Ready for school...

Paige has begun the "gradual entry" process to Kindergarten.  I haven't taken any photos of her at her school, nor have I put her in a "back to school" outfit as I am waiting for her first full day.  So far she has been to the school for an hour with us, went for one hour on her own today, and will be going on Thursday for a morning, and then Friday for the full day.  It seems to be taking forever for her to start school, but it is also beneficial to ease her into it. 

At the end of August we were mailed a letter with her start dates, her teacher's name (Mrs. Lang), and a list of supplies which we could donate (craft items, outdoor toys, supplies, etc.).  We picked up a few crafty things, a big ball and a box of kleenex.  She also needed indoor shoes, and of course, a backpack. 

We got a backpack at "Hot Topic" in the mall...not a preschoolers store, but we saw the backpack in the window display.  A black dinosaur bag...her 2 favourite things--dinosaurs and the colour black.  And I picked up her indoor shoes at the Nike factory store. 

So last Thursday, the whole family went to the school for an hour where we met the teacher and a few kids from her class, and played a scavenger hunt game to get to know the school (find the library, gym, her cubby, etc,) and pick up some school information and forms.  I signed up to be the playdough volunteer for September.  Paige was basically mute and wouldn't talk to her teacher, but did smile at her a lot and had a good time.  Good enough that she was looking forward to going back anyway.

So in preparation for her visit today I packed her backpack with her indoor shoes and bag of spare clothes, and the playdough that Paige and I had made on the weekend for her class. 


Her visit was at 2:00, right in the middle of Rose's nap, so Mike stayed home while I walked Paige to school.  On the way there she said, "You know how I said I didn't want to go to school? That was because I thought it was like gymnastics camp, and gymnastics camp was no fun".  Well alright then...the $37 a day gymnastics camp was maybe not a hit, but at least I am relieved that she's not worried about school anymore.  As a side note, at least the gymnastics camp taught her (after a few accidents) that she has to tell the teacher when she has to go to the bathroom. 

Anyway, we got to the school and waited with the other kids and parents at the side door.  Three Kindergarten teachers came out and lined up the kids from their class.  Today's visit was with the same few kids that she met at the last visit, minus the girls that were there the first time, so Paige was the only girl.  I waved goodbye to her and off she went!

I did feel a little sad as I saw her walk in the school with her gigantic backpack.  She was so brave and grown up, but so small at the same time.  I walked home quickly and did a bit of blogging on the computer, and then had to turn around and go pick her up.  When she saw me she yelled "mommy!".  Mrs. Lang reminded her that she had to follow the class and wait in the kindergarten area, where they were dismissed one by one to their parents.  I saw Paige talking to her teacher a bit and she ran off to give her a hug goodbye at the end.  I'd say it was a success! She told me that she wasn't shy of her teacher anymore.  Apparently she played with a pretend kitchen, a pretend phone, and drew some pictures.  I think there was a bit of circle time too and maybe a tour of the classroom. 

I think she's looking forward to her next day there.  And today when we heard the bells ringing at her school I was telling her that it was first break, second break, etc.  She is the most excited about these breaks and eating her lunch there.  Who knows how much she'll actually eat there.

So, it has all begun!