In May, Bill Snead spent a day with the first grade class of Sue Ann Gleason at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Ashburn. These are the photographs he took to illustrate the day of learning that began around 7:30 a.m. and ended around 3:30 p.m. Snead's desk, complete with decorated name plate and colored pens and pencils.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

In May, Bill Snead spent a day with the first grade class of Sue Ann Gleason at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Ashburn. Mrs. Gleason answered questions before school began.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Alex Schwind looks surprised to see a stranger in his classroom as he arrives at 7:30 a.m. Jill Adams is in the center and Samatha Alto is at the right.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Jill Adams, left, looks over some of her writing before handing it in to her teacher. Saralinda Contompasis is at the right and Lindsey Breidenfeid is seated.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Skylar Stark, left, Alex Schwind and Laraib Zia recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Mrs. Gleason's first graders have the option of being hugged by a fellow classmate as the class sits in a circle to begin its day. Zachary Peifley, center, opted for one. Jill Adams is at the left, Samantha Alto, right.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

In May, Bill Snead spent a day with the first grade class of Sue Ann Gleason at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Ashburn.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Sue Ann Gleason discusses writing with her students for their books on the human body, their work in progress.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Sue Ann Gleason discusses writing with her students for their books on the human body, their work in progress.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Sue Ann Gleason discusses writing with her students for their books on the human body, their work in progress. Skylar Stark is at the right.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Mrs. Gleason asks a question of Laraib Zia in the writers workshop portion of class.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Ethan Smith sounds out some words while writing a paper with his teacher.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Ethan Smith sounds out some words while writing a paper with his teacher.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Mrs. Gleason shows her students some examples of poetry from a collection of their poems that she printed and assembled as books.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Uday Kalvakota listens as his teacher tells him to read his story aloud with slightly more authority in his voice.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Debbie Schwind helps her son Alex, left, and Ethan Smith with their reading during class.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Jill Adams at her desk in the first grade class of Sue Ann Gleason at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Ashburn.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Hallie Jager postpones picking up a load of colored tiles by asking her teacher a question.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Desk mates Jill Adams, left, and Lindsey Breidenfeld.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

It's time for lunch at Cedar Lane Elementary, and not a moment too soon.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com