In Kindergarten

Wow, my little girl is in kindergarten!  When such milestones happen, I am always reminded of how quickly time passes.  Seems like yesterday when we brought Sophia home from the hospital.  Now, she is starting a new chapter in her life.  She is no longer a pre-schooler.  She is now a kindie.  

A few years ago, Ed’s uncle recommended to us the IB program of education.  His kids attended an IB school in Trinidad and he raved about the program.  So, when it was time for us to decide on Sophia’s schooling, I went looking for an IB school in Vancouver.  We applied to a local IB school and crossed our fingers that Sophia will get accepted.  Based on the number of families applying and the number of spots available, there was around a 30% chance of getting in.  I was beyond ecstatic when I received the email informing us that Sophia was being offered a spot in the kindergarten class.  It is a big financial commitment for us but one that we truly believe is worth every cent.

Sophia’s first day was four weeks ago and she has adjusted very well to her new schedule and surroundings.  When I picked her up one day during the first week, she said, “I like this school; they have puppets”.  She has made friends and seems to enjoy the program thus far.  Each day, the students are assigned a job, such as being the meteorologist, light monitor, pencil picker-upper, etc.  Three times a week, they have PE, Spanish, and music classes.  They have circle time and play time (which they call Centres).  They have a topic that they inquire into for a few weeks (called unit of inquiry) and they integrate reading, writing, math, science, etc into the inquiry.  The first unit of inquiry for the kindies is called Who Am I.  One of her projects last week is a “Me Bag”.  She brought home a small brown paper bag.  We were to help her pick three to five things to put in the bag that represent who she is, her likes and interests.  Then each student gets to share her Me Bag with the class during circle time this week.

I have been quite happy with the level of communication and engagement with parents.  The kindergarten teachers have a website where they blog about the topics they covered that week and they post a few photos of the kids while in class, doing their activities.  I have had a few chances to chat with Mrs. M when picking up Sophia after school.  The Spanish teacher has her own site where she posts links to the topics and videos the kindies learned so we can help practice the Spanish words at home. 

I can’t even describe the joy I feel watching Sophia grow and learn.  To see your child demonstrate confidence, knowledge, and new skills brings such pride.  And it makes me appreciate the wonder of nature more.  Human beings are amazing creatures.  I never appreciated it as much as I do now, when I see how much this little baby I cradled in my arms just five years ago can do by herself now.  And she’s just beginning.  Amazing!

Team work for Swimmy the Fish

Playing in the park

Play time

PE class

Junior school assembly