A frequent first day/week of school read-alouds for primary teachers is Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the book, the story follows a mouse who has a great deal of anxiety about her first day of school. The narrative addresses fears and concerns that young students frequently have on the first day of school — worries of being different, what the teacher will be like, not finding important parts of the campus, needed to express emotion, etc. Her family encourages he to not worry, but Wemberly just can’t help it. Once in her classroom, Wemberly meets a kindred spirit, and together their worries melt away. It’s a sweet, simple story that is very relatable for many young students.
This year, however, our students may have extra worries not even Wemberly can calm. I have worries that none of my teacher resource books address, either. And parents/caregivers already know that there isn’t a manual for raising kids that can cope with life’s difficulties. We begin this new school year still in the midst of a global health crisis and still with adults trying to figure out the best way to cope. Kids are worried. Teachers are worried. Families/caregivers are worried. Worry, worry, worry. How are we supposed to cope?
I wish I could say that I am an expert on coping skills. I wish I had something comforting to say to students, teachers, and families. I wish I had the answers that would help everyone feel better about returning to school. But, I simply don’t. I’m in the middle of this just as all of you are. I have the same worries as everyone else. All I can do is remind myself that we are all dealing with stress and anxiety, and that everyone is doing the best they can to get by during this time. Allow yourself some grace and do the same for others. I don’t think that will make the worries go away, but I do believe that it won’t add new worries.
Stay safe out there, fellow educators. Happy Teaching!
PinaRose Education 