Miranda and Aleisha were so preoccupied with talking and giggling that they didn’t see her walk into the room. The only indication they had that she was even there was when she spoke. Tyler, however, had seen her come into the room. At first, he thought she was someone who worked in the office and that she was bringing something to Miss Nell. But when she sat down at Miss Nell’s desk, he didn’t know what to think.

“Sorry, I’m running a little late,” she said. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her. “It took me longer than I thought to find what I needed.” Aleisha whispered, “Who is she and where is Miss Nell?” Katie, who was never bashful, spoke right up and demanded, “Who are you?”

“I’m your teacher for the day,” but before she had a chance to continue, Aleisha started to cry. Thru her tears she said, “I want Miss Nell!” Katie said, “I don’t like you! I don’t even know your name!” The lady said, “I wrote it on the board, maybe you should have read it.” Jerome, who usually knew everything, said, “We don’t know how to read.” The new teacher person started to laugh, “You’re right! Silly me, it has obviously been a long time since I have taught kindergarten!” Aleisha was still crying but she was able to get out, “Why did Miss Nell leave us? Doesn’t she like us any more?” Now both Katie and Miranda, along with some of the other students, looked as if they were about to cry, too. “Oh, my, I have really handled this poorly, haven’t I? I should’ve realized that this would be your first time to have a substitute and that it would be a bit alarming to some of you.” None of them had any idea what she was talking about; in fact, they were even more confused.

She turned to the chalkboard and erased something. Then she told them to go back to what they were doing when she first came into the room. She said, “We’re going to start over.” They all stared at her as she walked over to the door and walked out into the hallway. The students didn’t know what to think but they didn’t know what else to do, so they did as she asked. As he walked over to hang up his back pack, Jerome said, “This just keeps on getting weirder.”

The door opened up and in she walked again, only this time, she said, “Hi everyone, my name is Mrs. Wendell. I need all of you to find a seat on the Circle Time rug.” Everyone found a seat and when they were settled she said, “Your wonderful teacher, Miss Nell, is sick today. She needs to stay home. And since you can’t teach yourselves, I’ve been asked to be here today.” She then explained, “I’m called a ‘substitute teacher’. I fill in when the regular teacher can’t be here. I know that you miss your teacher. I’m sorry that our day had a rough start. I also know that it can be a little scary to meet someone new. I promise we will have a fun day. Brian raised his hand and when she called on him he said, “I’m not afraid of anything; not even a new teacher.” Mrs. Wendell smiled and said, “Thank you for telling me that about you!” She then suggested that they each take a turn and tell her something about themselves. That way, she could get to know them. Miranda went first, she said, “I like ballet.” Katie spoke up next, she said, “Brownies are my favorite snack.” Tyler said, “I’m really good at math.” Aleisha couldn’t think of anything to say and she was getting nervous, plus she was afraid that she was going to start to cry again. When it was her turn she said, “I can’t think of anything.” “That’s okay!” Mrs. Wendell assured her, “Why don’t you just tell me your name?” Aleisha smiled and was easily able to tell Mrs. Wendell her name. Jerome went last and he said, “My mom is the principal.” “She is!” exclaimed Mrs. Wendell, “I bet that means that you know a lot and you will be able to help me!” Just as Jerome was giving the class a smug smile, Miranda spoke up and said, “Actually, I’m very good at helping.” Mrs. Wendell could see that they might be heading for trouble again, so she said, “I tell you what; it has been so long since I have taught kindergarten that I will need a lot of help! Everyone will get a chance to be my helper today. Miranda will go first. She can help me take attendance. Then Jerome can go next; he can help me pick out a song that you like to sing.”

The idea of singing a familiar song seemed to really comfort everyone and for the first time that day, it was beginning to feel like a normal day. They all still missed their teacher and some were still a little cautious but they were all discovering that it was getting easier to meet new people. And just maybe, they could have a good day at school without Miss Nell.