL tonight.