I’m still in some kind of crazy shock that we are in July and literally only have a week until the end of the school year. The end of your first year in reception.
This is something that just makes me feel so sad. This year has been so based on play, on fun, making new friends, sending in a billion boxes, a super hero potato, evil peas, show and tell and other lovely ideas that have had you entranced. I know it all steps up a notch next year and I know you’re ready but it’s another milestone and another sign you are growing up (that and your stroppy mouth)!
I’ve been quietly and often quite vocally worried about you, through the whole year. I’ve been the Mum asking a million neurotic questions, the Mum wanting to get involved (thought I swore I would NEVER be like that!), the Mum who actually enjoys reading with you and the Mum who wants to get more involved next year when you move on.
I asked myself so many times before school: were we making the right decision sending our late August baby to school this year? Should we be waiting? Your nursery told us you were ready for school but of course you are never really sure about these things.
I still remember those days leading up to your first day. You seemed pretty chilled out about it all. You were excited about your summer dress, your Trolls cup and seeing what the food would be like. Your little friend was in your class and you went in all by yourself with no tears. I was so proud of you, whilst fighting back to tears myself. Apart from a few sleep niggles you settled in so quickly. I expected you to be exhausted and kind of hoped for a lie in which just never happened!
>I know you’re not the same little girl we see at home, at school. You don’t want to get in trouble and you keep quiet. They don’t see your crazy, loud nature, your stroppy side and your refusal to tidy anything up!! I’m kind of glad as I know you are a good girl and I know your confidence will grow as time passes.
You have learnt so much in a year. You can read and write which in itself astounds me but you’ve smashed it. You’ve learnt about other things; things I wasn’t sure about how to go about teaching you. We have never really talked about the different religions but you have learnt so much and I’m grateful for that. You tell me the funniest stories about what you have learnt and I know it’s all going in.
We made the right decision sending you to school this year. I’m so grateful that you have thrived and your teachers have made you comfortable, have taught you so much and have been so great whenever I have worried or stressed over something small. It’s the hardest thing as a parent giving someone else control over your child, being such a big influence and being the one to teach them and care about them.
I’m so proud of your my beautiful girl. You try so hard. You work so hard and I’m looking forward to watching you through Year 1, seeing how much more you learn and seeing how much more you grow.
Love you so much.
