big changes...bigger freak outs

You know how we always say that kids need stability and structure.  They like it, they just don't always know it.

Well as an adult (most of the time), I can say that I LOVE IT!  I love stability, I love structure, I love routine.  I love knowing what is happening and how it's happening.  I'm especially fond of situations where I can be in control of all of the happenings.  *Self proclaimed control freak*

However, I also know that change is inevitable.  What is it "they" say, "The only thing that never changes is change."  Well, change my old friend, welcome back.

I will soon be leaving my current position as an Educational Technologist at Ohio State for a position at a Catholic school as a computer teacher.  In that sentence alone there are at least 2 BIG changes; higher ed to K-8 AND outside the classroom to inside the classroom.  HELP!

I've been a K-5 classroom teacher before but not a computer teacher.  I will be pouring over pinterest and reaching out on Twitter for help.  I will be asking for advice and suggestions and ideas.  Help, help, help.  Thanks.

Now, couple those things with the fact that Ohio State is in Ohio and my Catholic school is in Nevada -- Las Vegas -- more specifically, and WOW!!  Thankfully, I am from Vegas.  My family is there.  I made the trip from Vegas to Ohio 2 years ago for this job at OSU.  BEST DECISION!  hard move. So while I know Vegas...I'm going home...it's not an easy move.  It's a big change.

So...I think...if I'm freaking out and stressing and panicking about all of these things that are my choice and under my control, how do those kids feel?  The kids who have no choice when they move from home to home?  When they have no control about the people that are in and out of their homes? When they do not have a choice of what school or classroom they are placed in?

What can we do to help them...while we are with them?