Once upon a time, there lived a teddy bear called Matthew. Matthew lived on the edge of a friendly forest with his mum and dad, but today he woke up to a special day: it was his first day at school!
Matthew was a little nervous. He had heard many stories about school from his older siblings and friends, but he could never imagine what it would really be like.
- What if I can't find my place? - he asked his mum at breakfast, afraid.
- Don't worry, Matthew," his mother smiled at him. - You'll make lots of new friends at school, and everyone will help you. Plus, there will be a teacher to show you around.
Matthew nodded, but his little heart was still beating a little fast.
When the time came, Matthew left for school. On the way through the meadow, he met Zeno, the little bunny, who was also starting his first day. Zeno was even more excited than he was.
- Are you nervous too, Maté?" asked Zeno, as he jumped around in the meadow.
- "Yes, a little bit," Matthew admitted, "But my mum said everything would be fine.
- "I hope you're right," said Zeno, and together they continued their journey.
When they arrived at school, Rózi the squirrel and Marci the little deer were already there. They all felt the same way, but when they entered the classroom, their teacher, Auntie Raspberry, was waiting for them with a big smile on her face.
- Good morning, dear children!" he greeted them cheerfully. "Welcome to the first day of school!
Matthew slowly sat down on his bench and looked around curiously. Inside the room, colourful pictures hung on the walls and books lined the shelves. Everything looked very exciting.
- Today we will play and learn," continued Aunt Raspberry. - But first we will all introduce ourselves. I would like everyone to tell me their names and what they are most looking forward to at school.
Matthew was a little nervous, but when it was his turn, he spoke up:
- Hi, I'm Matthew and I'm really looking forward to learning to read!
- Very good, Matthew!" praised Aunt Raspberry. - Reading is very exciting!
As everyone introduced themselves, Matthew was feeling better and better. He realised that it wasn't just him who was nervous, but everyone else. And as he listened to the others, he realised they had a lot in common. He was also looking forward to learning new things and making friends.
The day went by quickly. Auntie Raspberry showed them around the school and they did lots of playful activities. They drew, sang and even practised a little counting. Matthew enjoyed everything and when it was time for lunch, he couldn't believe how much fun he had had on his first day.
After lunch they went out to play in the yard. Máté and Zénó jumped around in the meadow, while Rózi climbed the tree and Marci ran around in the yard. Máté's heart was no longer beating fast with excitement, but with joy. He realised that school wasn't such a scary place, it was actually a lot of fun!
As the day drew to a close, Matthew couldn't wait to get home and tell his mum and dad all the excitement of the first day.
- "Mum, Dad!" he called as he came through the door. - The school was fantastic! I made lots of new friends and I can't wait to go back tomorrow!
His mother smiled and hugged him.
- I knew you'd have a good time. You're a schoolgirl now!
Matthew nodded happily, and when he went to bed at night, he was no longer worried about the next day. He knew that school was a place where he could not only learn, but also make new friends and have a new adventure every day.
