Incoming kindergarteners flood an unfamiliar hallway, getting their first glimpse of their new reality. Teachers usher new students into classroom as the first morning bell approaches. Excited eyes dart around the room as the wave of chatter among the kids grows. Their attention snaps to the front of the room as the teacher beings to speak.

It’s 7:45 a.m. on the first first day of school.

Settling into the school year presents annual challenges, including welcoming new kindergarten students. Students and teachers both said they have lots of adjusting to do as the year begins.

“This is their first experience at school for most of them, and some don’t have any idea on what’s going on or what’s expected,” kindergarten teacher Tiffany McClintock said. “But they get so excited about learning. They quickly absorb information, and you can see the change each day.”

In addition to the challenge of getting the new students to become familiar with their daily routine, teachers recognize the importance of making sure this first year of school is full of learning moments in an effort to build a solid structure for the future. 

“Teaching kindergarten is completely different than any other grade because we are laying the foundation for all learning that takes place…through high school and college,” kindergarten teacher Tracee Smith said. “We teach them things no other grade probably ever thinks about, such as: how to sit and listen to a lesson, push in a chair, walk in a line, carry a lunch tray, follow directions, and so much more on top of reading, writing, math, social studies and science.”

Although training the entire class of 2034 is demanding at times for students and staff, there is still plenty of enthusiasm behind the smiles of these young elementary students. Not surprisinglyt, recess proved to be a unanimous favorite.

“I like to play on the swings at the playground because we just swing and practice with our legs to get stronger,” kindergarten student Lakynn Bryan said. “Swinging is my very favorite part of school.”

New routines and schedules take time and training in order to get these students headed in the right direction, yet there is still wonder and curiosity that even sometimes plays a part in the confusion coming from a kindergartener’s perspective.

“With it being their first time experiencing public kindergarten, getting down procedures takes more time than the other grades,” McClintock said. “They can get turned around very easily in the school and not know where they are. They all want to ride the bus home and ask when they will get to. What seems like something small to older kids, is a big deal to a kindergarten child.”

For the teachers, the bonds they form with their new students and their families is worth all the extra work and training. 

“It is always so exciting and interesting to get to meet my sweet new students and their families each year,” Smith said. “Every class of kindergarteners I have becomes like our own little family.”