"Ms. Russo, I'm just going with the flow!"

Today was my first day with my first graders and what a day it was.  It started in the classroom when Ms. Moulton (the teacher) introduced me and explained that I was their teacher too.  Throughout the day, I just observed the class and kind of just made sure everyone was paying attention and doing what they were supposed to. This week is all just observation since we're still training and it's only the first real week of school.  I got to go to recess and eat lunch with them, which was fun.  I sat with two girls and a boy at lunch where they told me alllllllll about their lives.
It's so much fun to be in first grade because they are so loving.  I hadn't even spoken to a girl before she wanted me to hold her hand as we walked down the hall.  I don't ever have to worry about the kids getting upset at me for disciplining them because I know by the time we get to the other end of the hall, they'll be thinking of something completely different (whether that's good or bad, who knows....).  They all want to hold my hand, give me hugs and sit next to me whenever possible.
It's pretty easy to pick out the kids who are going to cause the behavior problems.  None of them can sit still, but there are definitely a few who don't pay attention at all and have a hard time following directions.  We were told to not think of them as "bad kids" but just kids who make bad decisions.  I definitely think that's true for first grade because they're so little. Even the kids who cause the most trouble don't mean to.  All any six year old wants to do is please you, it's just that it's a little bit harder for some of them.
The funniest part of the day was when a little kid was sitting on the carpet and someone sat in his seat.  He moved to the seat next to me and sat down. When I asked why he wasn't in his seat, he looked at me and goes " K. is in my seat but it's okay because I'm just going with the flow."  I couldn't help but smile.  Not freaking out/tattling when something like this happens in first grade, and when they can just "go with the flow" it makes everything so much easier. Plus, it's too cute.
Today was exhausting. I don't think I realized how tired I was until it was all over. I'm sure it will only get more tiring as the kids get more wild and the days get longer, but I'm excited and can't wait for it all to unfold.



"I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy.  I woke and I saw that life is all service.  I served and I saw that
service is joy."
-  Mother   Teresa