"What do you think you're going to like best about first grade, Bug?"
"I'm not sure, 'cause I've never been there before. But I think it'll be reading and learning." I like the distinction. "I know what I'm going to miss the most, though -- nap time!" She grins and I can't tell if she's kidding. She insists that she's not.
That was a couple of weeks ago.
The other day I asked her how many books she's read this summer. "Two hundred and eighty-eight," she replies, promptly. When I suggest that she's exaggerating she gets mock-angry with me. "No, really!" she says.
At dinner last night her Mom gave her a back to school kit -- her crayons and markers and glue and scissors. A marker board that she can write "gymnastics" or "dance" on in the evening before bed so she knows what stuff to take with her in the morning. And her own alarm clock, with an iPad dock. We tease her that she'll be able to have Justin Bieber wake her up in the morning now. This embarrasses her only a little.
Marian called this morning after getting Josie on the bus. She showed Josie how to work her alarm clock last night before bed. "When it goes off, you get up and turn it off, like this. Then wash up, brush your teeth, get dressed, brush your hair, make your bed, and then make sure that I'm awake."
She listened this morning (having actually set her alarm to go off slightly before Josie's). Heard it go off, heard Josie shuffling around, getting ready, coming in to check on her. And when she peeked into Josie's room the bed was made! "I wish it could be like this every morning!" said Marian. "I know it won't be." But we agreed that it was a great start.
Marian has responsibility for rounding up parents to help out with buses and cafeteria trays these first two weeks. So I'll go out tomorrow afternoon to help guide the kindergarteners onto the appropriate buses. I hope I don't scare 'em.
Great idea!!! I am going to get my grandson his own alarm clock, too! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jacque Doyle | August 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM
GOOD IDEA. HERB WAS STILL GETTING LINDA UP IN THE MORNING WHEN SHE WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOOL. I ASKED WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR WHENSHE IS IN COLLEGE? HE REPLIED PROMPTLY, 'I'LL CALL!
Posted by: MARY PLUTCHAK | August 11, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Add a little color to the all black.
Posted by: Jodi | August 11, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Can Josie come to my houseand show my boys a thing or two about getting ready for school?
Posted by: Michelle | August 12, 2011 at 12:50 PM