First Day @ Kinddy

1 Feb 2008 : Aemir's First Day at Kindergarten

We decided that it was about time Aemir gets some outside ("proper") education especially before the 2nd one comes along. So we enrolled him into a nearby kindergarten that is fully Montessori.

Getting up by 7.30am (latest) is tough for him since he usually sleeps until 8am or 9am! This morning, when I woke him up and mentioned school, he was ready and bursting to go. Forget the milk, forget the bath, forget brushing his teeth and forget breakfast - he wants to go to school now!

He's been looking forward to school ever since his 'observation day' and I don't blame him. He's at a stage where he loves mingling with kids around his age. You should see him and all his cousins.

So I had to force the breakfast and the bath before taking him to school - which is 5mins away. As soon as he arrived, you can see the gleeful delight on his face. Forget Mummy, Forget Kakak (the maid had to come along) ...."Aemir's at school and I shall do whatever I want."

The teacher gave him some Play-Doh to mess with but that didn't interest him until it was time for outside play. They were gathered in a circle while the teacher distributed their sunscreen around. Then they'd line-up [make a choo-choo train] while another teacher puts on their hats and off they went. Put on the shoes outside and to the playground it is!!!

Aemir attacked the slide first, then he headed for the sandpit and then he spotted several other kids watering the plants and so he joined in. It was sheer joy to be playing with water! This is because he's not allowed to do so at home except during bathtime. That's only because we dont have a garden for him to water any plants. Our balcony is plant-free...too small to fit any garden or potted plants since it's usually taken up by the laundry line.

After play, it was time for their snack. First, they must wash their hands and thereafter a plate and cup will be distributed to each kid. With their plates and cups, they find a place to sit down while waiting for the biscuits and juices to be served. You can always tell the obedient ones from the fresh ones!!

For the first time, I see Aemir obedient sit down at the table to finish his biscuit and drink before he comes out proudly to see me. And then, they had to sit in a circle for a Chinese New Year talk!

Aemir had to be told several times to sit on the RED LINE because he loves sitting in the middle of the circle instead. It was the hardest chore for him since he had to sit down for at least 15mins before the teacher announced it was playtime.

When playtime came, he grabbed a puzzle and sat down before he got distracted with the colouring session going on the next table. It was not long before the teacher gathered all the children again for an art-time demonstration. They each had to paste Chinese New Year pictures in a booklet. I saw Aemir eagerly waited for his turn but unfortunately they didn't have enough booklets to go around and he's stuck with sticking coloured tissue balls. The teacher informed me but I didn't mind since it wasn't an important celebration for him. But he insisted and tried to get to do whatever the rest of the children were doing. Rest assured, he did end up pasting some cut flowers and butterflies on a piece of paper and very proud of it!!

I suppose not having the same thing like his other friends taught him his FIRST LESSON: It's ok to be different!!!

Before you know it, it was time for LUNCH!!!! Wash hands first then sit down with hands on your lap while the food is being served. Obediently he sat down and as soon as the noodles got on his plate, he was so eager to eat and had a bite before the teacher caught him. They usually have a small singing session (something like saying a prayer - 'doa makan') before they eat. Aemir just went Bismillah and gobbled his food!!

Eating is always a task for Aemir but this time he did most of the feeding himself and I'm very proud of him! Then the kids waited for Jared's birthday cake to be served! (yes!! lucky for him it was another kid's birthday) All of them ate the chocolate cake before they were asked to wash their hands and face and brush their teeth after their lunch.

Next just before going home, they had some time for Phonics Zoo. Aemir was very interested for the first 5 letters and then it became boring. By then I know he was ready to go home as he was very very tired and sleepy already!

They completed the Phonics Zoo and Jared's Goodie-bags were given out....and off they went. School dismissed!!!

In the car, Aemir hurriedly opened the goodie-bag, had a sip of the Nutrigen before we reached home. At home, it was diaper change time and he was so sleepy that within the next 20mins he's fast asleep on his bed.

I bet he can't wait to tell Papa about school and can't wait till Monday comes for his 2nd Day at school.