Clare is very fortunate to have a grandaunt who opens a childcare centre. We feel very assured that she has someone to look out for her in a new environment at her tender age. Her grandaunt was in the education line as a teacher for 8 days and she ventured into the commercial world due to her health of her vocal box. Then she found her passion back in teaching and decided to open up a centre. She is someone who has great passion for the children (whom she always fondly regards as her own children) in her centre.
Today, we tried to wake Clare up at 7am. It took her a while to wake up. Then we changed her and we were on our way to school.
"Outside the School"When we reached the school, we were the first to be there. Our aunt introduced us to her teachers in the school and Clare started to get some stuff to play on her own. Children started to stream in one by one. The children were all seated on the floor and they were playing together and sharing their materials together. It was so nice to see all of them playing amicably together regardless of age and gender.
"Clean-up time"Breakfast was served at around 8.10am. Clare had cornflakes and milo for breakfast and my aunt and a teacher was there to teach her some table manners and social manners. She finished her food and she cleared her own plate and cup.
"Breakfast Time"It was then time for circle time. A teacher took out a story book and read to the children. All the N1, N2, K1 and K2 children were gathered together. Clare's bus driver happened to arrive at that time (Clare's supposed to take the bus home after school) and Damon and I went out to meet him. Teacher Cowell took over Clare from us and when we took a peek from outside, we could tell that the 2 of them had hit it off quite well.
"Circle Time"After circle time, it was time for their morning assembly. The children sang the National Anthem (without any music accompaniment) and said the pledge on their own.
After the morning assembly, the different classes were dismissed and N1 was supposed to have outdoor play on Monday. After ensuring that everyone had their shoes on and had insect repellant sprayed on their arms and legs, the children went off to play at the playground. At that moment, Clare saw us looking at her from a corner and she shouted for us. We ducked and she got distracted by the swings and slides. =)
"In the Playhouse of the Playground"
"Lunch-Time"Feedback from my aunt and teachers for the first day:
Feedback #1 (written in handbook by her teacher):
Clare is settling pretty well in school. She participates actively in class activities. She is friendly and mingles well in class. Nevertheless, will give her more time to adapt to the class routine and her classmates.
Feedback #2:
Clare's an intelligent girl who picks things up and learn very fast. We have to be very careful and be firm and consistent in our discipline as this would mean that she will pick up the not-so-good things very fast too.
Feedback #3:
Clare cannot focus for very long, that means her attention span is very short. She cannot sit still at a spot for long and will be distracted very easily. My aunt says they would slowly correct her and hopefully, she would learn to focus in 2 months' time.
Feedback #4:
Clare has a good appetite. She had 3 helpings of half a bowl of rice for lunch. My aunt also laughed and said that she is the first child in her centre to ask for a second helping of papaya.
Feedback #5:
There was one occasion that Clare cried. My aunt was in her office when she heard someone wailing. She came out of her office and found Clare crying with her tears flowing non-stop. After the teachers pacified her, my aunt carried her in her room and asked her what happened. Clare had wanted to eat the biscuits that one of her friends were eating. Her friend offered her one and there was no more left in her box. Clare asked for more and realised that there was nothing left and she started to cry. My aunt gave her a biscuit and told her to be well-behaved during her lesson and she would give her a sweet after class.
Feedback #6:
We must be careful what we promise her as Clare can remember distinctly what we have said and Clare is capable of making decision and stating her preference. At the end of her mandarin lesson, she told her teacher that she wanted to go to my aunt's room to get her sweet. The teacher said ok and Clare went in. My aunt was surprised she remembered but nevertheless offered her a sweet. Care looked at the sweet which was maroon in colour and said she wanted one that is orange in colour. (My aunt 'fainted' as her children have always just accepted any sweet she offered. Clare was the first one to reject what's being offered and asked for one that she preferred.)
Feedback #7:
It is hard to get Clare to drink water. My aunt believes it is important for children to drink sufficient water. She always tells her teachers that by mid-day, all children should finish half of the water in their bottle. Clare's teacher was telling me that they have to keep coaxing her to drink and everytime she drinks, she would only take small sips. And I was impressed that she really came back with her bottle half-filled and on the second day, her bottle was almost empty. =) Kudos to the teachers as we have problems getting Clare to drink more water at home too.
Feedback #8 (from the school bus attendant):
Clare did not want to board the bus initially and she told her teacher. After her teacher told her that the bus would bring her home to Mummy, she boarded the bus. According to the bus lady, Clare remained seated in her seat all the way and she was chattering with a K1 boy all the way home in the bus. (There were only 4 children in the bus and Clare's seated in between the K1 boy and the bus lady.)
When we reached home, I asked Clare if she's happy in school and she replied yes! =) What a relief! Then I asked her if she wanted to go back to school the next day, her answer's positive too! =)
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