Master Plate Spinners!

Here it is , already the third week into school. While I'm happy to be back into the swing of things I must admit, I feel like I've been jolted back into reality at warp speed after a summer of reading and relaxation.

The pace is hectic, the days flash by quickly and I often find myself sitting at my desk for the first time after the last student has boarded the bus to go home. I tell myself, every fall is like this. Things will slow down once all the seasonal extra-curricular commitments that I signed up for are done or maybe things will slow down when our classroom routines are running smoothly. But does the pace ever slow down in teaching? I don't think so. The days are few and far between where I leisurely scan my daybook after the students leave, nod at detailed and exciting plans and then skip out the door with nary an extra bag of marking in sight!

I have realized that as a teacher, I am developing a new skill--plate spinning! I had this visual the other day when my to-do list was climbing and climbing.

It seems once I get one plate spinning (ex. system reading assessment done) another one is thrown in (new science curriculum). Just when those two are spinning well, yet another plate gets thrown in the mix, and then another. Don't get me wrong, they are all very interesting plates. Every plate is a different size and design and they are all valuable. Each plate is worthy of spinning. I am just hoping to keep them all on the go and still be able to catch the next plate that will soon come sailing in towards me.

I think as teachers that is what we are all working at---becoming master plate spinners. Not just at school start-up--but all school year long.

We're all just trying to keep the plates spinning and still be able to step back long enough to enjoy our own show once in a while!