Min's First Day

1. NarratorMin and her family had moved from Mandalay to a new city. Today was her first day at her new school.
2. NarratorAt the gate, she held her bag tightly. The building looked very big, and the children shouted and ran.
3. MinEverything is so loud.
4. NarratorHer teacher, Mr Okafor, was waiting in the doorway.
5. Mr OkaforHello, Min. Welcome to our class. We are very happy you are here.
6. MinThank you, sir.
7. Mr OkaforYou can sit next to Kofi. He is very friendly.
8. NarratorKofi waved at her from the back of the classroom. Min walked over and sat down, trying to smile.
9. KofiHi, Min. Do you like drawing?
10. MinYes, I do. I draw every day.
11. KofiMe too. Look, I drew my cat. Her name is Biscuit.
12. MinShe is lovely. I have a small dog at home. His name is Ko Ko, which means big brother.
13. KofiThat is a great name! Will you tell us about him in the lesson?
14. NarratorMin's heart beat quickly. She did not feel ready to speak in front of everyone.
15. NarratorLater, Mr Okafor asked the class to draw a favourite animal and share it with a partner. Min drew Ko Ko with a big ball.
16. KofiHe looks so funny. What is he doing?
17. MinHe is chasing the ball. He never catches it.
18. KofiCan I say that to the class?
19. MinIf you like. But I will say it too.
20. NarratorWhen it was their turn, Min stood up beside Kofi.
21. MinThis is my dog, Ko Ko. He chases the ball but he never catches it.
22. NarratorThe class laughed, and it was a friendly laugh. A girl in the front row put up her hand.
23. Mr OkaforQuestions for Min?
24. NarratorThere were five questions, and Min answered every one.
25. NarratorAt lunch, three children asked her to sit with them. Min looked at Kofi, who gave her a thumbs up.
26. MinThank you for sitting with me today.
27. KofiThank you for telling us about Ko Ko. Tomorrow, you can teach us a word in your language.
28. NarratorAt the end of the day, Min walked out of the gate. The building did not look so big any more.

Voices: when recorded voices are on this page they play; if not, your own device reads the words aloud in a British voice if it has one. Slow mode plays at 85 per cent speed.