Trial By Grade One

In the elementary education system, the educators are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The primary division, who initiate students into school life, and the junior division, who bravely use urban dictionary to find out what their students are saying.

These are their stories.

There is a wee bit of a supply teacher shortage going on, in case you haven’t heard. So one Friday not long ago, some of us were reassigned for part of the day to help cover a grade one class. Some were cocky enough to volunteer because “it’s only thirty minutes, no big deal.”

Oh, it was a big deal alright.

I am not new to teaching younger classes, but it has been a while. You know how after time passes, you remember things differently, usually more positively? (my teacher bestie says I have a tendency to frequently don my rose-coloured hindsight glasses – that’s fair.) This is one of those times.

If you chat with a grade one learner, they can hold a reasonable conversation. I see them following the line leader down the hall, putting on their snowsuits independently, managing their lunch containers on their own. All these casual exchanges inflated my confidence that half an hour with these little cherubs would be a breeze.

Primary teachers, this cannot be stated enough, you have superpowers the rest of us can only hope to attain.

Things started off great! I read them one of my favourite books, silly voices and all. They hung on every word. We had a lovely follow up discussion about flamingos and how someone’s brother ate the last Bear Paw. Which led us into what I thought would be the pinnacle (and easiest) part of their day: the long-awaited FREE TIME.

Kids went off and got out blocks, doll houses, building toys, and games. It was glorious. For 4 minutes. Then there was “the incident”.

I am a firm believer that being curious and asking questions is a helpful way to navigate life. That is not always true in an elementary class.

Me: Why would you hit him?

Student: He took my train. And HE HIT ME, TOO.

Me: That’s not the best way to solve the problem. How did you feel when he hit you?

Student, leans in and whispers: I mean, he isn’t that strong, I didn’t really feel anything.

We both agreed that next time words would be a better option and there was no need to pursue the matter further. With that situation now resolved thanks to my top-notch conflict resolution skills, I realized it was getting close to home time, so I asked, “How much time do you need to get ready?”

A few students quickly replied, “usually about five minutes.”

And with that answer I discovered that grade one students grossly underestimate their getting-ready-for-home-skills and that I am far too trusting.

Reader, there was panic, sweat, and possibly tears (some were even the students) as the bell time drew near and we were nowhere close to being ready.

“LEAVE THE CHAIRS I WILL STACK THEM FOR YOU.”

“IF YOU TAKE THE BUS JUST GO. YOU’VE GOT THIS. I BELIEVE IN YOU.”

Rest assured, all students were matched up with their respective special someones. I left that grade one class with a renewed appreciation for my primary teacher colleagues. Oh, and also a sweet portrait (check out those biceps).