Kid’s first day at school, is a milestone for new parents. Every parent wishes to treasure this day for life. To be honest, it may not be the smoothest or easiest day. But certainly, it is the best day.
Here is my hearty experience, of sending our daughter Aashvi (Mehal) to school, on day one. If you are next in line, then you should undeniably read this post. And if your kid is already going to school then this will brush up your memories for sure.
It is last week of June. Half of the year 2024 has winked out. And finally comes the day when our little daughter is all set to go to school for the first time. Though we had been sending her to day care for last couple of months, but she was yet to sit through a proper class room.
Downsides of current school curriculum:
School curriculum has exceedingly changed in recent times. It is tough to be parent these days. You have to enroll your kid to school, months before the next academic year begins.
It was month of September – October in 2023 and we could see a rush of parents inside school campuses. All were going about one school to the other. This is simply to make sure that their kid gets admission into the best school possible, as per their capability.
Me and my husband too went for school hunt as our daughter Aashvi ( Mehal ) was set to join EY – 1 ( just fancy names for LKG ). To our disbelief, she had to appear for an assessment to get into LKG. Can you believe it !
Subsequently there were multiple follow ups and meetings. As a parent you do not want to miss these. After all that, one thing which bothers the most, is soaring high admission fees even for LKG and UKG. To be honest, my entire education from early years till MBBS final could be covered with this one year’s fee.
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What is Positive about modern style of education:
I was going through the books and kits handed out by school. It was nothing sort of how I remember it used to be back then.
These days, learning is all about ‘infotainment’. It is not just the texts with A, B, C, D …. letters and 1,2,3,4 …. numbers. It is more of a fun play. Furthermore, creativity in the form of art and crafts are encouraged too since early stage. This is exactly how a young developing brain, would like to learn.
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A coin has two sides. As there is a dark side to commercial education system, there is bright side to it as well. Current educational methods are not just centred around academics and grades. The approach is more towards an all-around development of kid, be it sports, music, dance, arts, survival skills like swimming etc.
The kids who are stepping into an ever-evolving AI world, further need to be smarter than smart phones, isn’t it! This education presses on that. And last but most importantly, it stimulates kids to have an effortlessly good communication skill.
However, every kid is unique and we as parent should be aware about not only their finest qualities but also their short comings. And we better not push them into a rat race.
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Preparing for school:
Two days prior to her school opening, there was a parent orientation program. Parents were briefed about few basic things. What interested me the most was an ‘app’ through which they will be sharing everyday details of what was taught to kids. This app was kind of a medium of interaction and communication between class teacher and parents individually.
Another plus point that came out of the meeting was that we interacted with other parents. It is worth to be in touch with fellow parents. It always helps.
FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL
1.On the previous night
The night before her first day was all about organizing and name tagging her stuffs. Bags, tiffin box, water bottle, books, kits, id card and the list just goes on. Uniform was missing as there was a delay in distribution. So what she was supposed to wear the next day was a regular colorful dress.
2.On the same morning
And here comes her big day. A day when her tiny steps will take a giant leap. It is morning time, and we all are early birds. We packed her lunch box. Next we packed her school bag. Then somehow we primed her to wake up early. And we hurriedly got her ready for school just in time.
Of course, it goes without saying, that there were tantrums and struggle too!
“Being parent to a toddler is not an easy job. You have to be innovative with new methods and evolving with quirky stories.”
3.Leaving Aashvi at school
And now it’s the time. Dropping Aashvi at school was a touching moment. As if she is leaving her fairy tale land to meet real world. She cannot throw tantrum to get things done as per her wish. No wonder she will realize it soon and learn to let go.
This reminds me of a kid who is learning to ride a bicycle. At some point parents pull off their support to stay behind, just to see the kid move forward. That is the kind of release I felt that day as I stood there, waving her bye.
Day 1
I turned back home with empty hands and a heart filled with hope. A hope that, she might fall but she will figure out how to get up on her own.
Days went by as she got adjusted to it. Here are some clips of day 2.
Day 2
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HOW THE JOURNEY HAS BEEN?
Now it has been almost a month since, and she has made new friends. She enjoys the activities both indoor and outdoor. Have a glance at the stills of subsequent weeks.
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you. If you too want to share your journey, do mention in comment box below.
