First grade was an important year for me.
My first grade teacher, Mrs. London, was instrumental in helping to form the social foundation of my life. She introduced me to snow cones, “London Bridge”, Dick & Jane, reading circles and those jumbo crayons that were flat on one side.
I remember thinking she was really old…when in reality she was probably thirty-something. Isn’t it funny how when we were kids all adults seemed old and summers seemed to last forever?
Several years ago, my sister taught at the same elementary school we both attended and found the exact first grade reader that I had used. Still had my name in it. She somehow obtained it and gave it to me. What a treasure!
Mrs. London also taught me about getting along with others. Don’t talk when someone else is talking…take turns at the water fountain…walk quietly down the hall when classes are meeting…be polite to girls. (Mrs. London gave me my first school spanking for tripping a girl who was returning her lunch tray. I know, right? Hard to believe I would do that!)
I don’t know whatever happened to Mrs. London. I never saw her again after first grade. Maybe she got another job and moved to Alaska…or got real sick and had to quit teaching…or had several babies of her own that demanded she stay at home…or was accepted to teach at another school or … I don’t know.
Although Mrs. London had a significant impact on my life, she probably never thought about me again after that foundational year. The lesson: never underestimate the influence you have on others who are watching. Though you may move on, your impressions will remain. Good or bad.
byf8h 