If you don’t pass through a stage of abject fear on your way to the first day of school, you are in the distinct minority. Here are three reasons I have that fear on a rotating basis:
- Trying something new – what if it doesn’t work?
- Repeating past successes – what if it was only luck?
- Connecting with my students – what if they don’t respond?
My abject fear is balanced by a trust that my past experience will guide me through difficulties and help me solve new problems.
What about you? How does your anxiety for the first day of school manifest itself, and how do you face it down?