Thursday, August 15, 2013

Back to School



Where I grew up, in Westchester County, New York, school began after Labor Day (otherwise known as the day we put away the white pants).  As a consequence, I've always associated autumn with the start of the academic year.  Crisp morning air, stiff blue jeans, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the smell of new school supplies... it came as a package deal. 

Since becoming a parent, however, the first day of school has sneaked up on me every single year.  This is not because the fashion rules have changed regarding white pants.  It's because in both Sydney and Florida, school starts in summertime (January and August respectively) when the livin' is supposed to be easy if I am to believe George Gershwin.  Rudely awakened from my warm weather reveries, I am flung back into reality against my better judgment.

But enough about me-- I am determined not to make this post a nostalgic grown-up's whinge fest.  Instead, today's little ditty is about the enthusiasm of a child returning to school after summer break, meeting a teacher for the first time, and wondering what the new year has in store.  Knowing that whatever it is, it is bound to be great fun.






Advice for my new teacher

Today’s the day
before the day
before the day
school starts!

It’s almost here,
the time of year
to show off all
my smarts.

I met my brand new teacher
(she seems very, very nice)
and told her she can come to me
for lots of good advice.

And when she does
(I know she will),
this is what I’ll say:

The grown ups think
we’re here to learn,
but kids?
We want to play!

© 2013 Michelle Heidenrich Barnes.  All rights reserved.


Now pack your school bag, grab your lunch, and hurry on over to Steps and Staircases, where Lisa has today's Poetry Friday roundup.  See you next time!




20 comments:

  1. Hi, Michelle. We start early in Maryland, too. August 26 is right around the corner. I hope your children have ample opportunities to show off their smarts this school year. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks Laura. I confess my kids' enthusiasm as middle schoolers is somewhat less unbridled than it was when they were the little tykes in these pictures, but they're still excited.

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  2. Thank you, Michelle--You were the first to submit to me, and your poem brought a smile to my face. If we could just bottle that new-beginning-enthusiasm and have it last all year through : ) Thank you for sharing--I love walks, too!

    Lisa
    www.stepsandstaircases.tumblr.com

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    1. I not only did it right, I was the first??? Well hold on a sec while I pat myself on the back. ;) Thanks again for hosting today, Lisa. I love all your heartfelt dishes and especially your POETree!!!!!

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  3. What fun! And that is just what they are thinking...even my sixth graders!

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    1. Those little kids in my post are now in 6th and 8th grade too! I just wish the new school year excitement would last a bit longer now that they're older.

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  4. Ah yes, that very special feeling of going back to school! I personally used to love it, just as strongly as I loved the summer that preceded it. And I also remember the no white after Labor Day rule!

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    1. I still like the feeling of going back to school, even when I have no intention of doing any such thing! Was never much of a fan of the "no white" rule, though.

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  5. Thankfully we still start after Labor Day most years. I love the repetition in the poem. Thank you.

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  6. My boys start fifth grade this coming Wednesday, Michelle! I am never, *ever* ready for school to start back, but I know they need the routine. Your kids are beautiful, and I love your poem! = )

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    1. Thanks Becky-- good to know I'm not alone! I think it's the Aussie uniforms that help the kiddos look so scrumptious in these photos. :)

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  7. Makes me homesick for when we used to walk them (and you) to school. Sadly, not much of that going on anymore. Still, their enthusiasm is contagious. Can't wait to hear from them about it :-)

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    1. Me too. When I find out they've had a good first week (not just day), I'll be much more relaxed.

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  8. Sweet! I really like that first stanza, Michelle, with all that anticipation, captured perfectly in the voice of a child. Takes me back!

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    1. Thanks Renee, I think I would happily go to first grade a second time.

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  9. So. Very. True.

    :-)

    (and here's a secret -- the teachers want to play, too)

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