Dear Logan,
Mommy accompanied your brother to his new school today for his first trial day before officially starting on September 1. All in all, I think Aidan enjoyed the new school as he didn't want to leave at around lunch time. We will be back tomorrow afternoon, and he will do another trial day without my presence.
This school is very different from CCLC. CCLC is a play-based program, and from what I saw, all the kids played most of the day, and academics are introduced through play. If I had wanted Aidan to learn more, I would have to pay extra for it, which I didn't. In a way, I was glad that Aidan started out at CCLC, where he got to socialize, play, have fun, and actually be a kid. Because at his new school, everything will be different.
We got to school at 9:30 a.m., and the kids were about to start their first of three circle time of the day, Language skills. Aidan joined in without problem, but was definitely confused when they were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (I think?). I was speaking with a teacher at the time,. who was introducing me to the different binders, cubbies, etc, while Aidan joined in the fun. At the circle time, the teacher reviewed the letters of the alphabet and the sounds made by each letter. No problem there, as Aidan knew all of his letters, and has learned the sounds at CCLC. However, when they started playing Bingo, this was when I think Aidan was a little lost. Instead of the teacher reading out the picture and the kids put a cube on the their bingo cards indicating the picture, the teacher just gave out the sound of the first letter of the picture. For example, if the picture is a fish, the teacher would say "Fffff", the students would have to determine what letter makes that sounds, then look at their cards to look for the picture of an object/animal that starts with the letter "F". I was sitting away, so I wasn't sure how Aidan did. If I could explain the instructions to him personally before it started, he might have done better. However, it's towards the end of the school year, and I am sure the kids have played this game before. I was actually proud of Aidan for sitting down criss-cross apple sauce quietly for the whole 45 minutes.
After circle time, it's free play time where different stations were open for the students to choose. Aidan was immediately attracted by the dramatic play, kitchen and cars/trucks stations. I was not surprised that he was far away from the tables set up for painting and puzzles. Aidan was offered to have some snacks at the snack table, but he declined. When the teacher turned off the lights, the students immediately stopped what they were doing and put their hands on their heads. This signaled that it's time to clean up. Aidan was alarmed and possibly a little scared, as he wasn't sure what was happening. I, myself, was a little confused, too. Seems a little too drastic to get the kids to clean up, but I guess that's the best way to get their attention. All the children knew what to do, and started cleaning up. Aidan helped out as well.
Now it's the time for the second circle time of the day, Math Skills. Aidan had no problem with the calendar (month, day, and date) and was able to recognize all the numbers. Students came out in pairs to locate the card with the correct number, and the teacher also tested them in locating the number before and after the given number, and locating the number that is larger or smaller. Aidan has always been very good with numbers, so he has no difficulty in participating.
Because of the large class size, even though the ratio is 1:10 (3 teachers and about 30 kids), I felt that it was difficult to engage all the kids and to keep them interested during the long sessions of circle time. Each teacher was in charge of each circle time, and the other two teachers started preparing for open activities/snacks/decorating. So that means the ratio became 1:30 during circle time. It took a lot longer to get to each of the students for questions and games, thus, some kids got bored and started fidgeting and talking. If Aidan were to come here when he's only 4 yrs old, I am sure he wouldn't be able to sit still during circle time. But at 4.5 yrs old, I think he's old enough to really pay attention and learn. I was so proud of him that he was able to sit still for so long.
After the second circle time, it was outside play time. Some kids brought their swim wear, as it was sprinkler/water play day. Perfect time as it's very hot today. Aidan was running around in the playground (bigger than CCLC), and was a little lost and confused in the beginning. He eventually shot some hoops, dragged a wagon around, and then sat down on the bench with two other kids. Outside play seemed to be only 15-20 mins, and then the kids went in to prepare for lunch. It seemed to be a little too short for the kids to run around and use up some of their energy. They have another outdoor play time at the end of the day.
Nap is from 1- 3p.m., which is the same at CCLC. Then it would be the third circle time, Social Studies. Then snacks and more indoor play, and outdoor play.
We left at around noon. Aidan wanted to stay, but I explained to him that he would be back tomorrow. He said his goodbyes, and off we went to his favorite restaurant, The Pasta Market.
Overall, I think Aidan would be fine at the new school. I think I am just more concerned about the transition. I chose this school because it's more academically focused than CCLC, but now that I really sat in the class, I became worried. There's homework to take home everyday, and I am not sure how Aidan would do. He's at the age that he likes school, and likes to learn. I just wish such eagerness to learn will continue for a long time. He will have to do a lot of homework from now on.
Tomorrow, he will be on his own. I still need to talk to Daddy about the drop-off and pick-up schedule. It's easiest for Daddy to drop off and pick up as his work is closer to school. But I want to be able to talk to the teacher and know how Aidan is doing as well. I might need to change my work schedule to 8:30-4:30, and leave me 1.5 hrs to get to school to pick him up by 6. We'll see.
Love you,
Mommy
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