School Days, Asian-style

{This post is rather lengthy and will most likely only interest family members. Read at your own risk of boredom and don't say I didn't warn you!}

Last year Kevin and I wanted to send Grace to a local preschool to help her learn the local language and make friends. However, the logistics of getting her there and back really made it unfeasible for our family. We knew when we moved that it would be much easier to take her to school everyday.

And when we moved to our small little city we started inquiring about preschools. Almost everyone we spoke with declared that the education system here is lacking and that the better schools are in the big city. Well, considering our goals for Grace are still for her to learn the local language and make friends that's not a huge concern to us. (And we'll be homeschooling her anyway!) Every single person we spoke with told us to go to the #1, 2, or 3 kindergartens and to stay away from the small, private schools because there are no good private ones here. So we looked at the suggested schools. The #3 kindergarten was already full with over 50 children in each class and the number 1 kindergarten was close to capacity as well. Yes, that's 50 four year olds in a classroom!

So, the #2 kindergarten was still up for grabs and our dear friends were sending their son there as well. Even though they aren't in the same class, it would be nice for Grace to have a friend already at the same place. Plus, you know, they have the best playground in town. (Seriously, there are no playgrounds here in town other than at the preschools. But don't tell my girls that because they totally believe the old people's exercise equipment at our apartment complex is for kids. But that's another story for another day).

Grace started school last week, and let me say it's just a whole new world for all of us. I completely appreciate the teachers and principal because this experience of having a foreign kid in their school is new for them as well. They have been patient and tried to find ways to make Grace feel more comfortable. The first day was rough as Grace wasn't quite sure what to do during the morning exercises with the music blaring so loudly, didn't want to drink the hot water they gave her, and was scared to grab the clothes of the child in front of her to line up for the squatty potty trough-style bathroom. (I'll admit, I had some queasiness in my stomach at this point, especially after seeing a few things. For one, the teacher in Grace's class said one of the little girls had a fever, but she didn't do anything to see about sending her home or keeping her away from the other kids. I also didn't like the fact that there was no place for the kids to wash their hands after the bathroom trips!) I stayed with Grace throughout the first hour until after the kids had finished their morning exercises. When the kids went back into the classroom, the teacher was definitely not going to let me stay. Grace seemed to be fine at her little table, so off I went. Later that morning she cried when I picked her up, saying it was because they didn't color that day and she had brought a special pencil from a friend so she could draw something!

But by day 2 Grace was using the squatty potty with the other kids and getting a little more used to things...emphasis on a little. Day 3 was her best day; she declared it was a "much better day" and that she really liked school.

And then this week hit. Day 4 heading back to school was rough because our family had to be out of town for 4 days, which was just long enough of a break to get out of the routine of school. Day 5 was the first time Grace cried, begged and pleaded not to go back to school. Amongst other things, we realized she doesn't like having to go to the bathroom with the other kids if she doesn't need to go, and she dislikes not having toilet paper. I can't say I blame her! I think she has some cultural adjustments she's trying to make in her mind. So after we talked through several issues she seemed better. By Day 6 the teachers said Grace was doing much better and getting a little more involved. Tomorrow starts a new weeks and I'm ready to see how it goes!

Even though Grace doesn't want to go in the mornings and won't give me much information about what the kids actually do during class time, I still think going for a few hours each morning is good for her. She already seems a little more willing to use the local language. And she's as happy as a lark when she comes home. I figure it can't be all that bad if she comes home so happy! She has a little mini-reunion with Trinity every day when she comes home and they play well together. It's fun to watch. My mom reminded me that I need to take pictures of her school, so I'll try to do that soon Mom. Until then, you can see my big girl above heading out the door on her first day.

Just tonight, Grace told me this. "Mommy, do you know what my THREE favorite things to do are? One is going to school, another one is watching movies on our special movie nights, and my MOST favorite thing of all is spending time with you!" (Followed by a big hug.) If that didn't just about make my month, I don't know what would. That makes up for probably a whole year's worth of morning school drama!

I'm proud of you, my big girl!