Elliott started kinder 3 weeks ago. He was pretty nervous about it, and felt certain he wouldn’t like it. We attended an orientation that left me feeling more nervous than I was before the orientation, instead of less. It was poorly organized, the information wasn’t comforting, and the teachers seemed cold and slightly mean.
I stayed dry eyed the first day, and I think that helped Elliott remain brave and strong. He decided after the first day, that he still didn’t like it. The next day was the same. I was starting to worry, as Elliott had always loved learning. I was even considering the idea of home schooling…maybe this forced structure wasn’t for us after all.
The third day we participated in run club. The school hosts a running club that begins when the campus opens and goes until it is time to line up for classes. The premise is simple–you have a card with your name on it, you run a lap, you receive a stamp on your card. When you acquire 26 stamps, or approx. 5 miles, you get a plastic shoe charm on a string.
On the 3rd day, he decided he loved school. We have participated in run club every morning since. He shows off his shoe charm to anyone who will pay attention. Parents and siblings are encouraged to participate as well. So, on the days I have Spencer, I walk with him. He even has his own card!
Thankfully, I wont be homeschool this year.
darwinsgirl 