Well, Akra Jr seems to have enjoyed his first couple of days of school. At least, he was annoyed this morning that he wasn’t going (it being the weekend and all) – so that’s a good sign, right?
Yesterday was a bit touch and go at first, though. He was all excited about going but on the way we met up with a friend who’s little boy is in the year above Akra Jr, who then started to discuss how difficult and daunting it is for them in the earshot of Akra Jr! It hadn’t even occurred to him that it might be more difficult that day with more children in there (first day was only half a class – second had all 45 children attending) and it was a bit of a blow to his confidence.
Entering into the classroom, it was chaotic. Not so much the 45 children (there are 2 teachers, by the way, but just one room for the reception megaclass) but the 45 parents looking very big and bulky amongst the minature chairs and tables. I think it’s going to be FAR less stressful for them once the parents are ordered to drop them off at the door!
And it must be stressful for them. Akra Jr, although happy and cheerful on exit, is easily upset and overtired when he comes out, bursting into tears at the slightest provocation and needing far more cuddles and reassurance. Everything feels very new for him, from the scratchy clothing that he can no longer pick for himself in the morning to the new routines and new faces. It’s hard work being 4!
7 responses so far ↓
1 Tami // 10th Sep 2005 at 4:41 pm
I cannot imagine 45 kids in one class – even with two teachers. That’s a lot of kids!
2 Paula // 11th Sep 2005 at 2:20 pm
There are 3 Primary One classes (60+ pupils) at my two’s school this year. Luckily because they are in the PM nursery class there are only 20 of them so far, much more relaxed.
There were about 50 in the PM nursery class last year, the noise level is amazing! I don’t know how the teachers manage, my head would be pounding!
3 Miss L // 11th Sep 2005 at 5:05 pm
It sure is, and we don’t always get to the bottom of their problems. My daughter hated walking into a room full of children so we had to be early, my son couldn’t have cared a hoot. Its such a pity that there isn’t a clear way of their understanding their unhappiness and being able to tell us straight away.
4 Anji // 12th Sep 2005 at 9:49 am
I’m shocked at the size of the class. I expect he’s exhausted after all that. It’s good he wants to go though, hope it went well this morning.
5 Purple Elephant // 13th Sep 2005 at 9:24 pm
I don’t know about you but we’ve found the step fom nursery to reception class larger than I imagined.
I somehow thought that they’d ease them in more gently by making some of the routines similar to nursery (like for instance what to do when you first get there) but it’s all so different.
Would you believe it she got homework today.
Already..
6 Pewari // 14th Sep 2005 at 8:10 am
Homework already, PE?! Good grief! Haven’t had that yet here, but yes, I’ve been quite surprised at how much difference there is between the two, even though our nursery was very good at fostering independence.
What concerns me is that the step between Y1 and reception is supposed to be pretty large too, so we’ve got all this to go through again next year…
7 Kathy // 14th Sep 2005 at 9:48 pm
45 to 2, it must be overwhelming! When I taught preschool we had 16 children and 2 teachers, and I sometimes felt my head spin (I feel it now with 2 of my own) and the program my 4 year old was supposed to go in was 1 teacher to 20 students – but only for 2 1/2 hours. That way she could run 2 sessions. Now I’ve got her in an all day inclusive program (mixed with special needs children) – there are 15 children and 7 teachers. Wow. Almost overkill there. But while she doesn’t require one and one all the time, it’s nice to have sometimes.
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