On the afternoon of August 31, SHSID Puxi Campus, quiet throughout the summer, once again buzzed with excitement. Small figures clutched their parents' hands, stepping into the campus with a mix of nervousness and great anticipation— our first grade students officially began their elementary school journey on this bright afternoon.

Day One: Getting to Know the Campus, Meeting New Friends

The first grade teachers waited early in their classrooms to welcome the children, soft greetings quickly eased their initial shyness.

With the teachers' help, the children found their own backpacks, cubbies, and seats. They carefully put away their belongings, getting a first taste of what it means to be an organized elementary student. Some students took the initiative to help their classmates find their seats and store their backpacks. In no time, many had already made new friends, even holding hands as they got to know each other. In one corner of the classroom, parents and children took photos together, capturing the memorable first day of elementary school.

As parents gradually left, the teachers led the children on their first exploration of the campus. They found the water dispenser at the end of the hallway, the restrooms outside the classrooms, and the reading nook in one corner. Back in the classroom, the teachers introduced the daily schedule and the wide range of school activities. The children listened with wide eyes, taking everything in carefully, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation for the elementary school life that lay ahead.

First Week Experience: Learning Happily Through Classes and Games

The following week was packed with colorful experiences for the first graders.

In Chinese class, they discovered the beauty of Chinese characters; in math, they expressed themselves by creating an "All About Me" poster using numbers; in English, they listened to stories and learned classroom routines. There were also games in PE, rhythm exercises in music, and creative projects in art... Each lesson was a small step forward, helping the children step out of their shyness and confidently integrate into the vibrant new environment.

At lunchtime, the children lined up and followed their teachers to the school cafeteria. They washed their hands carefully, sat down orderly with their peers, and enjoyed their meals. After eating, they remembered to wipe their mouths, clean their tables, and sort their utensils. Some children, still unfamiliar with their classmates, were already busy helping out— serving meals, arranging chopsticks, and organizing tableware, each doing their tasks with great diligence.

During the noon break, the teachers led games and activities to help the children make friends. On sunny days, they played games like Eagle and Chicks, bounced balls, tossed sandbags, kicked shuttlecocks, and sang songs. On rainy days, they built with blocks, played checkers, and enjoyed board games indoors. Laughter filled the air as friendships gradually blossomed.

Over the week, many children made their first friends in elementary school, raised their hands to answer questions for the first time, packed their schoolbags on their own for the first time, and took the school bus for the first time... These seemingly small but meaningful "firsts" quietly helped them become more confident and independent.

Learning to Adapt: Growing Through Routines, Progressing with Encouragement

For these little ones who had just stepped into campus life, adapting to new rules and developing good habits were important steps in their growth. From listening carefully to the teachers' instructions to lining up neatly; from tidying their own supplies and arranging desks and chairs to reminding each other to drink water and use the restroom during breaks— these seemingly simple tasks were the proof of their growing independence.

With the teachers' gentle reminders and patient demonstrations, the children gradually learned what it means to be an elementary student. They settled into morning routines, copied down their assignments independently, and learned to listen quietly, follow instructions, and cooperate with their teachers in class. They began to enjoy expressing and sharing, and many grew to love the quiet moments spent flipping through picture books during breaks.

What was even more heartening was how the children gradually blended into their new community. A warm and supportive atmosphere grew within the classroom, bringing more smiles to the children's faces and a sparkle to their eyes.

Each day, every small step of progress was quietly noted by the teachers. For these little first graders, these subtle changes reflected the sense of security and confidence they were building in their new environment.

The elementary school journey has just begun, and the future is full of possibilities. May every child thrive freely and enjoy each day to the fullest!

(Written by Yuanjing Zhang

Pictures by Homeroom Teachers, Siying Li

Reviewed by Ms. Zhang Yi, Jenny Zhang, Shiyu Wu, Grace Gilmore)