New Student

We had a new student come today. He visited our classroom with his Mom on Friday, but did not stay for the day. He seemed very shy and a little overwhelmed at a new school and new room. And, when he came on Friday, the students were at their Science special so he was not able to meet them. So, today was his first day meeting new faces and "walking through" a whole new schedule and routine. Oh, how difficult it can be to have to start all over in the middle of a school year ~ especially in Kindergarten! The morning was very hard for him, but I am happy to say that he "hung in there" and made it through math and reading groups, classwork, lunch, and the quarterly writing test. And then, because of the cold weather, we had play stations and he was able to play with three other children in the building blocks center. Watching him enjoy himself and seeing the positive way that the other children interacted with him ~ that was special! So, it made me think how hard new beginnings are for all of us at times.

It's really hard when you are new,
In a place that's unfamiliar to you -
Not always knowing what to say or do -
It's really hard when you are new.

The highlight of the day was his hug as he left to go home. He had made it through the first day and that was enough. So, here's to new beginnings, be it Kindergarten, new jobs, or new leadership for our nation. And, at the end of the day, give someone a hug!!