When I am introduced as a teacher, I am usually asked what I teach. When I say, "first grade", I generally hear a very flat "oh". I have never been certain whether it is an expression of pity, sympathy, disgust, or perhaps disinterest. Always, I wish I had the time to explain to them like this: YES, I teach first grade.
WHERE ELSE would a handsome young man put his arms around me and ask "Do you know that I'll always remember and love you?"
WHERE ELSE could I tie so many hair ribbons and belts and daily get to see a style show of pretty dresses and shirts?
WHERE ELSE could I walk up and down aisles and have little warm hands reach out to me?
WHERE ELSE could I have the privilege of wiggling loose teeth and receive the promise that I may pull them when they are loose enough and sometimes I do.
WHERE ELSE would I eat a spoiled piece of candy from a grimy little hand and not become ill? (I have to eat it because he watches me to see that I do!)
WHERE ELSE would the future look so bright as it does amid an energetic group to whom nothing is impossible?
WHERE ELSE could I guide the first letter formations of a chubby little hand that may some day write a book or an important document?
WHERE ELSE could I forget my own aches and pains because of so many cut fingers, scratched knees, bumped heads and broken hearts that need care?
WHERE ELSE could I forget cares and even "the state of the nation" because Stevie isn't grasping
WHERE ELSE would my mind have to stay so young as with a group whose attention span is so short that I must always keep a "bag of tricks" up my sleeve?
WHERE ELSE could I feel so close to my MAKER as I do each year when, because of something I've done, little children learn to read?
YES, I teach first grade, Mr. and Mrs.
I found this today. I've never been able to put into words the joys of teaching first grade. This comes close. :)
