Funny Thingsfrom The Diary of a First Grade TeacherFunny things happen all the time in the first grade classroom. And whenever I introduce a new idea, concept or skill, you CAN BE SURE that funny things will happen!
Open House“Boys and girls,” I said. “I have an announcement ... The PTA has asked me to tell you that we’re having Open House tonight. Be sure to remind your parents to come visit our classroom tonight.”Tommy was not impressed with the announcement. “I ain’t coming,” he huffed. “I already seen this place.” Then, Weesie skipped up to me and tugged on my jacket - even though I was looking at her the whole time. “Teacher," she said, still pulling on my jacket - but never once looking at me, "my mommy can’t come to the PCB Meeting. She said she’s going to have a big, BAAAAAD headache!" A New First Grade SkillDuring Language…I said, “The names of people must begin with capital letters.” Next, I wrote several examples on the board and taught the lesson. “Now," I said. “We’re going to play a game… If the word I say should begin with a capital letter, point your thumbs up, like this.” I demonstrated. “BUT, if the word I say should NOT start with a capital letter, make your thumbs point down, like this.” Again, I demonstrated.
“Before we can play the game though, we are going to review the lesson. To review, I will ask you to answer a few questions.” “Okay,” I continued. “Who can tell me why people’s names should begin with capital letters?” Martin said, “I know! Cause I’m 'PORTANT!” Little Weesie stammered. “Cause I’m up … up there! You know, a big case!” “Because I’m first,” Tommy said, flatly. “I know,” Loegan said. “It’s because I’m at the beginning.” “Ummm ... okay,“ I thought. “There's always another way to go at this.” So ... We played the game.
Later ... For practice, the first graders were to write the names of three people correctly… I saw Stevie’s blank page and asked, “Do you need some help?” “I got a problem. I know you said write the names of people with capital letters. But I’m telling you. Not this kid! He’s GOT TO BE a low-down-case.” I could hardly wait to see where this was going ... “See, it’s my brother,” he reasoned. “Ain’t nothing big about him. He’s a little ol' BIDDY thang!” I didn’t say a word; I just glanced at him because the truth is - I was amused and didn’t want to laugh in his sweet little face. After seeing that I wasn't going to say anything, Stevie finally mumbled, "Ooo-kay." He wrote a capital letter and admitted, “He is a BIG PEST!”
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