School is back on and so is my more tranquil schedule. Unfortunately, Owen doesn't find his going to first grade every day as tranquil as I do, but he is managing. This morning, for instance, after a few minutes of yet again trying to convince me that watching television before school is not only more fun but also fair and just, because other kids get to, he settled down and listened to a Hank Zipzer audiobook. Then he ate two pieces of french toast and drank some orange juice. This counts as a good morning. He wasn't thrilled to be going to school but once he was at the bus stop, he perked up.
First grade, after all, is a bit more challenging. Owen has a math worksheet to do every day, and soon we'll start getting reading homework as well. Every day, his behaviour chart comes home, which I then have to sign. If he forgets to get his chart signed, he gets demoted to a green day (purple is perfect) the following day. Twice a week, the kids get a visit from the Spanish teacher, who tosses a little Espanol their way, and in the next week or so Owen should start back with his speech teacher twice a week. Wednesday after school we drive straight to the recreation center for Owen's private swim lesson. Starting next Monday, Owen will go to an after-school sports class for an hour. In our household, this counts as a busy schedule, though it is NOTHING compared to the crazy weeks some of his peers have. (Note judgmental tone.)
This year I've started to volunteer regularly at Owen's school library in addition to my mini-stint at the regional branch. (Book dork!) The school "media assistant" (as she is formerly known) wants me to be able to sub for her if she needs to miss work. That means learning how to do circulation. More importantly, it means interacting with kids in a friendly yet firm manner. That's harder for me.
This week also marks my third back at a decent running schedule. I'm motivated by races, so I've registered for the Run Like a Girl 8K in Richmond in mid-October. This is also a great excuse to spend time with K and A in Richmond.
Now I'm off to the farmers' market, where I can buy my favourite raspberry scone and, if I'm feeling virtuous, a vegetable or two . . .
We hear from you at last! So how different will 1st grade be? Jacob's now the eldest in the infant class and is enjoying the status. He's on a behaviour chart with stickers, which seems to be motivating him at the moment. Abi is not being that nice at present, maybe due to the attention her brother is getting. Allen's back so the house is calmer! We're off to the gym together in a bit so he can show me some good arm exercises to get rid of flab! J&A do lots of after school stuff, you'd hate it. Jacob has just joined the Conservation group in Stanley, looking forward to cleaning up some beaches and we get to do a family camp on a local beach. xxx
Posted by: Rachael | September 24, 2009 at 12:33 PM