Benjamin stood close to his mother, clutching his soft toy, Sheepie, tightly to his chest. His eyes flickered with anxiety as he stared at the grand doors of his new school. "Mama, I don't want to go,"'s mother knelt beside him, her arms wrapping him in a warm embrace. 's mother_d]'s mother]

Benjamin followed his mom, his footsteps slow and hesitant. They reached a door marked “Grade 0,” and he peeked inside to see a room full of unfamiliar faces. Mrs Otty, the teacher, stood by the entrance, her kind eyes twinkling as she spotted Benjamin. "Hi Ben, welcome! Come meet your new friends."

Benjamin's tummy fluttered as he gripped his mother's hand. Mrs Otty knelt to his level, her voice gentle. "It's okay to feel nervous. Everyone's feeling it today – it's our first day! What made you feel nervous, Ben?""I don't know everyone... and I don't know the rules," he whispered.

Mrs Otty smiled, nodding understandingly. "We can fix that! Let's introduce ourselves. What's your favorite thing to do?”Benjamin looked around, then gave a small wave to Kavi, Ollie, Jamie and Henry . "I like playing with blocks!"

"We have a big block corner! Want to help me set it up?"Benjamin nodded, his grip on Sheepie loosening as he joined Mrs Otty. As they built towers, a boy with a friendly grin approached. Max introduced himself, kneeling beside Benjamin. "I'm Max. Want to build a castle together?"

He laughed as Max added a drawbridge to their castle. The other children joined in, sharing ideas and blocks, and soon the group was chatting and giggling together. Mrs Otty clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. "Time for story time! Find a cozy spot."Benjamin snuggled onto the rug with Sheepie, feeling more at ease.

Mrs Otty began reading about a brave knight who explored a mysterious new land. The children listened, their faces a mix of excitement and wonder. After the story, Mrs Otty looked around and asked, "What do you think the knight felt?"Benjamin raised his hand, his voice stronger this time. "Nervous... but excited!"

Mrs Otty led the class outside, her smile reassuring. "Exactly! It's okay to feel both. Break time is next and it’s time to play outside!"Benjamin dashed for the slide, the warmth of the sun on his face, his earlier worries forgotten. "Wheeee!" he shouted, as Max joined him, laughing. "Let's do it again!"

Benjamin turned to Mrs Otty, pride shining in his eyes. "I did it! I was nervous, but I'm happy now."Mrs Otty knelt beside him, her voice warm and proud. "You're brave, Ben. Everyone's first day is special. You're part of our class now!"

Benjamin rushed into his mother’s embrace, his face beaming with newfound confidence. 's mother_d]'s mother] "Good! I made a new friend, played blocks, and slid down the slide!"

He turned to his mom, a big grin on his face. "I'll go back tomorrow."'s mother smiled, pulling him in for a hug. 's mother_d]'s mother] The End.