After many hours spent finding the right outfit (a floor-length dress and cardigan), I reviewed my "first day script." I went over every aspect of my classroom policies and management. I reviewed my student teaching notes (I had kept a journal) and remembered the mishaps of the first day of First Grade. The tears, screams, and parent-student separation anxiety. The confused look in the student's eyes. The gentle push for the parents to leave. I remembered it being a whirlwind and the same was to happen today.
The parents dropped their children off promptly and delivered them to the room, as the buses are not running yet. There were about five students that shed tears and plenty that were stifling their sniffles. I was assigned a teacher's aide who will be with me throughout the day, all year and an aide for the morning (for the first week). They have been a huge help.
My student population is from all around the world. I have students from India, Philippines, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the UAE. It is a wonderful group that brings together many cultures and traditions. I have 27 students total, which is a large group for first graders. I am fortunate to have an attentive and lively group. I am looking forward to a year filled with excitement and growth.
