This week is our school Spring-break and all of our best laid plans for fun and adventure have been waylaid by a malicious stomach flu. It really isn’t right.
Instead we have done a fair share of board games and easy crafts for those who could manage to get up out of their sick beds. During one particularly riveting game of Clue with my 7 year old daughter Rebekah, she began dropping her sage advice on how to survive 1st grade. I was only partially listening at first, but as she continued I thought wow this kid is onto something! Perhaps other almost 1st graders could benefit from her wisdom.
So here is how the conversation began:
Rebekah: You know Mom, many things come easy for me because I am taller than the average 1st grader. Everything but the swings where my feet drag.
Me: Yes you are tall.
Rebekah: At least I am tall enough to actually touch the ground when on the swings. I feel bad for the kids who have to jump to reach the ground.
Me: Yes that is true.
Rebekah: Do you know that I am much smarter now that I am almost a 2nd grader than I was last year as a kindergartener?
Me: Yes you are very smart and learn something new everyday. Tell me what you have learned?
Rebekah: Well one of the most important things you can learn is to NOT mess around. Because that is when you get in trouble!
Me: Do you do this a lot?
Rebekah: I try really hard not to Mom.
Now I decided to ask her some of the hard hitting questions every would be 1st grader is dying to know.
Are boys yucky or are they something else?
They aren’t yucky like they look yucky, but they can do some pretty yucky things. Like pretend to step in poop on the playground or at lunch they do some gross things with their food that girls just don’t do!
What should you know before starting 1st grade?
How to control yourself.
How do you make friends?
Be nice.
How do you stop fights between your friends?
I always ask them if they would act this way around their parents. That usually stops them dead in their tracks I tell ya!
What should you always take to school?
Your lunch, homework and make sure you are wearing clothes, because no one wants to show up naked.
What advice do you have for a 1st grader?
At the beginning of the year your teacher will be nice and then they can get meaner as the year goes on. So don’t always think things are going to be easy.
What has been your best day of 1st grade?
Oh, the day we had Popsicles and board games as a reward and then after school I had Daisy Girl Scouts with you!
What has been the worst day of 1st grade?
The day a friend dumped me.
Me: For clarification, what does it mean to get dumped by a friend?
Rebekah: That is when you think you have a friend and they get rid of you.
Me: Are you friends right now with this person who “dumped” you?
Rebekah: No, I made new friends. I don’t miss her.
What do you do when you are bored and have a hard time listening to the teacher?
I try to focus on getting things done so we can get to recess quicker.
Is recess the best part of the school day?
Yes!
So there you have it! First grade is survivable!
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
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