Starting first grade marks a major milestone not only for children but also for parents — who always stand by, watching every little step their child takes. For the first time, the child steps into a new world, one of structure and discipline. For the first time, they become familiar with the alphabet, numbers, and simple calculations. And for the first time, they meet their “second mother” — their homeroom teacher, who patiently and lovingly guides them through this new journey.
At The Dewey Schools, the journey of being a first-grade teacher begins with listening. Listening to the hesitation, the clumsy questions, and comforting the children when they miss home. The teacher is not just someone who teaches them letters and numbers but also a strong, dependable anchor for the children to lean on.
For first graders, adjusting to the classroom environment is a matter of great care and concern for their teachers. “Right from the very first day, the teacher guides the students in everything — how to properly place their shoes, greet teachers and adults politely, arrange their school supplies in lockers, organize their backpacks and bedding neatly, practice correct sitting posture, hold their pencils properly, line up when moving around, and master self-care skills like laying out and folding bedding, retrieving meal trays, tidying up books at the end of the day, and so on. For every activity, teachers must patiently guide students step-by-step, accompany them closely, and encourage them. If a student makes a mistake, the teacher gently shows them how to do it correctly and patiently practices with them until it becomes a habit,” shared Ms. Hoàng Khánh Trinh, homeroom teacher of class 1Jakarta.
“As a teacher, I must not only impart knowledge but also act as a ‘big friend’ — comforting, encouraging, and guiding the children step by step. There are lessons where I have to constantly adapt my methods to keep the children engaged. Sometimes, while explaining a lesson, I gently pat one child on the back or quietly encourage another. It’s a challenge, but also a joy — because I know that every small action today helps nurture positive learning habits for the children in the future,” shared Ms. Nguyễn Thị Dịu, homeroom teacher of class 1Manila.
As the ones who sow the very first seeds, first-grade teachers become the gentle bridges that help the children move from bewilderment to confidence, from shyness to a love for their school and classroom — all with patient, kind, and ever-open hearts. Through simple, caring acts, they weave a warm beginning to the children’s happy learning journeys.
