Maya’s First Day of First Grade

Preschool / Pre-K / Kindergarten / 1st Grade

OH how is this sweet girl growing up so fast??? My heart. But first grade, really? I mean, she reads now. READS! When did that even happen?? Ugh.

This year marked some big things for her. New house, new neighborhood, new school. She has been so terribly nervous about not knowing anyone. It’s been a lot for my tender-hearted girl. The week before school started, we invited other first graders from the neighborhood over for a playdate. I figured maybe there would be one or two others. No big deal. Can you guess how many first graders came over? 11. Eleven! I couldn’t believe how many there were! We were both meeting new people as I hadn’t met any of their parents yet either. I’m SO GLAD we did that! Several of them are on the same bus as her, two of them in her class and she sees the rest on the playground everyday.

We woke extra early that morning as I knew she’d need plenty of time to mentally get ready as much as she needed to get ready. We took it slow. I told her how when Mama was going to first grade that it was a new school for me too. She asked me questions and I answered them honestly. We prayed together and recited Phillipians 4:13 many times. We ate a big breakfast slowly as I held her hand. She was nervous, but I could tell that she was trying so hard to be brave. I was proud of her for fighting it.

New doorstep, same old chalkboard sign.

When we came out for our yearly photo tradition, she put on a brave face, just for me. We said words like brave, strength, and choice. I just needed to fill her little head with as much positivity as I could and she did her best to grasp it.

I could see right behind her eyes that she was fighting off tears.. I scooped her up and held her. I told her, you just have to make it through this day so you know what is facing you. That’s it. One day, you can totally do this.

And then she couldn’t hold it anymore and those little tears broke through. Daddy said, it’s ok to cry, baby, but you can do this.

And then the bus rolled up and she stepped on. The bus driver called her by name and welcomed her, then asked if she knew anyone on the bus. She shook her head no, and right then about 3 kiddos yelled, “Hi Maya! Sit by me!!” My heart melted everywhere. They remembered her and you could visibly see relief wash over her face. I was so thankful.

As I suspected, as she got off the bus that afternoon, all was good in the world again. She was excited.

Here are the list of questions that I’ve had her answer this year. You can read her Pre-K answers here (I totally miffed on posting anything last year and the preschool blog post was on an old personal blog that is down now).

What is your favorite color? Pink.

What do you want to be when you grow up? An artist or a teacher, maybe. 

What is your favorite snack? Goldfish and popsicles. 

What is your favorite cereal? That pirate ball thingy (Cap’n Crunch). 

What is your favorite book? Daddy’s Garfield books, My Little Pony and Shopkins Books. 

What is your favorite holiday? Christmas then Halloween. 

What is your favorite food? Mac n’ Cheese. 

What is your least favorite food? Corn. 

What is your favorite game? Disney Apples to Apples.

What is your favorite movie? Frozen.

What is your favorite T.V. show? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

What is your favorite summer memory? Noah’s birthday party and camping at Grandma and Grandpa’s. 

What are you most excited about for school this year? P.E. and lunch. 

What is your teachers name? Ms. Kinel

What is your school name? I don’t know, I keep forgetting. 

What are you most proud of? Just proud of anything. 

What are you good at? Art and soccer. 

What do you need to work on? Cartwheels. 

What makes you happy? When daddy tickles me. 

Did you make a new friend today? Yes, lots of them, but I’m still kind of shy so I didn’t say much. 

What was the hardest part of your day? Getting on the bus. 

What was the easiest part of your day? Eating lunch and playing on the playground. 

How did you feel when you got to school today? A tiny bit scared. 

How did you feel when you left school today? Nervous. 

What are you looking forward to for your next day of school? Gym. 

Anything else you want to tell me? Can I eat my snack now?