Charli’s first school visit!

Monday was Charli’s first school visit. It went well enough. I’m hesitant to say much as there’s a strong suspicion there will be many more posts on this subject to come. The next few month’s aren’t going to be easy. She’s receptive and welcome to the idea of school; but she’s also extremely overwhelmed. She values her space and opportunity to concentrate without distractions on extended projects. She isn’t going to get that in a small box with 19 other children.

The atmosphere at her school was very welcoming. There were a few moments when Charli nearly jumped out of her skin – the sound of the incredibly loud bell that a student (wearing ear muffs) strikes to single, ‘It’s time to move it ‘kids’ [see gripe below on ‘kids’], line up, morning tea, classes are commencing etc.’. A sound which will become all too familiar to her very soon (I still recall waking in the middle of the night panicking that the school bell was ringing and that I should get out of bed quickly!). Unfortunately the teachers call the children kids – it’s a Kiwi thing – one which I hate – one which Charli has questioned me about, ‘But Mummy, baby goats are kids!’.

She was receptive to her teacher (she is lovely), but I could see Charli’s frustration in sitting on a mat for an hour, hoping to be picked to answer a question that was far too easy for her anyway. Waiting like a lap-dog for a sticker for sitting still. Her patience levels tested as she was stepped on or shoved as another child came forth for a sticker (home schoolers reading this will sigh with relief that they have made the right decision for their child!).

The best part of the morning was when the children made something to symbolize the ‘letter of the week’ (never mind that she already knows all her letters and can write them). They made ants and Charli is very proud of hers… as seen in the photograph below.

The second best part was ‘Fitness’ – when they all danced around in the playground, following the teachers, to music. She loves music and dancing so she was straight in there.

At morning tea the children all sat on the floor, under the veranda outside their classrooms, before going off to play. The older girls quickly came forward to greet the new entrants and younger children.

We have two more visits before Charli starts school on 30 July for the last week of Term 2. She’ll then enjoy a two-week respite at home before starting again in Term 3. It’s going to be an interesting few months!

Update
Just updated this post as I had a comment about a sentence which I’d written which came across wrong. I really didn’t mean to offend anyone and very much appreciate the value of different children in a class together. All children are very unique and special. They learn so much empathy and understanding in having to work in a close environment – and lots of patience! I really admire the teachers and don’t know how they can possibly meet the needs of so many individual children.