The first day of school 2015

Early September marked Collin's 1st day of 1st grade and Owen's 1st day of 4 year old preschool. Collin was first, starting about a week and a half before Owen. Late in the summer we learned he would have Mrs. Aumundsen. We heard great things about her and had our fingers crossed it would start out as a great year.

1st grade seems so old to me. All of this independence and creative thinking. More responsibility and more honesty, compassion and problem solving. Collin has really turned into such a boy. I know I say that every year, but this year it seems so strong- his interest in all things dinosaurs continues, and he's still the most empathetic kid I've ever met. This summer he and Owen watched their 1st movie in the theaters, Inside Out, and it was nearly too scary for him (If you've seen inside out, its not scary, I think its rated G even!). He continues to be such a good friend, and I'm so proud of him for that. He is so genuine in his interactions with peers- I always here him say hello to nearly everyone he sees in the hall and always has a smile on his face.

As a first grade he's a serious reader. He reads with inflection, which is fun to listen to. He's also really enjoying math and figuring out that the world is made of geometric shapes, equations and algorithms, just waiting to be explored.

Its only October, but his writing skills have improved tremendously already, which I love. Collin has not really loved writing to this point, so to see his writing skills shape us is a joy for us.  My hopes and dreams for him this year stem around focus and attention, being able to redirect himself better. He's already improving leaps and bounds from Kindergarten and figuring out how to manage his attention better.

Owen started two weeks later, and was ready to see his buddies back at Children's Way. He really does love that place and the friends he's met there. This year he was very excited for Focus Fun, the all-day Monday CW affair where he'd get to spend quality time with his three best friends.

He wasn't exactly excited about his T/Th class because they take a short rest time, which is not his cup of tea. The first day he came home and the conversation went like this:

Me: How was the first day!?!?
Owen: We had to take a NAP!!!! (scowl)
Me: You did. I don't think they do naps at your school though?
Owen: And I couldn't even look at a book! Not even one!
Me: Are you sure? Can we ask your teacher on Tuesday?
Owen: Yes momma! Talk to them! Not even a single book!!!

The next day we went into class and asked the teacher, she reported they have 15  minutes of quiet time and they get to look at books, but didn't get to the first day as they were establishing a routine.

After that first week of getting used to the new school, he was liking it again, and even found out that a friend from last year's class also is in the class, so he's got a buddy to play with.

Its amazing see them head off to their own classrooms this year as independent guys, and Owen really shines in how he picks up new information. At 4 he just finished the teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons and is into level 1 books, he can count to 50 or so, and is a social butterfly. He is compassionate and caring at school, follows the rules, and basically does all the things he hates to do at home. He's the child in our family that shows one side to us and another side to his teachers and such. He's so full of energy and passionate about his preferences and opinions. He hates terribly to feel as though someone has wronged him and lets the world know about it. I love that he carries so much passion in his heart though- one day that will turn in a dedication to his favorite things that we'll appreciate.