Sunday, August 31, 2008

This time of year

First Day of School


This time of year can be hard for parents and kids alike. As I have already shared Madgette left the nest this week to begin kindergarten. Not just a normal kindergarten, but a dual language one. Her homeroom teacher is the Spanish part of the duo- so she has spoken to them in mostly Spanish this week. According to Madgette she has not understood most of what her teacher has said this week. She is only able to tell us about what the other teachers in the building have told her. However, she loves her teacher and has complete faith that she will be learning Spanish. I have already noticed that she has mastered some Spanish formal greeting elements that she did not have a week ago.


Madgette was able to stay on green every day this week and was rewarded by a trip into the much coveted treasure box. She was able to secure herself a completely glittered orange pencil and some M&M's. That made all the effort of being obedient and quiet worth it.

Julie has had her own totally different struggles this week. After the first day of school I am pretty sure she thought she had made a major mistake by coming here. She was a little sad by the lack of friends, and thought several of her classes were way to easy. We have jumped through the hoops and gotten 2 of her classes changed, and she has made more and more friends every day. The first update I get every afternoon when I ask how her day has been is that she "made more friends." I am very happy for her, and will be glad when she gets settled into a routine.

Thursday some boy walked up to her, tapped her on the shoulder, handed her a note and walked away. When she opened it she was very suprised- it was a love note! Complete with illustrations, and a phone number for her to call. Luckily, she told her sister about it first and her sister told her NOT to call them. I was able to reinforce what her big sister told her.

So this weekend Julie has gone to spend the night with some friends from our church youth group, and Madgette has gotten us all to herself for the first time in several weeks. However, we do have some very sad news to report- 2 of the kittens have passed away this weekend. The other 2 are eating and doing very well.

4 comments:

Barbara said...

As the days go by things will be better. These children are amazing. Sounds like Julie is doing well too. You're a good mom.
Hang in there. How's your other student?

Momma Pug said...

When Madgette is still for a millisecond and smiling sweetly and standing with that little glean across her face I can see so much of her mother.

There is a look she gives that is a mix of kindness and mischief and it all I can do not to scream: SEE THAT, THAT RIGHT THERE. THAT IS MADGE. THAT IS MADGE AT AGE FIVE AT FRANKLIN LOWER ELEMENTARY. THAT IS THE LITTLE GIRL WHO IS MY BEST FRIEND.

She might have the features of her daddy, even down to the color of her eyes, but that expression -- the one of "I am bad in a good way" is ALL YOURS.

Momma Pug said...
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Anonymous said...

She has grown up so fast. I can't believe that she is in kindergarten now. Wow-how the times fly. She is so smart and will do well this year. She will probably teach her teacher a few things also. :)
-Catfish