Salt Lake Tribune reporter Roxana Orellana interviewed those seasoned mentors entering first grade in 2007 at Douglas T. Orchard Elementary School in West Valley City, Utah so they could offer calming words of advice to others.
Actually, this advice could apply to all of us embarking on something new and a little scary and proves the title of the book by Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," is true!
This is what first-graders think kindergartners should know to survive their first year of school:
"Outline the picture first, then color it inside."
"I was not afraid. My friends were not afraid."
"Put antibacterial on your hands so you don't get germs on your snack."
"The best thing is that you get to play. The hardest part is that you have to do your work."
"Here's how to make friends: Say, 'Do you want to be my friend?'"
"Have fun in school. You won't be lonely because you'll make friends. Just be nice. Follow the rules, and you can make new friends at recess."
"Don't be afraid of your teacher. The teacher is always nice. If you don't know how to go to the bathroom, ask your teacher or kids. They can really teach you."
"Work on getting friends on the first day of school. It doesn't matter how you dress."
"Don't be nervous because in school we have fun. Your parents will come back and pick you up after school."
--From the Editors at Netscape
