The New School

Last year homeschooling was the right thing for our family, no question.

But I've always said that we homeschooled because the spirit led us to it, and this year the spirit led us someplace different.

And it's wonderful.

(Am I a terrible parent for forgetting first day of school pictures?)

The school has a rose ceremony each year, welcoming the first graders into the grades, a big transition from kindergarten. Each child comes with their family (Jeremiah was already sitting with his class) The teacher, Mrs. Keyser, announces their name, and the family gives them hugs and they get to walk through the arch, and greet their first grade teacher, who gives them a rose (and a hug) and they sit in the chairs of honor ;) Several of the teachers played music and everything. Mrs. Keyser then read everyone a story about Jumping Mouse. and then the first graders got to lead the school back from the playground to the building. It was great. And despite the look on Leah's face in the first photo, she thought it was awesome afterwards, and treasured her rose.

 Then it was Cubby Day at kindergarten. School began for the little ones the next day, so everyone got to come in, put their things in the cubbies, and then play. This room is seriously dreamy. THERE IS A TREEHOUSE for crying out loud! And blocks, and a balance board that they use as a bridge, or a boat, or to balance on. I wish my kindergarten were 1/2 this magical.

That first day was so full and afterward I suggested the kids rest quietly for about 30 minutes before heading out to play again. The kids found books and sat down to read except Jeremiah, who totally crashed in the corner of his room. At 2:30 in the afternoon. This was his first nap since he was 3! He worked so hard that day and was exhausted.

And if you're wondering how Anna is taking being home without her 3 best friends to play with and entertain her, I think this should answer your question:

 

All in all it has been a completely wonderful experience, so different for us than traditional public school. The kids look forward to going, talk about what they did, share it with each other, teach each other songs, dances, skills, and information. They help each other practice Spanish and German, the TWO languages they learn at school, they talk about their gardening class, handwork (knitting, cross stitch, crochet, embroidery, etc) Music, Art, and surprisingly they only talk a little bit about recess. 

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this experience. Whether we stick with public school, or choose to home school again, we are loving the new school and can't wait till monday. :)