Stories for Young Readers
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Colleen Robus
© The School of Truth
Source p. 60, Feb / Mar 2007 - The Path of Truth
Josh was scared - very scared. Tomorrow he was going to "big school". He had tried to tell Mom that he knew lots of stuff - so why should he have to go to big school? Mom said there was always more stuff to learn and she knew he would enjoy all the new and different things about big school. "No I won't" he said "and anyway why can't Miss Lovemore (his nursery class teacher) just go on teaching me the new stuff?" "Because you'll be the only big boy at nursery school and you won't get to wear a smart uniform" said Mom.
"I suppose" mumbled Josh giving up. He knew that Mom would have an answer for everything he said. As he lay in bed with the covers over his head he began to make plans. "I'll pretend to be sick" he thought to himself. "No, that won't work 'cos Mom will take my temperature and the thermometer always tells the truth. Ah! I have an idea - I'll camouflage myself and hide in the garden and then Mom will never find me. What a good idea!" After a few tosses and turns he said his good-night prayer and fell asleep.
The next morning he got up very early and took out his face paints. Looking at one of his toy soldiers he copied the pattern as best he could. Peering into the mirror he thought "That looks good - Mom will never find me!" Quietly he crept outside and hid in the longest grass he could find. After what seemed ages he heard Mom calling him. He lay very quietly, trying not to scratch where the grass poked him. "Here she comes!" he warned himself. He was hardly breathing. "Come inside this minute!" she yelled at him. "Get that paint off your face and eat your breakfast!" Oh no! How had she spotted him? He looked down at himself. Of course - his red pyjamas. Why didn't he think of that?
He shuffled into the house and stared at his plate of porridge. "I don't feel like eating" he complained. "That's because you're nervous" assured Mom. "Just have half." There was no point arguing so Josh ate as much as he could. Then he went upstairs, washed his face and got dressed in his school uniform. The brand-new grey shorts prickled his skin and the shirt felt funny. Looking at himself in the mirror for a second time that morning he had to admit he looked quite smart. He tried to brush down the cow's lick in his hair but it kept popping back up. As he was getting into the car Mom took a photograph of him and he noticed tears welling-up in her eyes.
They parked outside the school and went in together. He was surprised to see so many kids with their moms. "Look Mom!" he exclaimed. "There's Jay and Thabo and Shaun."
Almost all his nursery school friends were there. Suddenly his worry turned into excitement. Quite friendly looking teachers were calling out names and soon he heard his own. He had to say good-bye to Mom and join his group. Miss du Preez, his new teacher, introduced herself. As she pinned a tag with his name on his shirt she said "My, Josh, you look like a responsible boy. Would you carry these books to class for me?"
Josh felt very proud. There were all sorts of new activities and Miss du Preez read a really exciting story to the class. At snack time Josh found a special treat from Mom in his lunch box and a note that said "I LOVE U". Break time was lots of fun and Josh made two new friends. Soon they were back in the class and had to draw any picture they liked with their new crayons. When the bell rang and Teacher said it was time to go home, Josh felt disappointed. He was having such a good time.
Mom was waiting outside. His face changed to a happy smile when she saw him. "Well, how was your first day at big school?" she asked giving him a hug. "Oh, it was fine" answered Josh. "Mom, do you know some kids were frightened?" "Oh yes Josh, but not my big boy!" Josh was bursting with confidence and happiness. He wondered what exciting things they would do tomorrow."
Life is not staying in one place. It is a journey, and God keeps us safe wherever we go.
(Ref. CR 0702)
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