I had a truly unique day at work yesterday. It was a day that reminded me why I applied for this job, why I spend so many unpaid hours preparing at home, why I need to overlook the negatives and focus on the positives.
Right now I’m teaching my kindergarten students about different cultures around the world. Yesterday I introduced my students to Japan. Because I lived there for 3 years, I was able to share some real-life experiences that you wouldn’t find written up in a textbook. I dug up EVERYTHING I could find from Japan! I brought books and clothes and photos and dolls and toys and origami and Hello Kitty chopsticks and pottery and a bag full of yen. I wore the cotton summer kimono my husband bought for me, and I heard myself speaking Japanese words I haven’t spoken in years. It brought back so many wonderful memories.
But even better than that, my little Japanese presentation reminded me of the most basic and most important aspect of my job as a teacher. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS. It’s not about the paycheck or the complaining parents or the co-worker who has made it her mission to make my life miserable. It’s about the kids and the spark in their eyes when they’re having so much fun that they have no idea they’re learning. Watching their faces yesterday as they listened to my stories about Japan and hearing them say konnichiwa to everyone who passed them in the hallway made every negative aspect about my job melt away.
The song I chose for Goodnight Moon’s What’s YOUR Song? Link-Up has absolutely nothing to do with teaching or kids or Japan. It’s about those aha moments when you remember why you chose to do something that you once loved, especially after the novelty of it has worn off and the negatives start overshadowing the positives. Even though every now and then I feel like I’m “losing the feeling of feeling unique,” I have days like yesterday when I think, “Man it feels good to feel this way.” The song reminds me to remember why I decided years ago that I wanted to be a teacher. It’s a reminder about getting back to the basics, getting back to that place “where it all began.”
{It could also possibly be an ode to getting high. But I like my interpretation better.}
Regardless of the true meaning of these crazy lyrics, the song is upbeat and fun. And we can all use a little bit of that.
Now go over to Goodnight Moon and link up YOUR song! 
I've never heard this song – it's very good!
LOVE IT!!! Great Song,been awhile since I heard it.
When my son is ready to enter the world of Kindergarten, I hope he is lucky enough to have a teacher like you. I am continually impressed by your attitude toward teaching. It sounds like it just runs in your veins.
So that was why you were wearing a kimono. How awesome for all the kids in your class! I bet you they all went home and told their parents about how awesome you are! Isn't it nice when you see that sparkle in their eyes and all the negativity just vanish away.
And it's all how we interpet a song isn't it! Great song choice!!!!!!
Thanks again for linking up my friend!
Me and my best friend used to rock out to this song. Loving it!!
What an awesome post!! We need more teachers like you who will forget the negatives and focus on the education aspect. I know too many people who go into that field for the paycheck…
I wish all the children in American could have a teacher like you. Teaching is so much more than simplistic lesson plans and teaching the basics. It sounds like you already know that. My husband, a university educator, calls teachers like you "born teachers."
I'm a new GFC follower.
Blessings on your weekend. I hope you enjoy it and find a fun surprise tucked in.
Pamela
I am a new follower!! I love this song! And thank you for teaching. I have always been a firm believe that teachers are very very important and deserve more respect.
Your teaching story warms my heart. When you have passion for what you do, the kids can't help but feed off it.