ARE WE SCHOOL READY, MAMA? HELPING CHILDREN STARTING SCHOOL
Wasn't it a great summer? How was it for you,
friends? I still haven't posted a ton of photos from our holiday yet there are
new ideas awaiting, deadlines approaching and school starts up for us here in
over a week. As we've been counting objects and learning the alphabet, I'll
leave you with a list of school essentials. Our one and only version. x
Artist. Every artist is most pleased when given generous
amounts of supplies they can work on with the skills they posses and the
excitement it will produce. Not to mention a great piece of art as a result.
Using scissors independently, gluing, holding a pencil... those are the skills
we’ve worked on since the last diaper change.
Ballerina. We’re not giving up on
those pink tutus anytime soon! In fact I have been checking lots of ballet schools in our
area to compare their achievements, confirm availability and as long as there
is a picture of happiness on Nadia’s face before heading to class, we sure
gonna stick to swishing and pirouetting. And I’ll look forward to sharing it.
Curious plate. Between getting to know
each other and trying to focus on what teachers say there will be time of a
great consternation what the plates represent. Trying to find a comfortable way
of encouraging this little girl to taste new things at snack times I’ll stick
to what our kitchen offers with variations according to seasons and Nadia's
suggestions.
Dress me pink. Not a chance at this time
but we may smuggle a little hair pin or an ear stud undetectably some mornings.
Technically Nadia is able to dress and undress herself but making sure it
doesn’t give her unnecessary headache while doing it on her own, Velcro straps
and easy to open and close snaps are a heaven sent helping children with their
first steps into independence.
Energetic. It is understatement. I’ve
been noticing all the special things about Nadia and the amount of energy that
gets distributed (not that all evenly) throughout the day. There are new and
old fascinations taking over, she insists on constant motion. More wheels,
louder squealing, yes we'll continue moving forward.
First day. Before and after the big
day I am sure to steal as many kisses from this girl as I can.
She’ll know where to find her favourite toy and a drink, who her teachers are.
We’ll even try to look out for her kindergarten friend, Edward to go through
the school gate together with lunch boxes in their fists.
Games. It’s still all fun and games at this stage and
believe me I’m dealing with an expert in this matter. Such a great surprise,
these days we like to frisk on the sofa, tickle each other and giggle with
delight. I thought those days of carefree frolicking are far
beyond us and only associated with a milk and powder smelling baby. But I will
always be up for our playtimes and look forward to them daily!
Holiday. As it came and went, it will come back and go
again. Half terms, holidays, weekends and evenings promise plenty to be excited
about.
Ideas. They're more like our playtimes except even more
awesome. And I'm content to watch whatever Nadia likes to come up with.
Just your name. Writing, recognizing it
has Nadia pretty excited. I bet finding it all over her school uniform will get
her more than happy. What wonderful moments those little nametags will share
with her.
Kindergarten friends. They
know you better than any review that gets sent to a big school. They may have
strong opinions and nicer toys but they are your first friends and you want to
have them (or some of them) in your life. I understand.
Lessons. Those in English and in patience. In sitting still
and running erratically. Lessons of self-sufficiency and when to ask for help.
Mastering basic skills of blowing own nose and drying hands using less than
half a paper towel dispenser.
Mornings. Not a good idea to interrupt a child savouring the
last moments of her sleep. Gently rubbing her back or planting a soft kiss on
her forehead does the trick and here she is running straight into the kitchen.
Practicing our morning routine is more like accomplishing a little with a great
amount of fun. It is crucial though to know what needs to be done and who does
what in certain time. We opt for a lot of joy out of a tad stressful
situation.
Night owls. Our days are mostly full
of whatever we want to do that time and sometimes, you know those days tend to be very long as we're quite laid back about going to
bed times. This muffin definitely belongs to an owl family. Wish us luck as we
attempt to create an evening routine. Key word: attempt.
Old toys. We try to rotate Nadia’s toys pretty regularly,
some of them have been hidden from sight for nearly a lifetime, sure this time
more space will be dedicated to exercise books and sharp ended pencils. Fancy
dresses will give way to school uniform but there will always be bunch of
favourite plush limbs allowed. And that’s just how it should be, you know.
Pretty please. And a thank you and good
bye. Being able to talk to adults and ask questions on events happens slowly
for this lady. She is an observant child, a one that will wait her turn and get
what she’s given. It makes me worry and it makes me appreciate my child with
her unique personality. The years that have gone by were preparation for this
moment, any moment that she will dig from the chest of skills and experiences
without me noticing. I am hopeful and I am proud.
Roast chicken. Or any other healthy and
nutritious meal will make me feel useful again. It’s not a secret that
Damian’s cooking is our everything. Yet with more time on my hands I’m eager to
show off my cooking skills, not to say
that I have it all figured out but if ingredients cooperate we’re
on the right path.
Stories. I have a feeling princesses are very essential in a
little girl's life. So are superheros. It's rather cool living with them under
one roof.
Television. There is a lot that goes
on between eating and playing and scrapping elbows. We watch cartoons and
children’s movies, we laugh at those surreal concepts. Though with all those
box office hits, there has been a lot of cuddling. That is good.
U and me. Joining in with activities, taking turns and
sharing with peers, those are very good combinations.
Wild numbers. No educational journey is
complete without knowing your age, your best friend's age or the amount of
jelly beans you can eat before breakfast. The same goes with recognizing your
name, writing it in as many variations as possible and telling everyone about
it in more detail they’re ready for.
Years. Of hair brushed neatly, walking hand in hand to the
school gate, greeting her again and burying my face in sweet unkempt hair.
Zzz.
5 comments
Ah dear, these are definitely some great tips. I have a nephew who's started going to kindergarden the other day and he.. well, he doesn't really like it because he doesn't know anyone. I will definitely tell my sister to check out your post!
ReplyDeleteMine started pre k joyously.. he loves school.. but he barely felt the transition this time because not a lot changed.. he is going to the same school, same friends and by chance even the same teacher (promoted) and all summer he attended summer camp and was waking and sleeping early everyday.. next year will be a different story.
ReplyDeleteShe's so adorable!! x
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute! I'm sure she'll love school. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter a great summer, she will be unstoppable in making new friends. I loved reading this alphabet, simple but powerful. :)
ReplyDelete