It can be a rough tumble from top of the heap to just another face in the crowd. It’s a lesson Daughter and I have both experienced — actually, she’s experiencing it now. Many years ago, I yawned my way through the first six grades of what was then elementary school. Interesting aside: In these … More The 7th Grade Blues, When It Just Didn’t Add Up (for the first time)
It’s Kindergarten Graduation Time. Again. It’s been six years since Young Daughter made this same step up to 1st grade. It’s the kind of June morning where the mugginess plasters your shirt to your back, between the shoulders. Parents wave paper programs, coaxing a hint of a breeze. The children are restless. The teachers are … More New memories of Kindergarten, inside looking out: Small students, big hearts
“My name is TRACEY. You should know that. I’ve worked here for six years.” Embarrassment crept up the back of my neck as I mumbled, “Sorry.” It didn’t matter. she was quickly out of earshot. I immediately flashed back to a memory of my father — and just as quickly wondered if my daughter would … More By any other name, subtle race stereotypes still haunt us
First day of 5th Grade. A new school year. A new, grown-up “tween” world view. A new uniform shirt color. She told me at breakfast this morning she felt nervous, an unusual admission on her part. Reason? She didn’t know who (which friends) would be in her home base/fine arts and content classes. She will … More First day of 5th Grade: A year to learn about yourself and make (good) memories that last
10 years old. Double digits. Whoa. I remember standing in the upstairs hallway of the house I grew up in, contemplating my own 10th birthday. “A decade old,” I told myself. Sounded pretty momentous. Now, the 10th birthday has played itself out once again, but instead of 1968, it’s 2017. My memory slowly records what … More Turning 10: A milestone among memories — but hoping she’ll never outgrow her inner child
I should’ve seen it coming. Never pretend to understand the 9-year-old mind, for your efforts shall be fruitless and fraught with frustration. What am I talking about now? (A question that’s often directed my way.) After the first few days on the new job teaching at Daughter’s school, she has been incredibly helpful, supportive, and … More Close encounters with 9-year-olds: Please keep me from looking ‘stupid’
Another morning at the bus stop. OK, well it’s Halloween morning, but none of the kids are in costumes. Most of them consider themselves too old for that — at least at school — but you can bet they’ll be scooping up a little bit of candy tonight. This is only a stepping off point … More Halloween can be a great way to learn about — and conquer — bias
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