If you were a first grader in my classroom you would be excited to come to school everyday.

You would get your very own desk and your very own weekly job and your very own box filled with books that are just right for you.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would learn to read.

You would learn to make words and sentences and you would learn that stories are a way to worlds near and far. You would read a lot and in meaningful ways. You would read independently and you would read to your friends and you would read to me, your fun-loving, book-loving teacher. You would learn to read and you would discover that you love it.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would become a writer.

You would write about your life and the little bits and pieces that make it important and the days that are fun and the times you were scared and the moments you were happy and excited and sad. You would write about the small moments of your six big years of life and you would celebrate your writing and you would be proud.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would become stronger in math.

You would learn the way addition and subtraction work. You would learn about shapes. You would learn about money and you would learn about time. You would play a lot of number games and you would win some and you would lose some. And you would say that math is fun.

If you were a first grader in my class you would have technology at your fingertips.

You would learn lessons from the Smart board and you would do work on the computer and you would listen to books on iPods and you would read and record stories and use apps on the iPad. You would feel excited and connected and motivated by a digital environment which is very much a part of our world today.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would learn what it means to be a scientist.

You would learn about living things and keeping fit and healthy and properties of the earth and all about the weather and seasons. You would plant seeds in soil and take a field trip to the Aquarium. You would learn to collect and discover and record and observe and ask questions and to never stop wondering.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would think that learning is exciting.

You would know that your opinion matters.

You would believe that you are smart.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would learn responsibility.

You would know how to problem solve and use strategies.

And you would understand that books are magic.

If you were a first grader in my classroom you would learn to be a kind and empathetic friend.

You would laugh a lot.

And have dance parties and be silly.

But you would also feel safe.

And accepted.

And important.

And most of all,

you would be loved.