It's Beginning...

As I check out the blog world I find that people are gearing up for the upcoming school year. Parents are getting their children ready. We already have school supplies sitting in the book bag, new shoes, and a brand new lunch box. I can't believe that my daughter will be in first grade!
Teachers are getting ready for the new year of students that will be filing through their doors. I see questions on blogs asking, "Where do you think I should begin? What books should I start out with?" Check out Becomings post here about how to start reader's workshop. I also note Literacy Teacher has her carnival up and running. I wondered where it all went when I pushed the submit button. She is starting a new carnival about books to start the school year off with, you can submit here.
I am having mixed feelings about the upcoming school year. I have lots of expectations and tons of things on my agenda. I get the feeling that I won't be able to get it all in and do it well.
Here are a few things weighing heavy on my agenda:
1. Reader's Workshop, expectations, procedures, and then what?......
2. A student teacher that arrives in October, so excited, I want to share all that I have learned as an educator. Hope that experience turns out fantastic!
3. Writer's Workshop, 25 first graders and my touchstone text.
4. Getting my young daughters off to school. One starting first grade the other the second year of preschool.
5. Building a community!

Those are big things. They cloud my thoughts constantly. I can't get away from them, and it seems after visiting all your sites that you feel the same way. My word for this year is: Optimism. This is my mantra as the clouded thoughts visit me during insomnia, moments beside the pool, and while reading my professional literature. Anyone else having a hard time trying to file it all into the file cabinet inside your brain?