At 7 a.m., I walk into my classroom and set it up for the day, and then head to the door to greet my students. This is one of my favorite parts of the day, seeing their sleepy but excited faces as they walk in. A cheerful “Good morning!” sets the tone for a positive day. At 7:45, we settle in for the morning news and announcements. This is a time to breathe, reflect, and prepare mentally for the day.
At 8 a.m., it’s off to exploratory classes. While they’re away, I take a few moments to ensure everything is in place for the rest of the day—double-checking materials, looking over my plans, and mentally preparing for the lessons ahead.
At 8:45, the real excitement begins as I teach my first block of math and science. Fifth-grade math is all about building connections and deepening understanding, so we dive into concepts with collaboration, academic discourse, and small group instruction. I love seeing my students work together, challenging and supporting one another. Science, on the other hand, is hands-on and inquiry-driven. Watching them investigate, explore, and apply their learning is one of the most rewarding parts of my day. At 11 a.m., my second block arrives, and we repeat the magic of the morning.
As 2 p.m. rolls around, it’s time to prepare for dismissal. Students pack up, clean their areas, and grab their transportation passes. It’s a flurry of activity, but I always take a moment to check in with them before they leave, reminding them of the good work they’ve done and encouraging them for tomorrow.
Teaching is hard work, and no day is without its challenges, whether it’s juggling behavior management, addressing individual needs, or just keeping up with the fast pace. But it’s also deeply fulfilling. Every smile, every “aha moment,” every small victory makes it worth it.
When I leave school, I feel tired but accomplished. I know that in my classroom, my students are learning, growing, and discovering who they are, and I’m grateful to be a part of that journey every single day.