It’s that time of the year again. You can smell the fresh apples and pumpkins as you walk into the grocery stores. The leaves are starting to fall from the trees, and yellow school buses are bringing in that crisp feeling of a brand new school year. Curiosity fills the air. What will my teachers be like? Who will my friends be? Will I get too much homework? These are some of the thoughts of children. The thoughts of teachers may be: Who are my students? What will they be like? Will this planned lesson grab their attention, touch their hearts and inspire them to want to learn more?

Three sets of twins, and one twin solo. There must have been something in the water six years ago, for this is seven of my seventeen new students this year. As we introduced ourselves to each other and shared a little bit about our families, I was amazed to hear how many children were in the individual families of our class this year, and they are all awesome.

I thought to break the ice in class this year, I’d write them a little story they could relate to. It’s about a little boy who was very shy, and afraid of his own shadow. How he wanted so badly to go and play with the other kids, only he was too afraid. Until, one day when he felt the Holy Spirit of God wrap around him like a big hug, he heard these words, “Don’t be afraid, I am here with you, and I will be with you wherever you go.” I called this story Johnny. As I shared the title of this story, I heard this sweet and surprised voice speak out and say, “Hey, that’s my name.” No money can buy the smile that kids can put in your heart.

As the day continued and the children were drawing, I saw tears falling from one of my student’s eyes. “Why are you crying?”, I gently asked her. All of a sudden, this innocent little voice sitting next to her says, “She doesn’t want to share the crayons.” I love these open doors to teach bigger lessons. That, the only reason we cry when we don’t share is because it makes us sad. However, God teaches us that sharing brings us joy. As she looked at me and smiled, I knew that after when I would read to them the story of David and Goliath, that she would deserve David’s stone. For she was the one who knocked out the Goliath in this day, as she made up her mind that it is more fun to share.

So, I am looking forward to spending this year learning more about the love, mercy, and grace of our Lord with our 1st grade class. The new kids on the block. Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16

Many blessings,

Deanna Danielle

As we Learned about the Holy Family, all the Kids held on to this yellow string. I used this string to represent, how we are all part of that same family. We are brothers and sisters in our Lord, Christ Jesus.