What happens in school?

Vidur has settled well into school and this really makes me happy! :) I received a 'communication folder' from the school one day and was pleasantly surprised to get a sneak peak into what my son does in school. Vidur doesn't talk much and therefore, when I ask him 'What did you do in school today?' he replies 'Joola' (swing or the slides). I used to wonder whether that was all he did there. Though I am not particular about they teach and am more keen on Vidur enjoying himself there, I am extremely curious to know how they handle a bunch of hyper 2-5 year olds. Coming back to the communication folder, this folder showed block paintings, sand sprinkling, painting dots on a frog and bird, sticking craft paper and so on. I was so proud seeing what Vidur had done in school. Though I must admit that it was too neat (except for the page titled Scribling) for me to believe that my son had truly done this. ;)

The school like most other play schools stays in touch with the parents through circulars. I got a circular informing us that Parent and Teaching Interaction forum was scheduled on Saturday and the slot given to Vidur was 10:15-10:30. AS we entered the school, a lady told us to wait five minutes. She mentioned that we could look at the charts hung up in the meantime. As we looked at the charts, we were thrilled to see snaps of Vidur in class. He was sitting in a perfect circle wearing a bright red apron. Apron to protect his clothes from the paint. Hats off to the teachers. I would never have been able to keep Vidur so clean if I had him paint at home. :) Coming back to Vidur sitting in a circle, I was pleasantly surprised to see that he did in fact sit in one place to do an activity.

From my previous post, you will remember that I hate schools that complain about children and I had such a good impression about this school. I know Vidur is a very naughty boy. Like all boys his age, he shoves, fights, and I think you get the picture. I was worried that I was going to either get a series of complaints or sugar coated complaints and feedback. I was already on the defensive even before I reached there. But, Vidur's teachers surprised me again. They focused on the positives. They told me:

1. How 'social' my son was. He insists on saying hi to everyone he sees whether it is the person who cleans up or the teachers teaching other classes or the children from other classes. He asks for other students/his friends when don't turn up in school. He has his own versions of their name and check where they are. 
2. How he loved to share his food with others. They told me that he loved biscuits and cake (thankfully I know that, he is my son you know and I am an informed mother :)) and insisted on sharing with others. He also insists that others share with him onthe days they get cake. I think that's fair. :) 
3. How the teachers have learnt to communicate with him. Vidur understands Tamil well, but speaks two words at a time. You need to know him to understand what he is saying. But his teachers have learnt to communicate with him. They get what he is saying. 
4. How Vidur is the one who changes the date on the board. Teacher was proud to say that Vidur insists on changing the date everyday and he gets it right most of the time. 
5. How he listens when the teacher says 'no'. Vidur listens when we tell him no and also ensures that other kids don't do it. Rajeev was shocked, he insisted later that we should take this teacher home if Vidur does listen to her. :) She also mentioned that Vidur goes and stands by the window if she raised her voice and talks to him. Then, she has to console and coax him back. 
6. He is the first person to dance during the dance activity and ensured that everyone in that vicinity dances. He has got this trait from his mother's side for sure. His mom, aunt and grandpa love to dance. :) He is extremely kicked about doing the activities. 

Overall, I was extremely glad that I got to meet Vidur's teachers and find an environment that Vidur is very comfortable in. It is obvious that Vidur is very popular there and he loves all the attention he gets.

My next point about schools is: How much of trouble they take to may it fun for students and for parents. In this last month, I have had two opportunities to dress Vidur up in ethnic wear, send him to school as per color codes, send him fruit to school, and so on. The parents are happy that something different is being done, kids are generally happy! But, this is just right. I hope they don't over do and force me to go get outfits that Vidur will never wear and make it a painful ordeal for us. :)