Starting school – the youngest in the year

Wee Man is an August baby, which means that he’s only just turned four and he’s off to school.

Socially, he is ready. Perhaps even in some learning terms, he is ready. But I’m not sure I’m ready!

And that’s in more ways than one. Firstly, it seems crazy that my only just four year old is now officially school aged. How on earth did that happen so quickly?

We did have the option of him attending part time, only until 1.15 every day instead of 3.30, but he soon decided that wasn’t a fun idea as he wanted to be there the same times as his friends. We also had the option to defer for a year – but then he’d go straight into year 1 which seems even more mad really. So…full on starting school it is.

Secondly…I’m totally not ready in terms of actually having all the stuff I’m told (or have not been told but have since found out) that he needs.

How can one small four year old need so much stuff?

Book bag, PE bag, PE kit to go in the bag, welly boots, uniform with labels sewn in, half a tree’s worth of paperwork signed, new shoes, and something to eat at lunchtime.

Trying to get organised over summer, it turns out some things (the book bag and PE bag) can only be obtained from the school. Which is closed over summer. So…mad last minute rush for that then!

Also – school dinners…I know they exist, but how do we get them? It’s a bit of a mystery! (So he’s going to have a packed lunch for his first day, apparently consisting of yoghurt, raisins and pea pods).

The Wee Man is very excited, but also very nervous. I’m just in denial, frantically trying to make sure he has everything because I don’t want him to be upset if he doesn’t have something that he needs and all the other kids have. It kind of feels like a big thing – like the first day has to go well because it’ll set the standard for the way he views school for the rest of the week, term, year…

…and I’m nervous about the changes school will bring. The inevitable opinions forced upon him (friends in preschool have already told him that ‘boys don’t like pink’ something which really confused and upset him at the time). The learning of things that I haven’t taught him. The loss of innocence when people are mean to him (It’ll inevitably happen at some point).

But it’s also a whole new chapter of inspiration. Letters will come to life. Numbers will take on meaning. History, geography, art, the way things work… they will all be opened up to him in a far wider way than I have the knowledge or time to explore with him myself. Friendships will be formed – perhaps some which will last him until he is the age I am now, and beyond!

So he’s nervous and excited. And so am I. It’s a whole new voyage into the unknown, into a world of green-ness, rules and coloured carpets for behavioural standards. Let’s hope it’s a fun voyage…

Happy school days, Wee Man!