The following are live blog posts from the first day of school, which was last Wednesday. Which means these aren’t actually live. Details.
8/27/08, 11:27 a.m.–
So I’m sitting outside on the “structure” at Allen Brook School in Williston. Ms. Deforge’s class has recess before heading into lunch. Personally, I’d prefer lunch before recess, but that’s just me. I’m hanging out with Ms. Deforege’s 1/2 class for the first day of school. I’m already exhausted and it’s barely the halfway point. Already, we’ve done a scavenger hunt, read a book, p[layed some name games, had snack, leaned how to properly wash our hands and probably more stuff that I’m forgetting because I’m old.
During the scavenger hunt, I felt like a leper because none of the kids would talk to me. But before long, I had about a dozen small humans sitting in my lap. I was minding my own business, but kids, like dogs, find any available lap they can.
Recess seems awesome. I wish there was recess during my work day. If I could swing on a swingset or shoot some hoops during lunch, I’d prbably be a whole lot m ore productive. Also, if I had more juice boxes and Jello cups in my life, things would be a heck of a lot better.
Ok, I’m off to climb the monkey bars.
Here’s a picture of Ms. Deforge reading to us.
8/27/08, 12:20 p.m.–
I stole away from reading workshop to file a little blog about lunch. How can anyone eat in only 20 minutes? It takes me that long just to unfold my napkin. Well, if you’re in elementary school, apparently you have a smaller stomach and thus consume less food. That food takes less time to eat, so the logic goes. Well, if you’re an adult-sized human, 20 minutes is enough time to down two bites of pasta, three forkfuls of corn and half a pear in light syrup.
Despite not having must time, I quite enjoyed myself. Matthew, Emily, Katie, Bray and I had a riveting convo about fruits and vegetables and how they don’t like any of them, except kiwis, avocados, artichokes and peas. Everyone loves peas. I confessed that I ate a plant-based diet and they didn’t quite get that. “I don’t eat meat,” I said. “Does that mean you don’t eat steak,” Matthew asked. “Does that mean you don’t eat salmon?” Bray asked. I love kids.
Here’s what I ate for lunch. Don’t be jealous.
8/27/08, 2:21 p.m.–
I just played a cracking game of octopus tag and now I’m a sweaty mess. Here’s a friendly tip from me to you- do not wear Dansko clogs when playing octopus tag. That’s just asking for a trip to the emergency room.
Naturally, I crushed at octopus tag. Those kids didn’t stand a chance. I wasn’t about to let them win just because I have about four feet on them with my wingspan. Think Michael Phelps. Anyway, I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten my cardio for the day.
We’re getting ready to go, thank god. I’m exhausted. I need to go pay attention so I don’t miss my bus. I need a contingency plan if I do, though. I wonder if Ms. Deforge would give a pathetic reporter a ride home.
Here’s a pic from our wicked game of tag.
I’m happy I’m not in first grade anymore, mostly because I can’t really hack it. It’s too tiring. I’m better at sitting at a desk and writing. Be sure to check Thursday’s Free Press for a complete story about the first day of school. And check back on my blog, oberandout, for a better, more thoughtful digidiary.
PS- Every kid here has had to go to the bathroom about 50 times. In the last minute.
