First Day at Kinder

Miss J is going through her kinder transition.

In AUS, the educational system is extremely child-friendly.

To cater to kids who may never have been in a school environment, there is a transition programme where kids come in 2, then 3, then 3+ hours each session, with the sessions spaced out (2 a week at first instead of 3) and the class divided into 2 groups. So they get an extremely gentle introduction to school.

From a parent's perspective, it feels like the kids are doing nothing at all.

They wander from station to station, doing play cooking, puzzles, painting, working with playdough, constructing wonderful contraptions with Magnetic Polydron, flipping through books.

No one tells them what to do, but if they run into a spot of difficulty, the teacher or assistant is always on hand to help.

Kinder is also where kids get introduced to routines like where to hang their backpacks, where to place their water bottles and lunch boxes, what to do before sitting down on the mat together (wash your hands!).

There's also an intro to social etiquette - if you want to say something, put up your hand and wait to be called (no calling out); don't be a "space invader" (no sitting too close to another person and touching them or annoying them).

Miss J is familiar with some of these things, having been a daycare kid since 18 m.o. And she does seem able to restrain herself and to act with the required propriety, which is good.

I had thought she would be okay on her own at the first session, since kinder is like daycare.

But she thought otherwise, and wouldn't let go of me.

I ended up staying the whole 2 hours.

Tomorrow she's got a 12.30-3.00 pm session.

Am hopeful she will be more confident by the end of Feb when she's met the rest of the kids and knows the layout of the room and all the routines.

The kinder teacher already has a "job" for me. During the interview, she asked if I know music and play an instrument, and before I knew it, I'd said yes to playing the piano so the kids can sing to nursery rhymes!

Holding back on the Heathdale vs Good News decision

After what happened on Thu night, hubby and I are leaning towards the idea that it might be better to let Beth continue at Heathdale. She seems to be doing so well, has developed a little circle of good friends, and Heathdale does seem to be catering to her academic bent. It would be a bit of a shame to tear her away.

Pity about the fees. It's the biggest push factor.

Beth The Flower Girl (And The Other Future FG)

Learning Ladder Get-Together

Had my first Learning Ladder get-together with Steph Davy today.

We had FUN!

The kids helped set up the display...



Steph played games with the kids, and soon, they were playing Zingo and Mousetrap on their own while she chatted with us about the different offerings suitable for our kids and answered our questions.




Afterwards, we all had lunch. On the menu: potato salad, chicken nuggets, sausages, spag bol, donuts and fruit. Sharon washed up and my aunt restored the dining area to its original state (thank you!).

Beth, Triston and Emmanuel got together to play Monopoly (Aussie Edition), with some parental intervention required because of "financial" disputes involving millions of dollars. :-p

Building Social Intelligence

Lately, I've begun to revise my opinion that Beth is an introvert who can only rarely be enticed out of her shell.

She has grown so much as a person after 1.5 years at school.

This year, she has struck up friendships with boys and girls she didn't know last year. She is even on Hi terms with several Grade Preps. Interestingly, she has connected with a wide variety of personalities. Her friends range from extroverts and athletic types to those who are even shyer and quieter than she is.

Tomorrow, she is going over to K's place for a play date.

I always thought K hung out exclusively with two other girls from the same class, but according to K's mom, K and Beth have recently become friends and K actually asked her mom if Beth could come to play. Wow.

Watching Beth march up excitedly to K with notepad and pen, all ready to write down K's address, K's mom turned to me and confided, "Look at them; they're only in Grade 1 and they're already organizing their social lives!"

I have to admit I struggle to accept that once kids start school, the floodgates to individuality are flung wide open and can never again be shut. It's just a matter of time before the little ones are off on their own exciting life journeys and we as parents can only stand by and watch. If asked or needed, we can offer our views and encouragement, but we can no longer rely on our views being treated with the same acceptance and respect as when they were little and dependent.

Last Day for Playgroup

Our playgroup coordinator reminded me that today's the last day we put out the toys for the kids.

Next Monday, we're meeting at Kidz Digz, an indoor play centre, to celebrate Christmas with the playgroup before we all disperse for the summer hols. The playgroup is providing the prezzies for the kids. The adults are doing a Kris Kringle (each person brings a present, puts it in the bag and draws out one, lucky-dip style).

It's been an interesting year and I've gotten to know a few of the moms better. J has also flexed her socialization skills, so that's good.

I find I enjoy chatting one-on-one with the moms, but I still tend to fade into the background when there's three or more.

I've also got some ideas for music/literacy activities for next year, but I need a partner-in-crime who's likeminded and willing to work with me. And I haven't found her yet.

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Half of me says I should stay on and help next year cos they really need helpers. The other half says I should carry on with my original plan, put J in daycare on Mon as well and focus on my business building activities.