As the school year comes to an end, I find myself thinking back to the very first day of Grade 1—what a special day that was!
The First Day: From Kindergarten to Grade 1
When the doors opened on that bright August morning, a group of wide-eyed little ones stepped into our classroom, still holding tight to the memories of their kindergarten days. Some were shy, some were excited, and a few were a little nervous—after all, Grade 1 sounded like a big step!
Their backpacks were almost as big as they were, and many clutched their new pencil cases like treasures. We began the day with gentle hellos, circle time, and a story to ease into our new adventure. It didn’t take long before laughter filled the room as we played name games, colored self-portraits, and explored our classroom.
That first week, we learned routines, practiced raising our hands, and even wrote our first journal entry: “What I Like About School.” Most answers were about snack time, recess, or the classroom pet, Mr. Bubbles the fish.
Growing Together: The Middle of the Journey
Over the months, we built a classroom community full of kindness, curiosity, and courage. We learned to read, count to 100, and tell stories with beginnings, middles, and ends. We lost a few teeth, celebrated birthdays, and made friends who feel like family now.
There were times we struggled—learning to tie shoes, understanding subtraction, or taking turns—but every challenge helped us grow a little stronger and a little braver.
The Last Day: Ready for Grade 2
And now, here we are. On the last day of Grade 1.
This morning, those same little faces walked into the room taller, more confident, and with backpacks full of memories instead of nerves. We looked at our first day photos, read our first journal entries, and smiled at how far we’ve come.
We celebrated with a small party, shared what we’re most proud of, and made “Grade 2 Goals” to take with us. Many of the kids wrote, “I want to help new Grade 1s like my friends helped me.”
A Teacher’s Heart
As their teacher, I couldn’t be prouder. It has been a joy to watch these children bloom—from careful scribblers to confident writers, from quiet observers to bold thinkers.
Dear families, thank you for trusting me with your precious little learners. And dear students, thank you for the giggles, the hugs, and the wonder you brought to every day. Grade 2 is lucky to have you.
Here’s to the memories we made—and to the new adventures ahead.