Sigh... and I was doing so well with the posting (or so I thought)!!
Well, let's see.. I can at least fill you in on the past couple of weeks. :) I have two school children. That's right. Both kids are now in school from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Yes, it's sooner than would happen in the States. Compulsory school starts here in the UK at age 4. My little Birdie is in school full time. Good news is that she's loving it. She's hungry hungry when I pick her up and ready for bed about 6 PM -- but she's really enjoying school.
Reception here is close to Kindergarten. And I know I've mentioned how much we love Parkgate House School -- but it's really been a great place for my two littles. I mean, seriously - as part of the curriculum for Wren, she has ballet, violin, French lessons, art (with a proper Art teacher), swim lessons and all the usual suspects like English, Phonics, Math, Science...
Atticus is still continuing his French club lessons and has also decided to continue with tennis lessons as well. His big news is that he was also asked to join the Running Club. This is quite the honor since it's usually only the Year 2 kids and above that are allowed to run. I have a sneaky suspicion that running or track and field in general is going to be his 'cup of tea'. This is no surprise to any of you since for as long as I can remember, when someone asks me "What does Atticus like?" my answer has ALWAYS been "running". :) So, now that he's in Pre-Prep1 school has really picked up in intensity. Atticus brings home a book each night to read. He also has handwriting practice each week, a spelling test every Friday and the math homework is due to start this week! Crazy. School is really intense here which is why I'm so glad they also get a healthy dose of outdoor activity and sports. Atticus started as part of his curriculum karate and rugby. This of course is in addition to the weekly swim lessons, the continuing French and tennis and the newly added running club. Nuts, right? I mean -- he's the oldest in his class and he's barely 6. It's a lot for these little ones. Atticus is also now part of a "house" within Parkgate. It's all very Harry Potter. There are four houses within the school that compete for merits and house points. Greeks, Romans, Aztecs and Egyptians. Atti is in the Greek house. (I'm hoping this has no influence over future decisions when he's 18 at college - haha!!)
The class sizes at Parkgate are good for all this activity however. There are 14 kids in Wren's class and 17 in Atticus's class. I love that because the school is small there is a ton of interaction between the grades. The older kids help read to the littles and there are several outings where everyone can participate.
Here are some pictures from the first day of school. The bottom picture is Wren and her friend, Marc.
