Hopper officially started Dikkie Dik voor- (pre) school this week. The group is 16 kids and somewhat multinational and his good buddy Viggo is there. In fact, he was the reason we decided on this particular school, they were fast friends at the creche so it was an easy decision. And it turns out Viggo was also really excited Hopper was joining in, he talked about it to his parents and the teachers. And watching them play from moment one was just the sweetest. Toddlers can be so fussy but good friendships can be easy and instantaneous.
We decided to take advantage of the government's willingness for kids from non-Dutch speaking families to have free schooling, with the concentration that they get language skills before going to real school at age 4. Hopper's Dutch really picked up the last month, but being in Japan for those 3 months certainly stunted his progress in that arena. There is of course is no worry, but Nik and I agreed that he could benefit from the daily Dutch exposure and get used to a slightly more controlled environment.
The class meets Monday to Thursday from 9-12 noon. The facilities are great, lots of toys, books, a fully equipped kiddy kitchen, and a big wooden castle with a slide. The kids get to choose what to do in a day, it's still just basically a playgroup. There are only 2 differences. One is that toys stay in their designated areas so they learn organization, and the teachers engage them by talking about what they're doing. They also spend some time sitting in a circle, waiting to be called to take a seat, and talk about different things depending on if it's someone's birthday or the seasons or just to sing songs.
So Hopper is super excited and wakes up talking about it and I'm so super duper proud that he's enjoying it and getting along with the other kids and being a good opruimer. (cleaner upper) The teachers have already said that he's melding in well and the city controller who visits once or twice a month said he's smart and observant and enjoys himself.
My biggest concern now is how I'm going to handle our new schedule. Now I'm responsible for lunch and naps and only get a couple hours in the morning to get things done. So we'll see how sane this mama is in a couple months.
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My biggest concern now is how I'm going to handle our new schedule. Now I'm responsible for lunch and naps and only get a couple hours in the morning to get things done. So we'll see how sane this mama is in a couple months.
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We went to get Hopper his first school bag and at the shop he picked the girly-est My Pretty Pony lavender, this was after the salesman referred to him as 'her'. And since we get that nearly everyday, I dissuaded him by offering a more Lightening McQueen-red color. (I had to clandestinely call Nik from the store and conspire to change his mind.) I felt a little bad, since I wanted him to pick out his own bag, but to be out and about with a lavender bag is only begging for more 'daughter' comments and let's face it, in a year and a half he won't want it anyway.
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| 3 musketeers, was 4th birthday of girl on right so it's her last day |
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| this is darling Viggo! he loves this "king" dress and wears it every day (on&off 20 times) |
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