Back to School

Luna's at "Big School" now.

Although she's only 4 (and 1/2)and in pre-k, she now has the opportunity to potentially rub elbows with prepubescent kids in the stairway daily. There's a lobby and over 200 kids in the building at all times and lots of adults running around whose name she does not know. This is a far larger than her hippy dippy nursery school on St.Marks with a total enrollment of 35 where anything goes.

I did not anticipate her having any issues with "Big School". Ive always been impressed with her flexibility and adaptability and after a little prepping on my part, I anticipated a smooth transition. And it was. Relatively.
Day one and two were breezes. "I go into the room first", she warned me. But on the morning of day three when Luna started to pack a purse for school with slippers she wanted to wear when she got there and little treasures to show her new buds, I thought better. "I don't think you'll be able to wear your slippers luna" i said. "And I think we better leave your purse here at home." Luna looked at me incredulously, shocked by the suggestion. "well ok, let's take them but we have to ask yourteachers when we get there if it's ok".

Sure enough,when we arrive Luna confidently marches to her cubby and proceeds to take off her shoes and put on her slippers. "Wait, let's ask Caroline - I said and turned to her teacher who was nearby watching. "Well you can bring them to school, but they have to stay in your cubby" she said. "And the purse and treasures too?" I asked. "Yeah, they have to stay in your cubby Luna."

Luna was heartbroken. She started to cry. "But it's not fair" she said. "I just want to be comfortable and wear my slippers". The voice of her St.Marks teachers echoed. "I don't want to stay".

But she did. After some coaxing, Luna stayed and now we've made it to day eight. The coast is clear. She's happy , likes her teachers and got some friends she enjoys playing with. Luna's 'big school' would hardly be described as a strict place, but it does have a few more operational and structural rules than her former spot. Nap time with shoes on, practice quiet voices in the halls and stairs, less choices at work time. It is warm, but feels more restrained. Big hugs seem to be the exception, not the rule.

Now this first impression may soon change. And I am 100% sure that this is the best place for her now - just because teachers aren't cracking jokes with her day one is not a bad thing. I guess I am just noting the ever so slight introduction of "steadiness" to her schoolday routine - the undercurrent of seriousness about her daily activities that is new. She really is getting to be a big girl.