January 30, 2008

Carol Cirtin, a third grade teacher at Otterbein Elementary School in Otterbein, Indiana

An annual poem I have my third graders memorize is a wonderful reminder for the whole year. I have students who tell me when they are graduating from high school that they recite it to remind them of important things. “New Beginnings” by Helen Steiner Rice:

How often we wish for another chance
to have a fresh beginning
A chance to blot out our mistakes
and change failure into winning.
It does not take a new year
to make a brand new start.
It only takes the deep desire
to try with all your heart.
To live a little better
and to always be forgiving
To add a little sunshine
to the world in which we are living.
So, never give up in despair
and think that you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow
and a chance to start anew.

My students memorize this poem every year and do it within a week. We also recite it on the morning announcements. I have students that stop by to recite it in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and have even had it recited at graduations! What a wonderful way to start a healthy new year!