Today, our boys start kindergarten and second grade and I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday that Kaden started 3K and K.C. started real school (kindergarten). This past week has been a mix of emotions for me. I typically do pretty well keeping things under wraps, but I've been a little off this past week just thinking about how fast they're growing. I'm so proud of our children and can't wait to see what this year has in store!
We were able to meet their teachers last week and I believe we hit the jackpot. We requested specific teachers for them and even though Kaden didn't end up in the class we initially wanted, I think his class will be even better. They both have extremely enthusiastic teachers which makes me happy.
All summer long, we've been working with the boys on various things. Kaden has been practicing his letters and K.C. has been reading books to us and sharpening up his math skills. He's definitely left-brained.
K.C.'s first grade teacher was great and he loved school, so we're not worried about him in second grade at all. He's really excited that he'll have science as an actual subject this year as he loves it.
Kaden (and K.C.) went to an awesome preschool, so the only concern I really have for him has more to do with being at school for nearly seven hours a day because that's different than the four hours he's used to (and our baby likes his sleep!). The things he has to know by October of this year are things he had to know in the middle of 4K.
I'm thankful for the good foundation both of our children received in preschool and I'd like to think we do a good job with them at home. There's always room for improvement (my Type A personality is continually wanting to do more and more), but I think we do a good job. We spend at least 30 minutes and usually closer to 45 reading with them each day. We also work on things they've learned in the past. I'm a big believer in doing more than just the four things they have to do for homework each week, so instead of doing four of the eight choices, we typically do six. The more the better in my opinion.
I loved school and I'm thankful our boys have that same outlook. I always want learning to be fun for them.
After church yesterday, we had a first day of school picture dress rehearsal. The boys weren't home with us this morning for their first day which I'll admit has led to some sadness for me, so we improvised and took pictures yesterday afternoon.
They picked out their new L.L. Bean book bags earlier this summer. Kaden chose an orange camo book bag and K.C. got red. We also got them matching lunch boxes. They each have their name embroidered on their book bag and lunch box, too.
I always write them notes in their lunch boxes, so since I couldn't do that for the first day, I put their notes in a pocket in their book bags and showed them where to find them so they could read them today. We also sharpened a few pencils, sent in a pencil sharpener, snack, and some change. We turned their school supplies in last week at open house, so they didn't have to carry anything with them today other than lunch.
They had a great morning going into school, so that makes me happy. I can't wait to talk with them later today to see how much fun they had!
This year, it's my prayer that they'll each have a good year. I pray that they'll love their teachers (God has already answered our prayers by giving them good teachers), be leaders, have a thirst to learn, want to do their best, and make good friends.
I'm praying these verses over them this year, and I urge you to do the same for yours!
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.
Isaiah 30:21
This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
Isaiah 48:17
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Labels: boys, K.C., Kaden, school
