Anyone else got a child starting school/pre-school this September?

embee

Hi folks!

My daughter is 3.5 and is starting Montessori in September, and going into Junior Infants in September 2010. She is all excited about it, not nervous at all as her cousin will be there. She's very sociable and has a very advanced vocabulary for her age. She is asking me every day now when is school starting, she's very obviously looking forward to it.....

So why am I dreading it so much? She'll be fine, she is going to love it, I know that, but in the pit of my stomach I feel sick at the thoughts of her going off to school (even though it's not even proper "school" til September 2010). I have visions of wee boys being rough with her, pushing her around, picking on her. She's the sort of child who is very confident in some ways but I've taught her not to push other kids around, to share etc. Her cousin (who is 3 months younger and a boy) has become very rough with her and pushes her around, even when she's "playing nice" and sharing her toys, or just trying to have conversations with him (he wouldn't be as good with speech and vocab as she is but is a lot more physically adept at climbing etc). Obviously I and his Mammy will tell him to stop etc but as for my wee girl... she doesn't retaliate or anything and instead just gets upset and cries. She's an only child and I'm worried that she's going to find it hard adjusting to a classroom full of kids and a teacher.... Her Montessori is mixed but she is going to a single sex primary school.

Am I just doing the typical worrying Mammy thing? Is it normal to dread your child going off to pre-school? I shudder to think what I'll be like when she goes to "big school" in a years time

nesf

Our son started preschool at 2.5 last year. Honestly, I wasn't a bit worried about it, even then he was very social and loved playing with other kids. A year on, it's had a massively positive effect on him. I'd honestly feel bad for not sending him there since he has no siblings (yet) and no cousins of like age to play with.

Nevyn

Leaving them in the care of someone who is not yourself and not family and in a situation where there are so many other kids is stange at first and yes we worry about all the things which may happen while we are not there.

It's a big step towards letting them go, they start to develop thier own lifes were things happen and they have experieces we are not privy to or a part of.

Each time mine started this journey and I dropped them of and they smiles waved and talked through the door it tugged at me in side, I'd come home and try keep myself as busy as possible until it was time to pick them up and then try no tto quiz them too much about thier day.

You do have to send them off confidently cos they will pick up on your unease and when they got home I'd give them a bit of space and then we'd have a snack and talk about what they got up to.

This I have found to be bloody invaluble as they got older, they will talk about school the good and the bad and confide me over juice and tea and it's something I hope sticks
with us as they start to head into the teen years.

We can't cotton wool them, they have to learn to deal with other kids and people at some stage and as we all know at times other people and kids can suck and as good as home schooling can be there comes a point where they have to get used to dealing with people.

Davidth88

Our little one (3.5 ) started play school last year.

This summer she has been asking every day if the summer holidays are over because she can't wait to get back there .

It's odd because she will tell you about her day , but only in her own time, so for example when I am getting her ready for bed suddenly she will tell me about something that happened that day in play school , totally un prompted . It's lovely.

It's been a hugly positive experience for all of us !

Ickle Magoo

I hear you Embee,

I have one starting Montessori and one going to "big" school in Sept. My wee fella LOVED Montessori last year and he really enjoyed the summer camp at school - his sister loved the day she spent with him getting to know the Montessori so I don't have any worries about them - I take it much harder than they do, lol!

It's going to be very strange not having at least one of them at home with me but I'm kind of excited about that for all three of us!

LegacyUser

I'd have a word with the Montessori teacher about a week or two after she starts, ask how she's getting on etc. Voice your concerns that you're a little worried she might be letting other children boss her around and is she holding her own ok...? Your little girl sounds so lovely, I hope she gets on ok, I'm sure she will. My little girl is starting 'big school' this September, can't believe it's time already. She's a bossy boots though so I'm sure she'll be grand! She loved playschool and as an only child it taught her how to interact with other children, share and wait her turn etc. Really prepared her for Primary School I feel. Best of luck.

embee

Well, the letter arrived in the post - Monday 31st of August is D-Day. I got the phone call to tell me her uniform was ready for collection too.

She has suddenly decided that she doesn't want to go to school after all! I'm sure that this time next week that will have changed and she'll be back to the old "is it time yet? is it time yet?" merry-go-round

foxy06

My first fella started school a few years ago and he cried and cried. It was so heartbreaking. The second fell started playschool but didn't cry at all....which was worse! I was edging out the door saying 'mammys going now' 'I won't be long' 'You'll be fine' to which he replied 'yeah grand see ya later!' Left the place thinking he doesn't even miss me! Both happy as Larry in school now thank God.

Birdie086

My son is starting preschool in sept, big school the following the following year. He is three since June, cant wait for him to start but am a tiny bit apprehensive -wouldnt be a mother if I wasn't!!!!

lazygal

Hi All,
I stumbled across this thread-thought my perspective might be helpful!
I am a Montessori teacher so will pass on some advice for first day of school!!
Please do not hang around when dropping off a child- I know it's difficult to leave them if they are upset or crying, but honestly they never cry for more than 10 minutes and it just makes them more upset if Mammy stays with them. The best thing is to start routine from day 1 and stick to it-the basis of Montessori is "a place for everything and everything in its place"-even applies to time of drop-off and collection as routine is key for a child.
One poster was worried about socialisation (child might be pushed around). Again, one key element of a proper Montessori is developing the social skills of a child. If you read "The Discovery of the Child" by Montessori you will see for yourself the benefits of the Montessori method.
Finally, many places call themselves "Montessori" schools but are glorified playgroups. There is a WORLD of difference-Montessori develops five key elements for the child: practical life, sensorial, maths, language and culture. Ask the teacher what qualifications she has and make sure the correct materials are in the classroom-a Montessori classroom should have very few "toys", the standard materials and must be immaculate!
Hope this helps!

LegacyUser

As a teacher of infants I have to agree with lazygal.
Please don't hang around the first few mornings. They do only cry for about 10 minutes, then they get distracted by the other children and toys. The more you stand around looking in windows and doors, the more upset they get. I know it's a very natural impulse, but you do have to tear yourself away, it will make it easier for both you and them.
If a child is truly distraught for a very long period of time, the school will contact you if they really need to, but kids are fine, they tend to get over it very quickly.Lots of distractions!!
Best of luck to you all and your kiddies, hope they enjoy their time at school and montessori!