Sharing Kindergarten

  • Home
  • Read More
    • Literacy
    • Math
    • Phonics
    • Sight Words
    • Teaching Tips
  • Newsletter
  • FREEBIE Email Series
  • Professional Development
    • Digital Learning Boot Camp
    • Teaching Top 5 Virtual Conference
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Downloads
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • Downloads
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Checkout
  • Cart

The Year After I Gave Up My Passion

August 13, 2016 By Mary Amoson 2 Comments

The Year After I Gave Up My Passion

This is the year… the year after I gave up my passion.

On the first day of school one week ago, I saw my administration in the hallway. Like all amazing front office personnel, they asked me how things were going and if I needed anything. {They most likely meant… any transportation or bus number information we can help you with?}
My eyes filled with tears…

Let me explain…

This is the year after, the year after I gave up my passion.
{You can read about this experience here.}

The hole in my heart stayed with me the whole school year.
Not that I didn’t have fun and enjoy teaching another grade. I truly did.
But when you know what you were put on this Earth to do…
it is hard to NOT be doing it.
My passion for Kindergarten did not change, yet I evolved as a person, mother, and teacher.
I was able to expand my comfort zone by allowing me to be a better teacher and better person.

This Year

And as I shared with you all, at the end of the school year, I heard.
First, I found out that I would be able to return to my favorite grade, Kindergarten, for this school year.
I was able to go back to my heart and soul. Heart healing let’s begin.

Honestly my room was not “done” at meet the teacher.
Since I was at a new school and therefore a new room,
I just could not “see” how everything would function with students yet.
Then, I face several barriers to basic classroom prep.
I have no window, sink, or cabinets in this new room.
More so, I had to leave 4 short but long shelves, classroom carpet, an art easel, and other school purchased items at my other school.
After purchasing a new carpet for my new room… I simply do not have the funds for these much desired items yet.
But each room is its own work in progress. (You can check on my room reveal here if you are interested. 🙂 )

The Imperfect

We had meet the teacher.
Most of the parents had no clue who I was.
The parents who did know me “thought” of me as an upper grade teacher.
There were shocked faces when they learned… I have taught Kindergarten for ten years.
See… I love this grade.
I am “back” home.

I met my students.
They are perfectly imperfect.
What a blessing they are because I know God hand picked those names for me.
And I know we get to start a HUGE, FUN, and MEANINGFUL 180 day journey.

I don’t know a lot about how this year…
the year after I gave up my passion, will be.
This is the year I was blessed to get my passion BACK.

But here is what I do know.

I am more grateful for the tedious classroom moving and prep
in the classroom without windows, sink, or cabinets.
Those things don’t matter. I get to setup a classroom to teach Kindergarten. 

Now, it doesn’t bother me that my room isn’t perfect or that all the details are not done.
I know it is a beautiful work in progress and it will get better in time.
These things will get a little better each and every day.
Then, I get to transform my classroom into perfection as I teach Kindergarten.

What I don’t Care About

And I don’t care that my students are very young and full of energy.
I don’t care that I have many more boys than girls.
These children matter, regardless of their age, maturity, or gender. I get to teach Kindergarten to them. 

First, I don’t care how tiring and exhausting the first day of school is.
Secondly, I don’t care how tedious the first few weeks will be.
I don’t even care how many children will need shoes tied, nose wiped, or boo boos fixed.
Because I get to teach life skills, social skills, and more skills in Kindergarten.

Next, I don’t care that I will be changing up my comfortable scope and sequence to a new one.
I don’t care what I will have to reorganize ALL my themed tubs.
{And you know I have a LOT of them.}
Because I get to collaborate with new AMAZING, dedicated teachers and learn so much through them.
And I get to share ideas with them to improve our Kindergarten program.

What Matters

First, I am the most grateful.
Then, I am the most happy.
Next, I am the most excited.
I thought I was meant to teach Kindergarten.
And after teaching another grade, I KNOW I am meant to teach Kindergarten.

Last year was a great, humbling, and honest year for me as a teacher.

I learn

The details don’t really matter.
A few details can help us. Other details can hinder us.
More details can make things easier. Some details can make things harder.
What matters is your mindset.
And what matters is the decisions you make today
and everyday to be the most grateful that
YOU GET to do this job. 

Back to my Story

Back to my true story.
On the first day of school one week ago, on my first day BACK in Kindergarten, I saw my administration in the hallway.
Like all amazing front office personnel, they asked me how things were going and if I needed anything.
{They most likely meant… any transportation or bus number information we can help you with?}
My eyes filled with tears…
tears of pure joy and happiness.
I literally said, “Everything is amazing. I can’t even talk about…” as my eyes watered and I held back my emotions.

First, I gave my principal a hug and wiped a stray tear away.
Then, I did the same to my assistant principal who was literally walking towards us and asking me the same question.

Next, I wanted to scream THANK YOU.
Then, I wanted to tell them how much it meant to me to be standing in the kindergarten classroom this year.
I simply could not say it.
Because if I did, I would have lost it and did the ugly cry…
in the hallway… on the first day of school.

I smiled and simply said.  “I can’t even talk about how wonderful it is.”

What to know what happened BEFORE this post?

What happened the year I gave up my passion? Read here.

The Year I Gave Up My Passion

Related Posts

  • St. Patrick’s Day Product Linky PartySt. Patrick’s Day Product Linky Party
  • Sunday FUNdaySunday FUNday
  • Leaf Rubbing PlatesLeaf Rubbing Plates
  • Charging My DevicesCharging My Devices
  • Pumpkin Themed BooksPumpkin Themed Books
  • Four Piece Easter Egg ActivitiesFour Piece Easter Egg Activities

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
«
»

Filed Under: Teaching Tips

Comments

  1. Heather says

    August 6, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    Mary, you are definitely my sister of circumstance. I am going through this exact same situation and I am more grateful than I have ever been in my teaching career, this year. I am back in kindergarten and all of those little things that used to drive me crazy are just the beauty of being a K teacher. I have thanked my principal to the point that I think she will start avoiding me if I don’t stop.

    Those who have never felt the passion and calling to teacher K will never understand. We do not just teach. We are not just teachers. WE ARE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS!- to the core. We are so different than others and many do not understand. It is who we are and what drives us, both at work and in our “real” lives. When that is taken away we wither. This year you and I will both bloom, again. Here is wishing you the most beautiful year of happiness ever.

    Reply
  2. Kristy Pulcher says

    May 27, 2019 at 6:00 pm

    Mary,

    I love your faith and happy to hear how God worked things for you and your family! I am so glad I got to meet you in person at the Frogstreet SPLASH last year! I hope our paths cross again. I am passionate about Pre-K so I loved reading your story and can relate to it. Mindset is everything!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Looking for Something?

Check Out These

  • Earth Day Lesson Plans
    Earth Day Lesson Plans
  • Earth Day Books
    Earth Day Books
  • Printer Hack with Printable Magnetic Sheets
    Printer Hack with Printable Magnetic Sheets
  • Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
    Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
  • Insects Printables and Insect Activities
    Insects Printables and Insect Activities

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Pinterest

  • Super fun Book Talk Forms to improve your students' comprehension, writing, and oral communication.  Sweet or Sour? Lemon themed Book Talk / Book Report forms are perfect for your students to share their favorite books with the class.  Teachers can also assess students' reading comprehension and oral communication skills.  #bookreport #booktalk #teacherkarma #readingcomprehension #bookreportforms #bookreports #opinionwriting
  • Interactive Bobble Bee Paper Craft for Kids | An engaging, fun and easy Spring Craft that children will love to make at school / in the classroom or at home! Use our printable templates to create a bee that buzzes and bounces around its beehive. Grab them here along with more easy spring crafts for kids! | Easy Spring Paper Crafts for Kids | Bee Crafts for Kids | Easy Spring Craft Ideas for Kids | Easy Spring Kids Crafts #CraftsForKids #SpringCrafts #ArtsAndCrafts #BeeCrafts #KidsCrafts
  • Gorgeous collection of spring science experiments for kids. Make minibeast lifecycles, change the colour of flowers, grow beans in a jar and lots more science fro kids #springscience #scienceforkids.
  • Pool noodles seem like pretty much a summer activity, but it turns out there are lots of ways to use pool noodles for DIY crafts! Here are a few ideas...
  • I have another food related game ideas for you guys, but after chatting with Caitlin from Kindergarten Smiles, I am going to work a little more on one of the games to make it outstanding for you. I know you won’t mind holding tight until it is ready. I promise it will be yummy and […]
  • 10 Steps to Center Success
  • Oh the weather outside is frightful… and I know it is still winter… {I live in GA and we might have a delayed start tomorrow because it is SOOOO COLD.} BUT I am already making some FUN plans in the spring using the NEWEST book from Lucille Colandro called… There Was an Old Lady Who […]
  • I have a help to make Osmo Words and Numbers even better in your classroom. Here is how you can organize Osmos in your classroom.
  • Use Earth trivia questions and learn more about our amazing planet, while playing this printable educational game for kids!
  • Let's rename "meet the teacher" to "meet my heart" because this is the day you meet the faces of the students who will find their way into my heart.
Follow Me on Pinterest

Latest On Instagram

sharingkindergarten

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 wife & mommy of two girls
📱a little techie
👩🏻‍🏫 Passionate Kindergarten Teacher
🎤 Educational Presenter
💻 #sharingkindergarten

Sharing Kindergarten
Plant themed math activities. #sharingkindergarten Plant themed math activities. #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/springintomathfun/
Grab this freebie printable. And if you love it, y Grab this freebie printable. And if you love it, you can check out more! #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/earth-day-activities/
✨✨ENTER TO WIN BIG!!!!✨✨ Need help trackin ✨✨ENTER TO WIN BIG!!!!✨✨
Need help tracking student progress?! I'm excited to team up with ESGI to giveaway a Site Licenses for one lucky school! A $2500 value!
For a chance to win simply have your team register for a trial of ESGI with Promo Code TEAMMARY at esgisoftware.com. #sharingkindergarten
New release! Plant Life Cycle Print & Play Pack ht New release! Plant Life Cycle Print & Play Pack https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plant-Lifecycle-Print-Play-Pack-6773669
I love using the book There Was an old Lady Who Sw I love using the book There Was an old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog activities. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/There-Was-an-Old-Lady-Who-Swallowed-a-Frog-1636346
Looking for Kindergarten Readiness Checklist? You Looking for Kindergarten Readiness Checklist? You grab this one for free!  https://sharingkindergarten.com/kindergarten-readiness-checklist/#sharingkindergarten #sharingkindergarten
#kindergarten
#kindergartenteacher
#kindergartenlife
#kindergartenrocks
#kindergartenready
#iteachk #iteachkindergarten 
#iteachtoo #iteachfirst 
#teachersofinstagram #teachersoftpt #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofig #igteachers #kindergarten #KindergartenLife #ITeachToo #TeacherBlog
Anyone else covering living and non living things Anyone else covering living and non living things soon??? #sharingkindergarten https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Living-and-Nonliving-Things-1424371
Today is a fun day!!. Instagram post 1791208896163 Today is a fun day!!. Instagram post 17912088961637476
TpT just sent me TWO $10 give cards to giveaway in TpT just sent me TWO $10 give cards to giveaway in honor of their Spring Sale!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sharing-Kindergarten

To enter just tag a friend below. I will pick a winner at 10pm EST.
Instagram post 18138731170163452 Instagram post 18138731170163452
Stack up all those deals... Check out this LIGHNIN Stack up all those deals... Check out this LIGHNING deal...
ad: https://amzn.to/39Jivn6
55% off, plus $1 coupon, plus use the code EASYONE0 to get another 10% off.
All my washcloth bunnies are made and ready to be All my washcloth bunnies are made and ready to be hunted. Each one is labeled with a specific student’s name and a personal message inside. I have included the link for the how to make these. #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/easy-easter-ar/
Check out this offer on an AMAZING VIRTUAL PD even Check out this offer on an AMAZING VIRTUAL PD event that you can afford...The Educator Summit!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW:
https://www.theeducatorsummit.com/a/45942/23qehj6E
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured presenter at The Educator Summit!
The Educator Summit is a three-day virtual conference with over 30 sessions presented by nationally recognized educational leaders. It runs from June 28-30th. 

As an attendee of the summit you will receive:
❤️Over 30 hours of on-demand professional development sessions
❤️The ability to watch and replay to all of the sessions until September 30, 2021*
❤️Certificate of attendance (please check with your district for their requirements)
❤️❤️Exclusive VIP free products that have been created specifically for this event

*30 days for The Keynote Speakers
Right now, you can secure your seat at the virtual conference with a special discount.
You can attend the 3 days for 50% off the tuition price.
This special discounted rate will only be available until April 5th at midnight MDT.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW:
https://www.theeducatorsummit.com/a/45942/23qehj6E
Did you love The Impatient Caterpillar? The sequel Did you love The Impatient Caterpillar? The sequel is perfection! #sharingkindergarten https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Little-Butterfly-Who-Could-6720914
Day one with Invisalign and my hopeful last day wi Day one with Invisalign and my hopeful last day with Invisalign. It has been two years and the progress is evident! Best news... almost NO TMJ pain now. It is very rare that I have TMJ pain. I will always have a night guard/retainer. And I will most likely always have a permanent retainer on the bottom. #sharingkindergarten
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs · Privacy Policy