After only three days gone from the classroom - out at a conference - returning to the relentless pace of teaching was surprisingly difficult. Not only acclimating to the amount of people needing my attention at a given moment, but reestablishing our routines, and tidying a space that was left in slight disarray (I'm looking at you, Painting Station). It took some adjusting of expectations on my part.

However, overhearing a seventh grader remark to their friend that a day with hands in clay "low-key" made their day, made mine. Noticing and capturing the appreciation, wonder, the joy of our students can be fuel for weary adults in the classroom.