First Grade: Mrs. Snyder

First Grade….. what memories do those two words stir in you?

I bet an image, name, sound, smell, food, outfit, or something personal and specific just entered your mind. You probably don’t think about it often, but it’s vivid when you do.

Back in my day, Kindergarten was not mandatory and wasn’t in public schools. You went to a private place if your parents sent you. I had the advantage of that experience at Mrs. Griman’s house, set up like a preschool I attended half-days the year before first grade. Everyday snack was Graham crackers. Why do I remember snacks?

First grade was the first full day actual school experience. I am sure that is why my memories have lasted through the years.

When I ponder my tag line for this blog, “Short Years, Long Days, Forever Moments”, my first grade memories fit right in. When I recall it, now, it’s a condensed state, a short year. But, I am sure for my teacher, Mrs. Snyder, there were many very loonnngggg days. Yet, it still holds forever moments etched on my heart and mind like paintings by Renoir, Picasso, Michelangelo. I treasure, value, and hold them in my heart as uniquely mine. None can be stolen, altered, or replicated: one-of-a-kind originals, priceless.

First Grade was a huge “First” in my life. First school-bus rides. (My uncle drove the bus.) First time, spending all day away from home and Mom. First time, peers out numbered adults for eight hours. A non-parent authority and new rules five days a week. First time, someone challenged me academically. First time, twenty-some classmates influenced me thirty-five hours a week. My life changed this year!

Kralltown Elementary, East Berlin, in rural south central Pennsylvania.

It is my pleasure to introduce Mrs. Snyder…

She was a household name when I entered her classroom: she taught my brother and sister before me. I was the third in three years: all three of us just one year apart in school. She is the only teacher who had all three of us. She had no children of her own, but I recall warmth oozing from her. I can picture her face and sense a warm mothering individual. Even when you’re too young to define it, kids know in their hearts when someone loves, accepts, and cares for them. She was that kind of individual.

I have three distinct memories from this school year, centered on Mrs. Snyder.

Memory #1 – Her Shoe!

Means of keeping order, demanding attention, used for the wanderer or mischievous: throwing her shoe: which always landed near the perpetrator’s desk. I never saw it hit anyone. I would not think for a second that was her target! She had perfect aim. I recall it flying past me down the aisle occasionally; raw shock factor. We straightened up and all eyes went forward. I realize this is an antiquated technique, but it had its desired effect; harming none of us, ever! First Grade is the only time I ever saw this technique employed… it worked for Mrs. Snyder.

Memory #2- Snack-time!

Every day, Mister Snyder delivered a snack. Mid-afternoon, we’d gather on the braided rug in the corner. Sitting cross-legged, Mrs. Snyder passed out the surprise snacks from the bag her husband dropped off. Three different snacks seemed to rotate, at least in my memory: apples, individual packages of pretzel sticks, or individual pouches of M &M’s. I am certain The Snyder’s were not reimbursed for their generosity. It was such a treat. Having a package all to myself felt special: individual servings were not common place back then! We ate, while Mrs. Snyder proceeded with story time perched on her rocker. It was a lovely afternoon ritual for a six-year-old! It, also, kept us quiet as church mice while she read.

Memory #3 – Poison Ivy!

I am still highly allergic. Evidently, (somewhere on our farm) I sat in it and the oozing blistered rash covered my posterior region!! I still remember it being awful!! (Itch and pain mixed) I am not sure I could concentrate at all.

Sitting on it made it itch more…. Oh Vey!

But, off to school I went, my posterior cheeks covered in gauze and medicine. This dear saint had to help me use the restroom, reapply medicine and even change bandages! I am not sure even a school nurse would do that today. But, I have often wondered what all the other children were doing while I preoccupied her in the restroom!! It seemed like we were in there forever. Some choice memorable moments right here!!

“Ordinary days are holy places of transformation.”
Ruth Chou Simmons

When I look at my most prominent memories of first grade, I realize, even at an early age, those around me affected me. These three memories hold one act of discipline and two acts of kindness.

The discipline helped us learn to self-regulate, focus our attention, show respect, and succeed academically. It was a loving act, attempting to teach us how to successfully navigate the classroom. Even if the method was unusual, she meant it for our good. She wanted us to pay attention and learn our lessons to prosper us.

Her above-and-beyond kindness held great impact on me. In fact, it is the preeminent feature I think about her! My first experience in formal schooling helped transform and impact the rest of my life. I don’t recall exactly what I learned, but, I recall liking school; very much. Instincts tell me, Mrs. Snyder had a large impact on that!

Don’t underestimate ordinary days. And don’t pass them up for extraordinary ones. It is the ordinary ones that transform us most… we have more of them! They are holy places ordained by God and He means for each one to mold and make us.

Anybody have First Grade memories to share?

We moved to Maryland after first grade. When I graduated from college, this gift was sent to our house …