Memories of the First Grade

In first grade, we were required to recite the Lord's Prayer every day, under the tutelage of Ruth Horowitz. Some days, I had trouble remembering how it began. But then I hit upon a mnemonic device. A pretty girl who sat near me bore a name that reminded me of the Lord's Prayer. Dolores my shepherd…


I was known as the Number Boy in first grade because I could count to 100 - other children could not. I was also advanced in writing. I once wrote something on the pad in front of me, and the teacher, Miss Horowitz, looked at it. I thought she would be mad. But she was amused. She showed it to another teacher, Miss Salinger, and the two of them seemed pleased.

I had written: "I am souperman."