Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Finally, Yu Wen is in school---albeit a "playgroup" where nothing "academic" or "serious" are taught. We have mixed opinions on whether it is too early to send her to a school, but finally, we agreed that because she is the only child at home, we are afraid that she will not understand the concept of sharing and socialising (besides talking to adults).

It's a 3-hour session at Schoolhouse By The Bay (SBTB), located at Kampong Arang Rd. It was Gabriel Mendes who first introduced me to the school (See, we photographers share more than photo tips. His children go to Learning Ladder, which is the parent of SBTB).

I also did some research and found out that it is indeed well-received. Even though it is a bit far from where we live now, we decided to go for it because we will be moving house next year and it'll be much nearer. By enroling her there now and not after we move also ensure that Yu Wen need not make any adjustment.

1st Oct was her 1st day in the school and I was tasked with accompanying her for her 1st 3 hours. The next day, I left her alone in class after 30 mins and to my surprise, she didn't blink an eyelid, much less cry. I even saw her hold her classmates' hands when walking from one place to another, and that's something to cheer about because all along she never let anyone other than immediate family members hold her hands.

Even though it's still early days, seeing her adjusting so well despite my absence brings mixed feelings: she's taking yet another step towards independence, and she is taking one small step away from relying too much on daddy. I swear I felt a tear in my eyes.

Looking Lost...


Is she asking "Why? Daddy, why?"

Going to the canteen for some snacks

4 comments:

bakedsconez said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bakedsconez said...

Hi KC, looks like Yu Wen is adjusting well to the new environment and friends.

It's a good choice to put Yu Wen in school with similar age children. She will benefit and learn a lot more from her little classmates which we adults can't "teach".

A good head start. Enjoy the schooling journey ahead with Yu Wen(^^)

Anonymous said...

She looks confident from the pictures. It's a good time to throw her to the safari, where she can obtain new "survival" skills!

You will be surprised the amount of new words, new songs, new manners she can learn from there...daily!

Gabriel Mendes

Anonymous said...

aiyoh reminds me of the 1st day a couple of years ago for mine.

at least she didn't cry...that's an amazingly good start! :)