"It's a Beautiful Life"- Genevieve Galvan Frenes

It’s been six weeks since I started back to traditional instruction as a teacher at a high school. This year I began my 25th year in teaching. What were the most precious memories so far?

For starters, I chose to not focus on rules the first few days or weeks like I normally would have during a regular school year. We began the year by talking about mental health, maintaining a balance of work and play, and determining the type of students my kids wanted to be.

We talked about how to be a student again. I explained the concept of redirecting behavior when students acted in a way which was not appropriate in the classroom. Some students were at home for an entire year so to sit attentive in class might be a challenge for those individuals. Redirection was not the same as discipline since it was simply reteaching students how to behave once again.

We took time to know each other. The kids walked the room and gathered signatures of their peers, learning about interests and skills they might share. Some were nervous to speak to others while the social ones sauntered about the room, glad to meet the next unknown friend.

I stood at my podium and as I watched my students enjoy each other’s company, deep down I wanted to cry.

I remembered before the pandemic when students participated in this activity so freely and unafraid, yet now, the classes before me walked cautiously and slowly about the room, learning how to socialize and become acquainted with one another. I envisioned kindergarten and the excitement of new activities and friendships.

A few students sat at their desks, unable to cope with such socialization. I didn’t force the activity on these students since I could see these sensitive beings needed their peace. Others still came to them asking for signatures as part of the activity and eventually, those quiet souls eased up a bit to enjoy the laughter in the room.

It was a Friday when this small activity took place, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget the joy I experienced as I observed a transition unfold before my eyes. Although it may seem like a simple, ordinary activity, socialization is a gift which was lost in education during the pandemic.

I’m grateful this gift has emerged again.

I’m grateful to see my students’ faces again (even with masks).

I’m grateful to have a room filled completely with Junior students, young and vibrant, and hopefully enjoying their return to classes.

I’m filled with joy when I hear kids chatting, laughing, smiling, as they work together on tasks.

Although I’m still vigilant about the virus surrounding my community, I choose to see each day as a new one and pray that all of my students stay healthy, so I can stay healthy as well.

It’s only been six weeks.

I wonder what small surprises will enlighten my heart throughout this new year.

Stay blessed everyone….

***Teachers, how did you start this year differently?