“First Day at School”by Roger McGough captures the anxiety, confusion, and wonder of a young

child experiencing their first day at school. Through a vivid depiction of the child's perspective,
McGough makes readers empathize with the child's feelings of bewilderment and curiosity.

The poem is about a child's first day at school, a time filled with unfamiliarity and nervousness. The
child sees the school environment as strange and confusing, full of unknown people and objects. This
perspective is shown through the child's innocent misunderstandings and imaginative descriptions of
their new surroundings. The poem's ability to capture these emotions is both charming and touching.

McGough uses simple yet powerful language to reflect the child's thoughts. The phrase "a
millionbillionwillion miles from home" shows the child's feeling of being far from home,
emphasizing how vast and intimidating the new environment feels. Additionally, McGough uses
personification in line like "bell to go " giving the bell a commanding presence.

The poem's organization, form, and structure significantly contribute to its effect. Written in free
verse, the poem mirrors the spontaneity and fluidity of a child's thoughts. The lack of a strict rhyme
scheme or meter allows McGough to authentically capture the fragmented and wandering nature of a
young child's inner dialogue. The poem is organized into several stanzas of different lengths, each
focusing on a different aspect of the child's experience, such as the other children, the teacher, and the
classroom itself. This structure reflects the child's shifting attention and fragmented perceptions,
enhancing the poem's realism and emotional impact.

My personal response to the poem is one of empathy and nostalgia. McGough's depiction of the
child's first day at school reminds me of my own experiences of entering new and unfamiliar
environments. The poet's ability to convey the child's perspective with such authenticity and
tenderness is particularly striking. For instance, the line "And the railings. All around, the railings"
powerfully conveys the child's feeling of being trapped or confined, evoking a sense of vulnerability
that many readers can relate to from their own childhoods. The poem's vivid imagery and childlike
language effectively create a sense of wonder and confusion, allowing readers to immerse themselves
in the child's experience.

McGough's playful yet touching use of language is evident in his inventive descriptions of school-
related concepts. The child's misunderstanding of "lessins" as "small and slimy" creatures kept in
"glassrooms" illustrates their imaginative and literal thinking. The child's innocent confusion about
the term "tea-cher" as "the one who makes the tea" further emphasizes their naive and literal
interpretation of the world around them.

In conclusion, “First Day at School” by Roger McGough is a masterful portrayal of a child's

perspective on their first day at school. Through his use of simple yet evocative language, free verse
structure, and touching imagery, McGough creates a vivid and relatable depiction of childhood
anxiety and curiosity. The poem's ability to evoke empathy and nostalgia makes it a powerful and
enduring piece that resonates with readers of all ages. McGough's skilful treatment of the subject
matter and his unique approach to capturing the child's viewpoint make this poem a remarkable and
memorable work.