5. Mrs. Carleen Littlefield, My 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Carleen Littlefield was born April 21, 1919. I met her in September 1970 when she became my 1st Grade teacher. She was age 51. I was age 6. She taught me how to read and write. I was in the “special” reading class, because reading was a real struggle for me. She was patient and kind, but insistent that I could read and write with excellence. She didn’t allow, “I can’t!” Her response to my frustration was, “Todd, you can do this!” Throughout my education years, reading, writing, and language became my strength. It was not by accident. Her patient investment in those early developmental years paid big dividends. When I graduated from high school, she sent me a personal congratulations card in which she wrote, “I’m proud of you!” She included a gift of $5. I read and write every day of my life, but I do so with excellence and confidence because of Mrs. Littlefield. She passed away last year, but her investment lives on through many. In the photo above is pictured the two of us at her 90th Birthday Celebration in 2009.
She taught me how to read and write.
She was the first non-family member who said, “I believe in you!”
I’m thankful!
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I too loved my first grade teacher. You’ll always remember that teacher that inspired you, challenged you and tested you. My favorite teacher was my first grade teacher. Being the oldest with very young siblings, I couldn’t wait to get to school. I was so excited to play with kids my own age. Her classroom was full of animals – snakes, rats, bunnies – and I got in trouble many days by hanging around to feed the animals and walking home late.
I attended first grade in California, which is a completely different experience from Georgia. I loved every minute of it and hated that we moved back to Georgia. It wasn’t until 11th grade that I found a teacher whom I loved as much. I judged every year to that year.
Thank you for sharing Kelly! No doubt those first grade teachers leave a big footprint!