Kindergarten Done

Julia doesn't look that different from her first day of school. And I don't think that she is much different. Of course, she knows more now than before. She's learned to read (both words and musical notes) and to dribble a ball (both soccer and basketball). She knows about worksheets, homework and school socials (without parent accompaniment). But her temperament, personality and interests have not changed that much. She's still a combination of shy, serious and goofy, silly. She's still really into arts and crafts and not as interested in computer or video games. I think this could be her forever - it is amazing how formed we already are when we come into this world - but I know there are friends, teachers and events that come or happen and change you from time to time in your life. I'm curious what it will be when it happens and I hope I remember and find the time to consider who she is becoming and why.

Some of my favorite discussions with Julia this past kindergarten year have been about her Night Time School. Her made-up universe that often parallels her real daytime school. It explains why she's tired in the morning. It explains why I'm wrong (her night time school teacher is smarter than me). She's talked about this convincingly enough that a few parents have asked me whether Julia really goes to a night time school. She learns all about the planets and stars there. She learns baby language there as babies also attend night time school. She's been on the fake cell phone planning play dates and sleepovers and has even been heard gossiping about others! After the Japan tragedy earlier this year, she cried about one of her classmates who she said lives in Japan and has not been back to school. I'm really glad she goes to Night Time School. She already graduated from nighttime kindergarten a couple of weeks ago as she had finished all her worksheets without writing any numbers or letters backwards (unlike daytime kindergarten). So two kindergartens done, looking forward to first grade!