First Graders are thirsty, or firsty, learners. They want to know everything about everything. Especially the stuff that's not on the agenda for the day. They're also; frilling, finkers, fankful, foughtful, and frifty- or in adult language... thrilling, thinkers, thankful, thoughtful and thrifty. As their teacher, I am also all of these things. I care about them academically, as any teacher does. I care about them socially, emotionally and for many, many years as they grow, learn and eventually leave the safety of our Elementary School Home. I look forward to hearing about their accomplishments when I'm old and gray. I strive to share a love of going to school with them. Not because they have to go to school- but because they feel successful, confident and happy when they attend.  I'm not only their teacher, I'm a safe adult, I'm a caregiver, I'm a cheerleader and a diciplinarian. I'm a little nutty- and that's okay. They understand me, and I strive to understand them. In short and long, I care. I care about teaching them to make a difference. A difference in their own lives, in the lives of their peers, and an ability and drive to change the course of the future as they deem necessary.