I didn’t sleep last night in anticipation for my first day in Grade 1. I woke up early and packed my lunch and rushed to school to meet my new cooperating teacher. I loved getting the chance to poke around in her classroom and see all of the thoughtful tools she has implemented to make sure the day runs smoothly. From the number system students hold up when they need to go the washroom or get a drink of water, to the visual attendance board that they’ve learned to use as they come and go from class. It’s clear how important routines are in the classroom for management but also for saving valuable time.

It was fun to roam around and meet all the neighboring teachers and staff, but I was most excited to meet all the firsties when the bell finally rang. As they charged in excitedly and hung up their coats and backpacks, we had lots of side glances, waves, and fingers pointed as they got ready to start the day. After a chaotic fire drill, we settled into the morning routine and had the opportunity to observe while the students loved getting to tell Miss Philip and Miss S all the ins and outs along the way.

Our introductory lesson was scheduled for the afternoon.  After hearing from our cooperating teacher the week before that we only had 15-20 minutes to teach, I was a little concerned. We needed to learn our students’ names, make connections, and try to find out who we would be teaching over the next 7 weeks. What could we possibly do in so little time? So my teaching partner and I met to brainstorm some ideas. We planned and revised and planned again to find an activity that we thought would be simple enough to fit into that time frame.

When it came time to teach our lesson, we realized that there was a miscommunication. Our cooperating teacher had given us each 15-20 minutes! Oh, the things we could have planned! But we decided to just go for it and adjust as we needed and we could always allow more questions if we had to fill time. Of course, like any good teacher, Mrs. F had other things planned if we came up short.

Am I ever glad it happened that way! As it turns out, a 15 minute lesson in Grade 1 can easily span over 30+ minutes. By the time you gain their attention, get them all sitting in the appropriate spot, explain everything from top to bottom and bottom to top you’ve lost their attention again!

Just when I began to wonder if I was the worst teacher ever, I got my first hug and thank you for a fun day. It was then that I realized, there’s no rush in Grade 1. The pace is much different from that of upper elementary and middle school where I’m used to being. Almost everything is new and there are teaching moments built in throughout every experience. I’ve learned that I need to slow down and allow for that learning to happen.