That's it. The kids are off to bed. His uniform and shoes are all laid out. His transformers backpack is packed and his lunchbox is set out in the kitchen. His first day of first grade awaits him. And all I want to do is cry.
When I was a kid, I hated school. It had a lot to do with not knowing any English as I started kindergarten and being placed in an E.S.O.L. Class with a teacher who only spoke Creole. I was sent to timeout all the time for not following directions. Directions I could not understand. After various doctor visits, plenty absences and even trips to the psychologist, they finally found out what was wrong. I hated school! Eventually, I got a new teacher, learned English and made friends yet somehow the damage was already done. I dreaded going there. I can still smell the expo markers and the BBQ sauce from the cafeteria. Perhaps that's why I graduated early and never went to college.
Thankfully, our son has had a different experience. English is his first language and he was amply prepared and advanced before setting foot in the classroom. He was also able to start kindergarten in a brand new charter school with less kids per class, Spanish as one of his specials, and even having chess as part of his curriculum. This kid loves school! He also loves the gender division. He gets to see girls in specials, recess and lunch but apart from that he is in an all boys class. I never knew how beneficial this could be until you see the advantages for yourself. Girls and boys learn so differently.
As my son starts first grade, I get sad because it means he is growing up. Learning more, getting more friends, and becoming more independent. Yet I rejoice because he is still little, because he is still mine and because we have so much more to go.
As your kids go back to school, whether private or public or home schooled by you, remember to prepare them for everything that is in store. Respect for authority. Kindness for others. Open mind to learn. Yet also remind them of hidden dangers. What is appropriate between teachers or staff and kids. What's appropriate contact between friends. How to stand up for others when they cant do it for themselves. How to be bold and different and unashamed to be who they are. To know that a grade doesn't determine who they are or who they will be, but to give their best in all they do. Let them enjoy being little while learning the responsibilities they will have as they grow older. Be there for them to talk about their day and establish that openness early on. Check their backpacks, their homework. Read to them daily. Participate in school activities. Volunteer. Be involved. Know who their friends are. Better yet, know who their parents are.
Another year in school reminds me how fast time goes and how quickly they grow. Yet it also reminds me that they are still little and its still our job as parents to educate their brains more than the education system can. As parents, take the time to take pictures to treasure these memories forever. But also take time to pray over your little ones, that they may enjoy school and learn. For the teachers, that they may be filled with compassion and love for the children. For the staff and volunteers that come in contact with our kids, that they may be patient and welcoming to the kids. And for the other kids, that they may come to school to learn, to respect others and to learn how to be a little more independent.
I wish everyone a great back to school this year! And I'll be praying that as parents we may be wise as to what our kids should know and whose responsibility it is to educate them!
When I was a kid, I hated school. It had a lot to do with not knowing any English as I started kindergarten and being placed in an E.S.O.L. Class with a teacher who only spoke Creole. I was sent to timeout all the time for not following directions. Directions I could not understand. After various doctor visits, plenty absences and even trips to the psychologist, they finally found out what was wrong. I hated school! Eventually, I got a new teacher, learned English and made friends yet somehow the damage was already done. I dreaded going there. I can still smell the expo markers and the BBQ sauce from the cafeteria. Perhaps that's why I graduated early and never went to college.
Thankfully, our son has had a different experience. English is his first language and he was amply prepared and advanced before setting foot in the classroom. He was also able to start kindergarten in a brand new charter school with less kids per class, Spanish as one of his specials, and even having chess as part of his curriculum. This kid loves school! He also loves the gender division. He gets to see girls in specials, recess and lunch but apart from that he is in an all boys class. I never knew how beneficial this could be until you see the advantages for yourself. Girls and boys learn so differently.
As my son starts first grade, I get sad because it means he is growing up. Learning more, getting more friends, and becoming more independent. Yet I rejoice because he is still little, because he is still mine and because we have so much more to go.
As your kids go back to school, whether private or public or home schooled by you, remember to prepare them for everything that is in store. Respect for authority. Kindness for others. Open mind to learn. Yet also remind them of hidden dangers. What is appropriate between teachers or staff and kids. What's appropriate contact between friends. How to stand up for others when they cant do it for themselves. How to be bold and different and unashamed to be who they are. To know that a grade doesn't determine who they are or who they will be, but to give their best in all they do. Let them enjoy being little while learning the responsibilities they will have as they grow older. Be there for them to talk about their day and establish that openness early on. Check their backpacks, their homework. Read to them daily. Participate in school activities. Volunteer. Be involved. Know who their friends are. Better yet, know who their parents are.
Another year in school reminds me how fast time goes and how quickly they grow. Yet it also reminds me that they are still little and its still our job as parents to educate their brains more than the education system can. As parents, take the time to take pictures to treasure these memories forever. But also take time to pray over your little ones, that they may enjoy school and learn. For the teachers, that they may be filled with compassion and love for the children. For the staff and volunteers that come in contact with our kids, that they may be patient and welcoming to the kids. And for the other kids, that they may come to school to learn, to respect others and to learn how to be a little more independent.
I wish everyone a great back to school this year! And I'll be praying that as parents we may be wise as to what our kids should know and whose responsibility it is to educate them!
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