I think what made this summer different from all the others is knowing that when it ended our Van will be in school All. Day. Long. She is very much ready to go, I am not. It will be a lot of change for all of us, and that is something that I struggle with.
School uniforms have been purchased, shoes are still being decided, and the list will be sent out shortly of all the school supplies that will be needed. Pretty soon I will setting an alarm to wake up, packing sack lunches, and driving car pool every day. As much as I dread it, I am trying to not show it.
Since the list for summer worked so well, I have made a list of fun things to do to keep 1st grade fun! Here are some of my ideas so far...
- Sack lunches can get boring. I have searched the internet for some of the cutest ideas. People are seriously creative when it comes to food. I am hoping that we can always keep Van's lunch not only fun, but something that she won't end up trashing after a bite or two.
- We planned a play date or two last year with her classmates. She got to ride home from school in their car, and she thought that was pretty cool. We will be planning more play dates that are dependent on grades and attitude.
- Last year we did pay her for grades, and I think we will do something similar this year. Maybe a gift instead of money, but I think when you work hard...you should get a little something to say a job well done.
- We will be doing some of the same projects from last year for her new teacher. I think teachers should be rewarded with lots of gifts, because being a teacher is pretty darn important. I have new found inspiration from Tiny Prints, and will be ordering some personalized stuff this year.
- AND of course we have another Disneyland trip planned for the end of the school year. Maybe that will keep her motivated to get through the 1st grade! :)
How do you keep school fun all year long?
Disclosure: I was compensated by Tiny Prints for this post, but all opinions are my own.
4 comments:
I am always amazed at the time people put into those Bento boxes.
I just got an idea from a blog to have a "Friday Fun Day" where every Friday after school you do something extra fun together.
The lady made really cool fall leaves and they wrote on the back of them some things they were going to do and they're going to pick one every week to get through the Fall. I thought it was such a fun idea and I want to do it with Andy.
I was worried about Andy going all day too but I've got to tell you, it's amazing how much I'm able to get done around the house while he's gone and I really feel like I am a better Mom for him when he gets home because I've had a little bit of a break from having 3 kids. Plus, it's been nice having some one-on-one time with Luke while Lila is napping. I have to admit I am actually kinda diggin the first grade thing!
Well, the older the kids get, the less control you have. In fact, it's no longer as fun - just mostly WORK. I've got one in college, that thankfully, I don't have to worry about. (One on a mission in September - see above). A senior, and a freshman. We are past the stage of grades not really mattering - they matter now! (Not that I don't want my kids to care about their grades and work hard, but up until 9th grade, it's not permanent.) So, this year we are just going to try to get through early morning seminary, 5 AP classes, and PROJECTS, which I hate. I love summer, and I'm not too fond of school time. I sometimes wish I was back at your stage in life - your kids are adorable. It would be fun to send another first grader to "all day" school. ;-)
PS- I am HATING the alarm clock though!!! It is a killer!!
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