Teachers are having virtual classes or zoom homework sessions, requiring parents to be so much more involved in our children’s education.

Having to entertain them at home is one thing but trying to educate them is something quite different and is giving us a greater appreciation for our teachers. Having to coordinate zoom classes, reading sessions, and turning in work electronically, for one or two kids is difficult, can you imagine trying to teach 20+ students?

The coronavirus and having to shelter in place has shed a light on how much teachers really do for our elementary students. Think about having 20+ students, teaching them to read, write, science, math, etc. and now you have a small glimpse into the day of a first grade teacher.
Our increased involvement with our child’s education has opened some eyes but to truly appreciate what they do for our kids we need to walk a day in a teacher’s shoes. In this case a day in the life of a first grade teacher.

The day starts with the kids walking into the classroom excited to see their friends. Sitting down in their chairs and being quiet is probably the last thing on their minds. How long would it take you to get them to sit down, stop talking, be ready to listen to morning announcements. To do that in under 10 minutes would be miraculous for any parent but a teacher must do it in under two minutes, every single day.

Now that everyone is all set, the day (7+ hours) begins. For this article we are talking about a typical first grade class. For those that don’t remember that age, the kids mostly know their alphabet and are learning to read at a beginner’s level.

Reading is the most valuable skill an educator can give to a child. For the first few years more time is spent teaching our children to become good readers than any other skill. Why do we spend so much time teaching them to read? The answer is simple, because it’s the most important skill. The old saying is true, first we learn to read and then we read to learn. Aside from some mathematical and scientific formulas almost everything we know comes from first reading about it and then talking about it.

For many the day begins with morning announcements, a pledge of allegiance, attendance, a quick overview of the day’s schedule and perhaps a bathroom break. While your child’s schedule may vary in order and length, here is a general outline of a day in the life of a first grade teacher.

One to one and a half hours a day is spent learning math. For first graders that includes addition and subtraction (numbers up to 120), learning shapes, telling time, counting coins and basic graphs.

Roughly two hours a day is spent on reading. Depending on class size they could spend 30-45 mins on group reading. Which can consist of a teacher or room parent reading to the students and then discussing the stories. Shameless plug for my book, “A to Zoo: 26 animal alphabet adventures, by Joe Conroy” website www.atozoobook.com. Sorry publicist made me say that. Typically, books read during this time are more fun books, many times purchased by the teachers. These books are more about fun, so the kids get excited about learning to read.
The rest of reading time (1.5 hours) is spent on small group reading time. While most of the kids read the same book, more advanced as well as easier to read books are available. The kids are encouraged to read in their small group or on their own, allowing the teacher to give one on one instruction as needed. In many cases student to student learning can be a very powerful educational tool.

There is typically a 10-15 minute morning break for kids to get out of their seats and move. Ms Manica, a most creative first grade teacher, calls this their brain break. With limited time and limited space, she comes up with the most Inventive ideas to get the kids out of their seats and moving. The class favorite is putting on some dance music and showing off their moves. It’s rumored that Ms Manica is quite the dancer, even teachers need to shake off the stiffness from sitting so long.

Roughly half an hour is spent on learning sounds (old fashion phonics)and writing. Which also helps reinforce their reading skills.

There is a quick half hour for lunch and then another half hour of recess. Depending upon the school and the weather, this time can be spent outside on a playground or inside a gym.
Depending upon the day of the week, the kids have about 45 minutes for what in the higher grades is known as an elective. One day it could be art, coloring, drawing or painting. Another day could be music or chorus, while some days they have technology time or physical education.

Lastly an hour is spent each day on social studies/science. The kids then get to go home while the teacher spends the next hour putting their classrooms back together and getting ready for the next day. Let’s not forget about the hours preparing the next days lessons and activities.
Hopefully this time at home has given all of us a better understanding of what our teachers do for our children. While we may not be able to get them to the salary they truly deserve, we can certainly give them the respect and recognition that is long overdo. I invite each and everyone of you to let your teacher know how wonderful they are. Whether it is a shout out or a token of thanks, I promise they will appreciate it and we all know they deserve it. Please let me know who was your favorite elementary teacher and why?

BIG SHOUT OUT to Ms. MANICA, who is an amazing first grade teacher and like most teachers, spends her own money on supplies and devotes countless hours of her own time to make sure that every one of her students gets the best education she can give them.