School today began with a great disappointment. Uncle John had walked me to school, because he said it was my first day and he wanted to see me well settled. We were surprised when the schoolmaster, Mr. Reid, placed me with the Primary One class. He said it was because I was small and he didn’t know if I could read or write. Uncle John told him that I was well able to do so, but the master said I would have to show him, and if I was so advanced, I could help the others. Uncle John was upset on my behalf, and I was grateful to him. He told me to be a good quiet obedient girl. He would speak to the master on my behalf and all would be well. I hope so. I want to learn for myself, not be a teacher for others.
The classes are all in one room, and the school is a great dark barn of a place. It has a small wood stove but it I fear it will be cold in the winter.
I could hear the master with the students across the room in the older classes and I knew I could read better than most of them. But, I held my peace until after we had our lunch break. Then I asked the master if I could read aloud to him and show him my slate with my best hand writing. He gave me some numbers to add and I did that quickly. He said he would think on it, and perhaps I would be moved up tomorrow. So I must be patient for one more day but I am determined to get ahead.
The classes are all in one room, and the school is a great dark barn of a place. It has a small wood stove but it I fear it will be cold in the winter.
I could hear the master with the students across the room in the older classes and I knew I could read better than most of them. But, I held my peace until after we had our lunch break. Then I asked the master if I could read aloud to him and show him my slate with my best hand writing. He gave me some numbers to add and I did that quickly. He said he would think on it, and perhaps I would be moved up tomorrow. So I must be patient for one more day but I am determined to get ahead.
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