This has turned into the land of the crazies. I'm a morning person. But this recommended start time of 7:15am, so my child can get over his 'I'm at school!' 'Hello friends!' 'Where did I put..' out of his system before official class begins at 7:35am...well, it is a tad early. I've already had to wake my darlings twice since school began, and I feel like an ass every time.
Frankly, I'd let him go a bit later but oh no. I've had him arrive at 7:20 a couple of times and he freaks out! 'Ma'am said...' He likes to do things right! Besdies, you get to do extra colour time.
I am still of two minds of this whole Grade 1 ethos. It isn't that I don't think he belongs, maturity wise he's right there with the rest. Accedemically he was rearing to go. Nor do I fault the school or his teacher, who seem to be very good. It's the national system behind how their day is run. There is one period of free play and that is combined with their lunch time. So take too long to eat and...no jungle gym for you! I grapple with the notion that at such a young age there is just too much to do between 7:35am and 1pm (2pm for 10yrs and up!) that they can't have another recess. Really?
The word bastards comes to mind.
His school work doesn't do much to convince me that this classroom time is time well spent. Admittedly, the school has to cater for everyone, including the children who haven't darkened a school's door till age 7. A wee bit late to introduced to the letter 'A,' especially if English is not your home language, but catch up these kids must. But it is undeniable that while some play catch up, my son could coast on his backside if he so chose. All while wearing old man's shoes and given virtually no time to play chase.
Then he gets homework. Homework that eats up play time because they somehow couldn't get it all to fit in that long arse day with virtually no recess for SIX AND SEVEN YEAR OLDS.
Hell, I'll just say it - BASTARDS!
I feel a wee bit better now.
Sort of. Haven't even got into the activities. ARGH!
I had more to say about an actual writting topic, but it appears I've gone on a tangent. Perhaps another day, then.
ROFL! You're right. Mummy is not adjusting well. Not sure about baby though. I remember calling my Baby's school a couple of times ( just to make sure she was coping with the long-arsed day etc) and the principal eventually let me know that "Baby is doing just fine, thanks. Her Mum could do with a bit of help though."
My inner response was the same as yours - bastards!
Posted by: Damaria | 27 January 2011 at 10:44 AM
Wow, as a teacher, I can say that's not fair for the kids, or the teachers. Even a simple 10 minute break to play would help the kids release a lot of energy. There are some schools here in CA that don't have recesses either and their reasoning is that with all the wrangling of kids, it would take over 30 mins to get back into the flow of learning.
Posted by: Heather McCourtie | 27 January 2011 at 04:45 PM
Thank you both. He IS fine during the school day and is more than able to complete his homework without stress. But it is clear in the mornings and his behaviour at home that it is a strain. Little things make him burst into tears.
And yes, it is an adjustment for me as suddenly I have to have them both ready much earlier, be there during homework and suddenly shuffling him off to more actives than I, personally, approve of for this age. See how it goes. Can always alter things a wee bit come next term.
Posted by: tiah | 31 January 2011 at 11:10 AM