Preparing to move up

When David was preparing to start kindergarten last fall, we asked him what he wanted his teachers to know about him. He thought about it, and decided on two points:

I am very ticklish.
I drink a lot of water.

In a couple of weeks, he will go back to his preschool for a morning as a kindergarten expert to tell the kids who are heading off to kindergarten next year what to expect. He can talk about the increased structure, about having different teachers who specialize in art and music and computers and reading, about going from being the oldest grade in school to once again being the youngest grade in school, about having a cafeteria and an enormous library and greater responsibility. Or he might just spend an hour telling them the rules to all of the dozens of games they play in gym class. I hope he’ll tell them that it will be different, and that it will be bigger, and that it will be ok.

He talked with his friend Z (who is in first grade) last weekend about some of the similarities and differences between kindergarten and first grade. Z explained that there are a lot fewer math videos in first grade, because in first grade they do advanced math, and videos don’t help with that.

Meanwhile, David’s school asked us to write down what questions we have about first grade. I already know they will be spending more time at desks and less time at activity tables. I know the structure will increase, there will be fewer aides, and chances to run around during the school day will decrease. And I know my real questions cannot be answered.

Do you manage your classroom with compassion or threats? Is that what the kids think also?
Do you have time to address kids with different learning styles, or do you have to spend too much time checking boxes?
Do you still feel the passion for elementary education that you originally brought into this most important profession?
When a child tells you that he is thirsty, is that an annoying distraction from the current activity or a chance to solidify a new relationship?
Are you up for the challenge of figuring out when my child needs a hug and when he needs to be tickled?

There will be report cards and evaluations and notes from last year’s teacher to read. Those are important steps in getting to know him. But you should also know that my child is very ticklish, and he drinks a lot of water. He wants you to know that.