The Dyal Dish: Back to School

I wasn't ready for the kids to go back to school. It made me sad just thinking about summer vacation being over, most especially the warm weather coming to an end soon. But last Tuesday, which was the first day of school, I was surprised to be relieved about getting back into a routine and have more structure around here, even though I know it'll be a lot more busy and hectic. It's been a good first week of school.

Spencer was a little nervous on his first day at middle school, but not as nervous as he would've been if we hadn't practiced opening his locker and rehearsed going to each of his classes several times the week before. We went to an orientation/registration for 6th grade a few weeks before school started where he picked up his schedule. While there, he really wanted to spend several hours memorizing his locker combination, becoming familiar with the layout of the school, and learning his class schedule. We even met a few of his teachers. We were also told that the school would be open until the first day of school so the kids could come in and practice their locker and familiarize themselves with their class schedule. We went again a few days later so he could practice some more and really feel confident about everything. The first day of school seemed to go well for him, although he's still working out a few kinks like when to use the restroom in-between classes, when to get a drink from the drinking fountain (which is across the school) or when to go to his locker and how much stuff he should bring to each class. (He only has 5 minutes between classes.) That kind of stuff will take some time to learn along with trial and error. He was glad to have several friends from elementary school in his classes. There are 3 different elementary schools that go to Stevenson Middle School so he didn't know if he'd know anyone in his class. It was relieving to have people he knew with him. He also needs to learn a new locker combination for gym class --- He's worried about getting his two locker combinations mixed up. But he's really excited about taking band and will choose an instrument sometime in the next few weeks. He's leaning towards playing the drums. I hope he gets his first choice. After school today, he's trying out for the 6th grade soccer team. I hope he makes the team. Cross your fingers!!

We went to Walker-Winter Elementary School's open house last night and met Jessica and Alexander's school teachers. Since Spencer is in middle school, he didn't feel like going back to elementary school so he opted to stay home, but the rest of us went. Jessica is in 4th grade this year and has a really great teacher. She loves her already and raves about her every day after school. I'm so glad! Alexander is in the 1st grade this year and has Jessica's former 1st grade teacher. We really like her too, and she's familiar with our family, so we feel one step ahead of knowing what to expect for Alexander this year. There is another boy named Alex in his class, and for the first few days of school our Alex went by "Alex D." I don't think he liked that. It's always been important to him to have his own identity and his teacher told us he came to her during class a few days ago and said he preferred to be called Alexander instead. He also came home and told us to call him Alexander from now on. No more Alex? I hope I remember not to slip. Even though I like calling him Alex, I couldn't ignore his request---it may not last for long anyway. I read an article the other day called "How You Can Help Your Children Form Their Own Identity". It was a good reminder that my children have own individual personalities and by really paying attention and letting them be themselves, I will learn a lot about who they are and what is important to them. Those things may not always be as important to me, but I should respect their individualities. Sometimes I catch myself trying to program my children into what I want them to be and then I remember I shouldn't---Their individual character traits are something to be celebrated and valued. Part of the Lord's plan is that we are all different and unique---It's what he intended!

Logan is anxious to start preschool. He begins in a few weeks. I also signed him up for a library class and he'll also have a weekly playgroup. He'll be a busy little guy!

Anyway, the first week of school has gone well. I hope it stays running this smoothly for the rest of the year. Did you see the picture of the kids with their backpacks at the top of the page? Don't they look cute?! I plan on changing that picture regularly according to our family activities or holidays, so stay tuned!

Here are some pictures of Alex's first day in 1st grade ---