She whispers softly to her mother while clinging to her leg. “What is it sweetie? Don’t be shy.” Parents and children mill in the drop-off area; children cling to mommy or daddy’s hand. Only a few run around the area: those who are used to this school environment because of an older brother or sister. Whispers abound as the kindergartners look around with wide open eyes. Their uncertainly makes them hold back their high spirits and natural curiosity.
Experience has shown me, however, that these early whispers will change. Once the first day jitters are overcome and the children feel comfortable in their environment, the whispers will transform into voices filled with exuberance. Once their confidence grows, the answers given on the carpet in a large group setting will no longer be softly spoken. Instead, answers will be spoken with assurance and sometimes with humour.
It is not often I hear whispers in my classroom. Instead, I need to remind them to use “indoor voices”.
When do you hear whispers?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2014
(This post was inspired by the Five Minute Friday prompt)
Colline's Blog 
The first day is always tough for the little ones. This reminded me of my children’s first days when they were little.
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It is difficult for them – especially if they are used to being at home with mom.
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The first day of school for my son was hard but as soon as he saw the other children, he ran off happily! Great post!
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It is always easier for the children if they enjoy playing with others.
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My daughter is too young for kindergarten yet but this reminded me of her experience with a new Sunday School class room– it takes a little while to warm up to a new environment for both big and little people! 🙂
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Just like adults, they need to get used to the people and the environment. Once they make friends, the children become more comfortable.
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This is so interesting because I just wrote a post about how my children don’t really whisper but my daughter can by shy with strangers and sometimes refuses to speak at all, hiding behind my husband or myself. The first week of a new Sunday School class or co-op day produces the same kind of reaction in my daughter. Thanks for the remind that it’s only temporary.
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Often it lasts only a few days – or even a couple of hours 🙂
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Colline, I am so excited for you as you start your new year with a whole new classroom full of sweeties.
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They can only bring joy and excitement to our lives. I can never say that they bore me 🙂
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Such a sweet story! I love all your stories and your sharing with us about your days/experiences/vision. I want to recognize your blog with a Very Inspirational Blogger Award as you know I’ve been a fan/friend for years. No obligation to participate, but if you manage the time and you would like to, head over to http://adjustingyourfocus.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/made-my-whole-week/ and you will find the instructions there, although I know you’ve done this before. 😉
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Thank you Carol – you will see my response this week 🙂
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I was thinking the same thing as thehappyhugger, in that it reminds me of when my children were little, and their first days at school. Well written, Colline.
Lately, I hear whispers in the wind and rustling through the marshes and the woods. 🙂
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The whispers of nature is such a beautiful sound and one I do not hear enough.
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The best I think is enjoying the time until you have to say “Remember your indoor voice”… 😀
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E whispers do not last long. By mid-day on the first day, we had to remind many to use heir indoor voices 🙂
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Beautiful impression of a first day for little ones starting out in the world of learning.
That has to be as it is seen through the eyes of the little ones.
Emu
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By now most have settled in and no longer cling to their mommy’s hand 🙂
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I’m sure as a kindergarten teacher you miss whispers!! 🙂
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They are certainly what I need when I get home 🙂
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Those first day jitters are memorable and some of us never forget it. I love that the kids in your class have so much fun and need to use their Inside Voice. 😉
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A kindergarten class should not be quiet – and I am glad that mine is not 🙂
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I’ve watched the process from the other end, when the woman that lives above me sent her kids off to school for the first time. She was not at all happy. 🙂
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You are right John. Sometimes it is the mom who is upset while the child is eager for the new adventure.
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Reminds me of taking our Son to nursery for the first time – love the idea of ‘Indoor Voices’ 🙂
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It does take them a while to use them though 🙂
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I’ve seen many children heading off to school for I assume to be the first time during the past few days. They look so nervous and excited!
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In a couple of weeks the nerves will be gone. And I hope the excitement stays 🙂
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Love how you incorporated with first day of school and of growing confidence. Very nicely and cleverly done, Colline.
I don’t want to answer the question …. it maybe inappropriate … 😀
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I can only imagine what you are thinking Rommel 🙂
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