Top 10 Reasons......

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love First Grade......

10. First graders have a very unique view of the world. They are extremely observant little human beings, and they notice everything. They are like sponges, soaking up all the stimuli around them, and it is amazing the things they tell me aboutl-- what it's like at home, their adventures at Wal-Mart, what Mom/Dad are up to (sometimes TMI). Most everything that goes on in their little worlds is so innocent and fresh, and to be able to laugh and think like a child with them keeps me younger still!

9. . First graders have ENTHUSIASM! I am obsessed with the fact that they get just as excited as I do about new sight words, the weather changing on our graph, AR Reward Friday, or new phonics rules. I can always count on them to be enthusiastic about what we do, and the thing is, I honestly really DO love knowing and teaching anything new. So it makes me happy that they care too!

8. Everyday is an up-and-down rollercoaster adventure. You cannot predict what will happen one day to the next. My team teachers in first grade and I are always sharing stories about our days during lunch and conference. The stories and ongoings of our crazy days rattle off and never seem to end for any of us. Whether a student threw up on the carpet , or they tricked a substitutue, or they acted out and yelled "INCOMING" for the substitute and took cover under their desks as if they were being bombed (yes, this happened!). Each day holds a new challenge or test of its own. But we are more than conquerors.

7. . HUGS hugs HUGS hugs HUGS... all. day. long. The amount of hugs I get is insane.  It always makes me slow down and stop to count blessings when I'm going going going and then one of my students gets up in the middle of the lesson or activity and I go, "Where should you be? What are you doing?" and they just come towards me and wrap their arms around me. I immediately realize that they just want to show me they love me and that they care, and they are happy to embrace me. It helps me to calm down and realize that what I do is so much more than just cramming in 4 subject areas into our schedule each day, and it always makes my heart better than it was the moment before the hug.

6.First graders are hilarious. They do things like mispelling words, and accidentally spelling a cuss word (this makes me LOL!)  .... Or they do things like take TPRI testing materials, such as letters to make and complete a word on a task sheet, and make them dance or choo-choo train to their places. They constantly crack you up because they have no idea about social cues yet, so they just do whatever they want, and everyone thinks it's ok. Like when they meow like cats at recess,  or care too much about what's on TV. It's okay to everyone, and quite entertaining for me.

5. Acting/Singing/Dancing- my first graders LOVE brain breaks. I love to get the cha cha slide going, the Gangnam Style, or the Cha Cha Chicken Bok and it's totally normal to get jiggy with it. I love how I can bust out a song like "that's the way...uh huh uh huh..." and they just chime right in and start dancing because they are so excited. I love how they like to dance with each other, girls and boys, because at this age, it's still FUN to be friends with the opposite sex!

4. PLEASERS- First graders LOVE LOVE LOVE to please their teacher like none other grade level. They look to me as if I am their mother and love to do everything right to get that little bit of appreciation/reward.  Their hormones are not even close to kicking in, there aren't any attitudes involved, they just love to please all of their teachers- and this makes me proud!

3. RESPONSIBLE- First graders can wipe their nose, their butts, and require no help/assistance. I don't have to heard "Mrs. Lowe- I need help wiping!" or they come up to my desk with boogers running down their nose and into their mouths--- NOPE---not in 1st grade. They are very aware of the tissue box and where it is located and HOW to use it!

2. Mountain Climbers- First Grade is by far the most rewarding grade to teach that I have found, thus far. The mountains that these kids climb and achieve is skyrocketing! They amaze me more and more each day with how much they achieve. To come in on day 1, even the whole week 1 and struggle putting ABC's in order, or identifying a vowel/consonant....yet they are already reading past the 60 words per minute mark. It's almost like a light bulb effect and each kid turns it on at different times of the year. Some before Christmas, some after, some right about February, and a bunch after Spring Break. Once they realize they are "reading" they kick in a sense of passion for it- and feel a sense of pride- and there is no turning back! It's amazing to see how far they come in just 180 days together.

1. LOVE. I get to tell my students I love them every single day. I tell kids all day long, but I love how I hug them each afternoon as I put them in their car and before I can even say the words- I get to hear "I love you Mrs. Lowe"- Ah! The feeling that gives, is undescribable! I try to make it a goal to praise my kids and celebrate each day that they come to school. It's a miracle and a blessing that they are there. Sandy Hook had a huge impact on me- especially the 27 year old 1st grade teacher who hid her kids in a closet and took the bullet....... my daily outlook on my job has changed tremendously- and not a day goes by that I do not tell my kids that I love them- because I DO!