Page 37 of Beau

Brenna let out a long, exasperated sigh as she stood in front of the classroom, chalk in hand. The students in her first-grade class were fidgeting and whispering to each other, their attention seemingly anywhere but on the math problems she was writing on the chalkboard.

“Class, please pay attention,” Brenna said firmly, trying to regain control of the rowdy group. “Write the problems on your paper and do your best to solve them. Remember, no cheating. I’m watching you.” She pointed two fingers at her eyes, then pointed them at the kids, before turning back to the board, causing a few giggles from the students.

As they worked on their equations, Brenna sat behind her desk and kept a watchful eye on them. She didn’t want to see any cheating; the kids needed to learn on their own. In first grade, they start with the basics; counting, adding, and subtracting. Those were the foundation of math skills that they would use for years to come.

It wasn’t just about numbers though. First grade was also about learning how to read and develop social skills. Making friends and getting along with others was just as important as learning academic subjects.

Brenna knew that success in first grade could have a lasting impact on how the children viewed school in the future. A positive experience could make all the difference in keeping them engaged and excited about learning.

Some of the students already knew each other from kindergarten, but many were separated into different classes. However, this gave them the opportunity to make new friends to go through school with, and Brenna loved seeing them bond over learning. Their little minds were so eager and curious.

She noticed Allie’s hand shoot up in the air, signaling that she had finished her test. Brenna got up from her desk and made her way over to the little girl’s side.

“Are you done, Allie, or do you have a question?” Brenna asked quietly.

“I’m finished, Ms. Lawrence,” Allie replied with a smile.

“Very good. Let me check your work.” Brenna crouched down beside Allie’s desk and carefully went over her answers. When she finished, she looked at Allie with genuine pride in her eyes. “You got them all right! I am so proud of you.”

Allie beamed with joy. “I really like math, Ms. Lawrence.”

Brenna smiled back at her. “That’s wonderful because you will use math throughout your life. While you wait for the others to finish, why don’t you color?” she suggested.

Allie eagerly reached under her seat and pulled out a coloring book and a box of crayons. Coloring was a special treat that Brenna only allowed after finishing a test. Not only did it give the students a chance to unwind and relax, but it also had numerous benefits for their development, improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

As the rest of the class completed their tests, Brenna couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to teach these young minds and watch them grow and learn each day.

The shrill sound of the school bell echoed through the empty halls, signaling the end of a long day for Brenna. She let out a deep sigh of relief, eager to escape the chaos and demands of her students and retreat to the comfort of her home. The thought of sinking into a warm bubble bath followed by a peaceful night’s sleep was enough to make her smile.

As the last few students scurried out of her classroom, despite her reminders to walk, Brenna made her way to her desk to retrieve her purse. With a sense of exhaustion, she grabbed her coat from the rack and slipped her arms into it.

“Hey, Brenna.”

She turned to see Annie Beckett standing in the doorway.

“Hi, Annie. How was your day?”

Annie let out a weary sigh. “Some days I wonder why I ever came back to teaching.”

Brenna chuckled in understanding. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“And it’s only going to get worse as we approach the holidays.”

“I know. They’re already too hyped up and excited to focus on learning.”

“Yes, well, I just wanted to see if you were ready to walk out.”

“I am. I think I’ll stop at the diner on my way home. I have no energy left for cooking.”

“I’ve been there before, but luckily Jesse is cooking tonight. He picked up some steaks and wants to grill them outside. I told him it’s too cold, but he insists they taste better that way. Not that I’m complaining; he can do all the grilling while I stay inside by the warm fire.”

“I hear you. There’s no way I’m braving this cold unless absolutely necessary. Oh, and have you talked to Vivian lately?”

“I spoke with her last night. She loves being a mom. And that little boy is just so beautiful.” Annie beamed.

“Well, of course he is. He’s a Beckett,” Brenna teased.

Annie laughed. “That’s the truth. Whenever Jesse gets on my nerves, I always tell him it’s a good thing he’s good-looking or else he’d be in even more trouble. He just laughs it off.”

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