Show Her the Ropes

A new school year is beginning.  It’s the opportunity for new learning, the hope of making a new friend, a new start full of optimistic anticipation.

I can’t help thinking of my students from last year.  They left me to head off to kindergarten.  I smile when I think of Patrick*- did he enter his new classroom with his ear-to-ear infectious grin, ready to charm everyone?

What about Katie?  Did she muster up the courage to be brave, or did she cry as she did those first days in my class?  She came to love school and trust that it was a secure place where she was loved; did that confidence carry through the summer to kindergarten, or is she scared again?  I cannot help worrying about her.

How about Jessica?  Is she already impressing the teacher with her bright mind and thoughtful  questions?  I’ll bet she is.  As I remember my past students, I am also looking ahead to a fresh start with my new crop of students.  There’s always another Patrick, Katie and Jessica.  I cannot wait to get to know them!

This all reminds me of a humorous story told by a friend about a long ago first day of school.  His children, now grown, are the stars of this story.

When his daughter was about to start kindergarten, the father told his son, “You are the big brother.  You know all about school.  Please take care of your sister.  I will need you to show her the ropes.”  His son stood a little taller, proud to have this important responsibility.

Off they went to school, big brother and little sister.  One was feeling confident and very responsible, the other a little scared and unsure.  That night, Dad asked them how the first day of school went.  The son answered, “Fine.  But Dad, I looked everywhere.  I kept looking, but I just couldn’t find the ropes to show her.”

Here’s to a new year of learning, making friends and of course being shown those ropes!

*The names of the children featured in my blogs are always changed.

written by Theresa Young, preschool director

www.lenapekiddiekollege.com