For the last five years, minus a few months of shutdown and virtual learning, we have been parents to a Montessori preschooler. But this school year, Little b started kindergarten and both boys started at our neighborhood school. Like any big transition, we’ve had ups and downs and regressions and a few tears, but seeing their love of learning and new friendships grow has brought me so much joy.
In third grade, Big B is building bridges, writing 5-paragraph essays, trading Pokemon cards, playing basketball on the playground and in an after-school league, and bringing home more sass and knowledge of the inner workings of Minecraft than I’d ever imagined. Third grade in all its glory has reminded me that his independent streak will only grow. His friends will become increasingly more important and influential. And each time he asks for hugs at bedtime or before the school day, I will take them and lean in as long as he’ll let me.
In kindergarten, Little b is making hats. He brings home a hat almost every single day. I’m starting to wonder what the endgame is here with all these hats. First, the hats made sense. A “First Day of School” hat, a rainbow hat during color week, etc. Now he’s bringing home hats with blueberry waffles, a disco ball? What’s important (and amazing to me) is that every single hat is meticulously colored inside the lines, stapled with care and exhibits a level of focus and effort I honestly only think I’d have in me for about three hats. Every single hat is worn with pride and I can tell he spent whatever amount of time they spend on hat-making in kindergarten to its fullest extent and enjoyed every minute. He’s also reading, using new vocabulary words, and asking questions about everything. His enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and I can’t wait to see the next hat he brings home, even if it’s pancakes.
When it comes to education, I believe the most important priority is loving to learn. If someone loves to learn, they’ll never stop. The rest will fall into place. So far, in third grade and kindergarten, I think we’re off to a good start.
Our Life in A-Z 