My first first graders are in eighth grade now and many are just thriving. Even my lowest student I had in my first year of first grade teaching is doing wonderful. I LOVE to find out how the kids I've had are doing. I haven't been able to keep track of all of them, but have loved to hear how others are doing.
I AGREE strongly with your wife and that's ONE affirmative action program I would support--more male teachers in the early grades (yes, I know there's issues to consider, but that's a topic for another day).
We've had new teachers come in who've had another teacher at the school in an early grade. That'd freak me out. I feel old enough already. But teaching first grade still keeps me young. I like that you can act stupid and still they laugh. I believe in blending humor and learning and so far it's been pretty good. :)
Thanks for your comments. :)
Always wear your SuperMan suit. It gets rough out there.