School days are here again!

“So, guys, what’s your favorite part of school?” It’s the evening of another hectic day and we’re piled in the car, heading out to eat because I seem to have missed that window of opportunity to cook dinner before Little League. Letting the kids run out their energy with friends on the playground after school is much more fun than meal planning and execution.
“Recess!” cries Rachael.
“Dismissal!” shouts Trevor. It’s a running joke with us, so we all laugh before I reply, “No, really. What do you think you will like most this year?”
“Oh, you’re interviewing us for that PTA blog thing, aren’t you?” Trevor knows me. He knows I love any volunteer opportunity that lands in my lap. I’m not always one to actively seek out volunteer work, but I never say no when asked.
Volunteering is such a fulfilling thing to do. I always feel like I don’t have enough time in a day, but I always find time to fit in one more thing. Whether it’s putting books back on the shelf every week in the library for Mrs. Stanmyer, or helping kids run an obstacle course for a couple hours during field day or even something like teaching GRACE Art- a recurring activity that gets me directly involved in my childrens’ education, there is always something available for those who wish to help their school. Some of the activities, like this one I am doing now, can be done at home in those few moments of spare time. That few spare hours we have here and there really go a long way to help the school and they always appreciate it. And, most of all, I love doing it.
But the point of this post wasn’t actually to talk about volunteering. It was to ask my children what they liked about school and what they are looking forward to doing this year. My son, the third grader, the consummate cynic, sometimes has a tough time finding the positive in things. It’s an activity we work on a lot. So he had to spend a few minutes thinking before he replied. “Reading. I really like reading time in class.” Personally, I think he’ll have a good year this year. He’s learning responsibility, he has a bit more homework than last year but he is taking charge and getting it done and really feeling pride in that fact. He’s been maturing so much this past summer- really branching out on his own with his likes, dislikes and opinion.
What about my first grader, Rachael? What does she like in school? “Well…. “ Now Rachael has to choose between everything because she likes just about everything at school. She loves art, Spanish, centers… everything. First grade is a new thing for me because I homeschooled my son for first grade and so I’m not sure what to expect from Rachael this year. It will be a surprise and adventure for both of us and I’m really looking forward to it. I know she is. She feels so much older in first grade than she did in K. Starting the “grades” is such a leap for them into the adventures of homework and responsibilities.
“Cutting and gluing!” exclaims Ariel, who’s 4 years old, “I love cutting and gluing at school!”
“Shh! Ariel! You’re not at Terraset you’re in preschool!” admonishes her big sis. Poor Ariel, so I feel she needs a mention in this Terraset blog. She’s not here yet, but she will be soon enough to embark on the adventure that is Kindergarten and start her journey like her older siblings have. She’s looking forward to it.
All in all, I have to say our first week back at school was a success. Everyone (myself included) likes their teachers, I’m looking forward to spending time helping the school and supporting my childrens’ education. It’s going to be a good year.