First Day of School

Monday was Spencer's first day of school - kindergarten - a milestone. However, although it is/was a milestone in my mind, I didn't think it was a great idea to make it so weighty from Spencer's perspective. Plus, I wouldn't say that Spencer was looking forward to kindergarten particularly. I base this (in part) on his comment that he'd prefer to wait and start school next month. However, he was not dreading it either (at least not overtly). But after that first morning, I can say that I think my little Spencer has been lying in the weeds (so to speak). I worried that he was too shy, and that he would be nervous without Michael nearby. But I needn't have worried. He handled the first day with as much self-possession as Michael had two years ago. Spencer was completely ready for school, and although he wouldn't have admitted it, I believe he was looking forward to it. As the next few days bore out, he loves it. It seems as if he has grown up over night.
















Spencer's friend Henry is in his classroom. This is a picture of them before the day officially got started. They were a little sleepy that morning I guess.

I promised Spencer dessert to celebrate his first day of school. During dinner he asked if it could be bananas foster. Hmmm. Sounds good, but no. He said we'd have to have it for sure on my birthday. So thoughtful and sweet. I hope he starts planning soon.





















Michael also had a first day of school - second grade. It is old hat for him now. Here is a picture of him as he waits for the bus. Michael's school year has started out well. He is happy with his teacher and has friends in his classroom. For spelling this year Michael's class is being given a pre-test. If the child gets 9 or 10 correct on the pre-test, s/he will be given an alternate spelling test. Here are the pre-test words:
Because
Have
Said
They
Was
Are
How
What
After
Hear

Here is the alternate list of spelling words:
Metamorphosis
Camouflage
Hibernate
Mucous
Migrate
Nectar
Amphibian
Cocoon
Species
Predator
Is it just me, or does it seem like there may have been some middle ground between these two lists?