My Little School Girl

Yes, you read it right! Caitlin is now a school girl!

I took a week's leave (during the week of the Nov1-2 holidays) and took the opportunity to scout for preschools in our area. We really wanted to enroll Caitlin in a play school so that she can learn to socialize with other kids and at the same time learn the concept of going to school.

Pail and Shovel Child Development Center (along 14th Ave. in Cubao) was our first stop. The owners were not there but we were able to talk with one of the teachers. We inquired about the classes they offer and how much their classes are. Unfortunately, she was not able to give us enough information. The school itself was okay. But it didn't give me a good impression (even the teacher we talked to).

We then went to KIDS Academy (along Katipunan Ave, White Plains). Two of their teachers, Teacher Chummy and Teacher Caila, were there to accommodate us. They gave us a tour of the classrooms and answered all of our questions readily. They explained the classes they offer and what are covered in those classes. They also told us that they have a 2-day free trial Toddler Class which we can let Caitlin attend just to see if she likes it there. Since it was free, we decided to let Caitlin attend.

So last November 7 (Wednesday), we took Caitlin to the trial class. She was really excited!

When we got to the school, she didn't show any signs of nervousness. She even exclaimed, "Wow, school ko! (Wow, my school!)" as we were parking the car.

Her class starts at 12noon and we were already there at 11:45am. We wanted Caitlin to become familiar with the school.

We didn't wait long. After a few minutes, Teacher Chummy arrived and introduced us to Caitlin's teacher, Teacher Matz. Caitlin, with no hesitation, approached her teachers and gave them a hug. When asked what her name was and how old she was, she readily answered. Then Teacher Matz asked her if she wanted to see the classrooms. Without glancing at us (and perhaps completely forgetting that we were there), she immediately held on to her teacher and went with her to the classroom.

And I always thought and imagined we'll have a hard time convincing Caitlin to go with her teacher!

Anyway, here's Caitlin in her classroom...

After a few minutes, she showed no signs of looking for us so we decided to leave and have lunch, then come back to fetch her at 2pm (the Toddler class lasts for 2 hours).

As we left, I couldn't help but feel happy and sad at the same time. I was happy because my baby was now really a big girl. And I was sad because my baby was now really a big girl. Do I make any sense?

And talk about separation anxiety! I think I was the one who had the axiety, not Caitlin.

So anyway, we got back to the school at around 1:30pm. We asked one of the yayas there (they have yayas assigned per class to assist the students) if Caitlin looked for us or cried at all. We were told she did but only because she didn't want to pack up her toys and put them back on the shelves since it was time for Music & Play class. The yaya also said that she looked for her Mommy but just continued with what she was doing when they told her that I was just outside waiting for her.

At 2pm, we were surprised to see her crying as she came out of her classroom.

Teacher Matz told us that she started to cry when they began to sing their goodbye song. I guess she didn't want to go yet. Haha!

I think Caitlin liked the experience since she answered 'Yes' when Teacher Matz asked her if she will see her on the next class. She even gave her teacher a 'high five' before heading home.

November 9th was the 2nd day of her trial class. I didn't go with her then; Papa Ning and Mama Sit took her to school. This time she cried and didn't want to be left there. But she still went with her teacher when it was time for class to start. Though, she wasn't crying anymore when they fetched her.

After her 2 trial classes, we asked Caitlin if she liked school and if she likes to continue. She said yes. So last Monday, we enrolled her in KIDS Academy's Toddler Class (M-W-F, 2hrs/day).

Caitlin's now officially a school girl!