Miss K's Kindergarten: Our New Friend

Ms. K spent time that afternoon reflecting on her day. The children were so welcoming to Nelly, she was proud of them. She wondered how to keep the kindness going. She was hoping to recreate the same emotional environment tomorrow, too. 

After sharing, the class continued working through their lessons. Everyone wanted to help Nelly. They thought about helping her feel welcome. Ms. K was pleased to see the group working together.

The children chatted to each other as Ms. K finished up her task. "I wonder if she's nice?" one said. "I wonder if she's scary!" Another said aloud. Miss K spoke to the class, "Nelly may be wondering the same about all of you. We should remember to be extra kind to her in case she is afraid on her first day with us." There was a knock at the door she walked toward the classroom door.

At recess, the children in Ms. K's class included Nelly in their games. Some older children came out to the playground just before recess was over and started teasing Nelly. Nelly was sad. The other children checked on Nelly and told her to ignore the big kids. "We are a class family," One child said. "We always stick together!" shared another friend. Mrs. K blew her whistle and her class went back to class. 

Miss K's Kindergarten: Our New Friend<br/><br/>Written by: Kayla Bolen<br/>Graphics by: Bitmoji

On the drive home, Nelly told her dad all about her day. She told him about everyone being afraid on their first day and how her new friends stood up for her on the playground.  

A girl and her dad stood at the classroom door. The girl looked upset like she had been crying. Ms. K talked to the dad at the classroom door while the children worked In their morning centers. "This is Nelly," he shared "she is not having the best morning. She wants to stay home, she is afraid the other children will be mean to her."

The class was buzzing with excitement as they watched Miss K prepare new materials and write out a nametag for a new student! "Kneely?!" one child shouted as they saw the new labels throughout the room. "No, Nelly. Nelly will be a new friend joining our class today."

The day finished as normal. Ms. K stood at her door waving goodbye to her class as they walked to the pick-up area. Nelly looked back and then ran to hug Ms. K. "This is the best school ever," Nelly said and then rejoined her class. 

Ms. K told Nelly's dad not to worry and she walked Nelly into the classroom. "Class, meet Nelly!" Ms. K shared with her class how Nelly was feeling today. Then she asked everyone to remember how they felt on their first day at school. 

Each child introduced themselves and shared that they were nervous when they first started school this year, too. "I tried to hide under my bed," one friend shared. "I was afraid it would be too hard!" another told the class. <br/>