Harry starts school in September. We were very lucky that the local village school is both excellent and under-subscribed, so we didn't have any worries about him getting a place. He is so excited about starting school, and he loves learning, so I know that he will really benefit from it.
The other evening I finally sat down and filled out all the forms. I think that I'm a little bit in denial, I'm trying not to think too much about it. It's hard to imagine that the routines that we've been enjoying for the last four and a bit years are about to come to an end.
It's not as though we've ever enjoyed lie-ins with Harry, but there has never been any reason to get us all up and dressed particularly early. Even the toddler groups that we go to don't tend to start before about 10am. I have to get him to pre-school three afternoons a week, but because it's part of a private nursery it doesn't matter if we're a bit late. My husband and I like to take it in turns to go to the gym first thing, but I'm not sure that we'll have enough time for that anymore.
We're used to going away to visit family for long weekends and taking our holidays during term-time - that's all going to have to change. There's also the school run - it's quite a walk up and down a hill but I don't fancy taking the car and fighting for a parking space, so we're going to have to manage it.
It feels like I have so much that I need to do - buy his school uniform, a PE bag, a lunchbox (and find something to put in it that he will eat) as well as preparing him for school. I'm also fretting about whether he should know more of his letters and numbers by now and perhaps even be starting to read and write a little bit more than he can.
Do you have a little one starting school in September? How are you feeling about it?
Having been through this three times (as well as the starting secondary school which brings out the same emotions) I have to say I totally get where you are coming from! It is a nervous time - probably more for you than for him. Don't worry about letters/ numbers/ reading. Generally schools would rather you didn't start them in case you do it 'wrong' and the kids have to 'unlearn'. You will get your gym time again, but you may have to wait until Mia is in pre-school.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Enjoy the few months you have left with Harry at home. School is different, but once you all get used to it, it's not necessarily worse. It's just a change. x
Thank you! I can't even think about secondary school, that must be harder! We just need to get used to our new routine.
DeleteI remember feelign just the same as each one of mine started school too, my eldest starts senior school in september and I have most deffinately been abit in denial about that! I am sure Harry will cope brilliantly and don't worry about the numbers and how much he does or doesn't know. Like sarah above says enjoy these last few months with him home x
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's very reassuring, I won't push the learning too much with him!
DeleteAww bless him. I find they get used to it quicker than we do! And I didnt worry too much about a few days off every now and then when they were small either. Once they start senior school it is trickier admittedly!
ReplyDeleteHe is so excited, he's desperate to start! We will take him out for a few days during the term I'm sure, I hope that they will be fairly flexible about it when they are little.
DeleteMy little man is starting school in September and I'm feeling wierd that I don't feel more 'wierd' about it!
ReplyDeleteI think because he's already at preschool there five afternoons a week, so it doesn't seem like it'll be all that different.
Or maybe I'm just still in denial too?
I know it feels strange that he's really starting to grow up fast though...
Good luck with it all though and don't worry about the letters and numbers thing - from what I've gathered they don't expect them to know anything so what they do know is a bonus!
Harry only goes to pre-school for three (long) afternoons a week, so he's still at home quite a lot of the time. I'm hoping that he's fairly average among his peers when it comes to the letters and numbers, but lately I seem to have been reading an awful lot about young children that are able to read and write already at the age of 3 or 4! I think that he will pick it all up quickly though once he's taught it properly.
DeleteIf you're doing the school run on foot twice a day that officially means you don't have to go to the gym any more. I'm sure that's a real thing.
ReplyDeleteFilling in all the forms for Laura seemed very odd. It felt like they should ask a Proper Grown Up, surely I shouldn't have all this responsibility?
Oh I am really not looking forward to this next year, I am already thinking all the things you have written down! Good luck! x
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is starting in September too and I'm not looking forward to it because we are having to work out a new routine as well. I work four days a week from 8 to 5.30 so it is not compatible with school hours; we are investigating before and after school clubs.
ReplyDeleteI had a meeting at the school and one of the other mums asked about reading. The teacher said it would be helpful if the children could recognise their name and a few numbers, but they don't expect them too.
We moved house in February so we don't know anyone going to the local school, but because it is village school I'm sure it is a good opportunity for the whole family to meet people.
I am feeling exactly the same about Chester. He is also starting in September. Even though he is totally ready for it (his 5th Birthday is the day he starts full days) I still can not believe my baby is growing up!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I saw with my friends children last year they seem to pick everything up really quickly so don't worry too much about reading etc.