Friday, August 26, 2011

First Day, First Grade


Without my glasses and with the sun in my eyes, I snapped a few pictures of Little Missy Em's first day of first grade. It was Tuesday. She didn't eat much breakfast. But I was consoled by the fact that from now on she'll have hot lunch at school (and judging from the menus, Canyons School District does a far, far better job of lunch than I ever have).



Oh, the sun it was bright as the neighborhood kids gathered at the right spot/right time.


I asked her to give me a little wave as she boarded the bus, which she did, but as you can see, she was more interested in getting on with things than in sappy good-byes.



She has two first-grade teachers, Ms. Snow and Mrs. Lee. Mrs. Lee is her Chinese teacher and just moved here from Taiwan (leaving her husband behind so she can teach 50+ Draper, Utah, kids Mandarin). She's about 4'10" and has a great big smile with dimples. I hope Mr. Lee will be okay. Emma starts her day with a couple hours of non-stop Chinese with Mrs. Lee, then has hot lunch (oh, it thrills me), then has English language arts in the afternoon with Ms. Snow, a 30-year first grade veteran teacher who has been the district literacy specialist, so she's great with teaching reading.

Emma is already speaking lots of Chinese at home. It's quite remarkable. Lots of songs and little phrases. She just pops out with stuff. ("Almost as if she's wired for it," says Joe.) I'm excited for her. A whole Mandarin universe awaits.


9 comments:

Ang said...

How exciting! First grade is a whole new world. The Chinese immersion will be so great.

Kathryn said...

I can't believe she's a first grader! That is so exciting. I can't wait to ask her about it!! :)

Richard said...

So soon? We thought it was next week. How do you say "Have a good day" in Mandarin? You'll do great, Emma.

Nate said...

She looks so grown up. That wave from the bus line makes me laugh! Good luck with Chinese immersion for Emma. Emi is starting on Monday with Chinese immersion in kindergarten. We are excited and scared as well! But I am glad that they both have the opportunity to learn Mandarin:)

Amy said...

I think that Chinese program sounds AWESOME! Now that's a way to really learn a language. Your excitement over hot lunch is making me think harder about that option....Jack thought it was pretty cool that you could buy lunch at school but we have yet to venture into that.

Erin said...

Yeah! I bet she loved her first day. Can't wait to hear the details.

laurel said...

How great!!! First grade. Can she be that old?

Aunt Barbie said...

I love the picture of her wave as she boards the bus. What a great day!! Way to go Emma.
Aunt Barbie

Julie said...

Brave school girl. Don't they know how traumatic it is for mom? She'll learn so much this year. Big year. Amy and Denny, I hate to break the news to you but after having subbed for 32 schools in the Vancouver School District and doing plenty of cafeteria duty I am aghast that the kids DO NOT EAT THEIR LUNCH. Seriously. The amount of food that gets tossed could feed all of, well, China! Sneak in there someday and observe. It is galling. Denny, you have a first grader. You are now free to run for Mayor.