The first day of school was a special time. The kids would be happy and the mother would cry. We would start the day with a prayer and the pledge. And sing the Star Spangle Banner With our hand on our heart.. We would learn reading and writing and arithmetic. Make projects into a beautiful gift for mom or dad. Out for recess, playing dodge ball and then a race. Everything went well until you get a ball in the face. At lunch time I would walk home a mile each way. Mac and cheese then back for the day. Everyday we did the same thing. we'd listen to teacher or visit the principal. He would smack you with a ruler on the back end. and when we got home, we'd get smacked again. The first day of school in the simpler time. When they would teach you the ABC's And read you a nursery rhyme. You learned from the first day of school. By the teacher who knew the golden rule.