Special Occasionsfrom The Diary of a First Grade TeacherFirst Graders LOVE special occasions! And at school there are many days to celebrate. In fact, if there is no special occasion coming soon, we first grade teachers will create one. We celebrate everything, and especially important holidays! It keeps our students highly motivated and involved in learning. And I often learn a lot too ... especially about love. 
Our Christmas PartyGifts of all sizes, shapes, colors, and smells were stacked on my desk, ready to be opened …After seeing that all of my first graders were busy (and boy, were they!) crunching, smacking, licking, and/or poking their Christmas cookies and candies, I plopped into the chair at my desk and began unwrapping my gifts. Suddenly, there - between the colorful ribbons, gift bags, and bows - two large, innocent eyes gazed at me earnestly. It was Michael. “Teacher,” he said, “I didn’t get you nuttin'.” “That’s okay,” I said, trying to reassure him. That didn't matter one bit to me. But I was concerned about him ... “Are you having fun at our Christmas party?” I glanced at his desk and then saw that he hadn’t touched any of his treats or party favors. He stared at the schoolhouse floor. And never answered. “I wanted to buy you something,” he continued, “but I don’t got no money.” “Listen, baby,” I said, “don’t worry about that. I don’t want you to worry about anything. Just enjoy yourself!” But his little face was filled with sadness. And I couldn’t bear it. “Teacher,” he continued, "when I get me some money, I’m gonna buy you the bestest present in the world.” That’s it, I thought. I’ve got to do something. I prayed silently ... Lord, help me to say the right words. Reaching out my arms, I said, “Come over here, sweetheart.” Leaning over from my seat, I was eye-level with him. I took both of his little hands and placed them gently into mine. “Can you keep a secret?” I said. “Because I’ve got something REALLY important to tell you.” His mouth dropped open in surprise and he nodded slowly. “Do you see those gifts right there?” I glanced at my desk, and he did too. “Well, I think they are very nice ... ” I was whispering now. “But guess what! The present I would like the most right now is not there.” Michael listened intently. “Do you know what I really, REALLY want for a gift right now?” At first, he was speechless, but I waited. And finally, he whispered, “What?” “What I really would LOVE right now is a BIG hug! That would be … ” I never completed my sentence because Michael grabbed my neck with both arms. He pulled me in toward him, and squeezed me so hard I almost fell out of my chair on my head! After that, he raced away ... I watched as he ripped into his party favors and gobbled his food. Soon red and green Christmas cookie icing decorated his mouth and both of his hands. Celebration of the Most Special Occasion of ALLAnd finally ...As we celebrated the most special occasion of all year - the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ - I thanked the Lord for all the many blessings he had given me this year ... Including my room full of sweet, adorable first graders. And now they were all healthy and happy, including Michael. His face was beaming … And so was mine!
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