What is a First Grade Class?

      A first grade class is a group of six-year-olds, none of which look, act, think, behave, talk or grow in the same way.  Its members are victims of a magical age during which they pass from five-year-old babies to seven-year-old children.  It comes with assorted needs ranging from Kleenex to affection.  It has stars in its eyes and loose teeth in its mouth; questions on its mind, and Band-Aids on its knees; forgiveness in its heart, and peanut butter sandwiches in its lunch.

It Loves To Share

   A first grade class is able to put more things on a teacher's desk during the first five minutes of school than any other class can accomplish in a full day.  Two bouquets of flowers, six wilted leaves, a piece of father's birthday cake, a pretty stone, three phonograph records, a favorite book, a turtle, a broken thermos, and a nest of three newly hatched dead birds.

     A first grade class is fond of big ice-cream sandwiches, movies, dead birds, animal stories, and talks of how others lost their teeth and the rewards gained.  It enjoys being read to, and will bring Hans Christian Anderson up to date by sparkling the anticipated climax with the Dragnet theme.  It loves a teacher during play period, hates her when she takes gum away, and loves her once again when she smiles naturally.

It Loves To Talk

     A first grade class is able to steal all of a teacher's time with just a little, evenly divided, unplanned effort.  A skinned knee, a lost lunch, a broken zipper, measles breakout, untied shoes, two small boats, conference requests, and needed affection for one with a new brother will fill the day nicely.

    A first grade class is eager to inform its teacher of all the latest developments at home and abroad.  She knows when every member of the family has a birthday and the gifts received there upon.  She must look at every pair of shoes, shirt, dress, wallet . . .

It Loves You

A first grade class spends much time on a teacher's feet, but more in her thoughts.  It can turn her stomach during lunch and her heart during dinner.  It spills paint on her smock, and satisfaction in her soul.  It leaves her with a headache at three, and greets her with a smile at eight.  It brings noise during the day and peace during the night.  It takes everything out of her, but gives her more back in return when it leaves a note on her desk written in poor manuscript, but deepest feelings - - - - - - I LOVE YOU

By Janet A. Eaton

Home