Today was Aria's first day of school! She has been looking forward to this day for quite some time, and she's all excited to start 1st grade!
This morning, we gave Aria her "Schultütte". It is the tradition here in Germany for all first graders to receive one of these cone-shaped 'bags'. We filled Aria's 'tüte' with coloring/activity books, glitter glue, bubbles, pens, candy, etc. We gave it to her before she went to school, but she wasn't allowed opening it until she got home... quite the suspense! =)
Of course, we gave Nina and Micah a little bag of their own candy and little toys, and Hanna and Heidi were more than content with their little bags of gummy bears. =) Here's a photo of all six of the kiddos this morning.
We took Nina to her kindergarten, and then Micah, Hanna and Heidi went to their Oma's for the morning. David, Madelynn and I accompanied Aria to her school where they had a special program for the new first graders. Here is Aria in the school parking lot. It was lightly raining so we had to snap the picture quick! (Take note of her backpack. It's very important to have one of these special backpacks when one begins school. It comes with colored pencils, bag for gym clothes, wallet, pencil case, etc. Really nice... and really expensive! But, it's supposed to last until 4th grade, so I guess it's worth it.)
After the special chapel program, Aria's class posed for a picture. Can you find Aria? She's standing about half way down the steps on the far right of the photo. There are actually 3 first grade classes, as there are so many students. Aria's in class 1b.
And we had to get a picture of Aria with her teacher, Frau Penner! We are really excited about her teacher and look forward to getting to know her better this year.
Many of you have asked if we will continue homeschooling our children now that we are in Germany. Really, I would love to be able to continue homeschooling. I really enjoy teaching our children and seeing them learn new things. I also enjoy the interaction we have together as a family while we go through the school day together. And there are many more reasons why I think homeschooling is so wonderful.
So why are we not homeschooling then? Well, for several reasons. The main reason being that homeschooling is not legally allowed in this country. (I know... don't even get me started.) Also, right now, having 4 children three and under... well, we realize that it would be quite difficult for me to give Aria the full attention that she needs. I know that there are moms that do it, and I have full respect for them. But, I've needed to be honest with myself and admit that this would be just a bit too much for me right now. Also, we really want our children to become fluent and efficient in the German language, and they won't be getting that from me!
Of course, if we would still be in R-land, than we would continue homeschooling. But here in our city, we are blessed with a wonderful private school which we've heard only wonderful things about. Some of David's siblings have even attended there. So we enrolled Aria in this school, and consider it a blessing and privilege for her to be able to go there. And seeing her so excited about it makes it easier to send her. =) And of course, just because she's going to school doesn't mean we won't be teaching her at home. There are so many moments throughout the day in which we can use to teach our children, right? =)
So, we begin this new step in our lives. (BIG sigh.)
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