The first time ever, he goes into art class or any class for that matter without his mummy. He was confident and walked in quietly with the teacher. I, on another end was feeling little nervous that he might be feeling worried without me. There has never been. Much moments without any known person; me, dad or grandpa.
He was really good in the class. He spoke to the teacher. Responding to her questions. Even asking her some questions in return to deepen his understanding. Twice I took a peek into the class to see how he was doing. Thank God he wasn't facing the door to spot me outside the class. Once I signalled to the teacher in a gesture to ask if he was doing alright. She responded that he was fine. Oh how glad I felt on knowing that.
So I waited patiently at the waiting area. I could still hear the teacher and him speaking to each other. That's a good sign. When a child feels comfortable and able to communicate well with the entrusted teacher, he could feel at ease and learn better. At least that's what I believe.
Half way through the class was a short water break. He comes out with the teacher. His water bottle was with me in my bag. So I pass him the bottle. He takes a drink and hugs me. Then after he continues his class. At the end of the class, his teacher takes a photo of him. It is for a short like pocket made of paper. It would hold his student card. Each time he comes in for class, he needs to get that card from the pocket and hand it over to the teacher to scan his attendance. That's so awesome. He was so excited and so was I.
Class ended and I am happy he managed through the 1.5 hours without much of his mummy. I have the confidence that he will survive school separation next year. I was proud of him for his confidence and communication with his teacher. I hope for good progress moving forward. It is my intention to gradually increase the duration of the separation in preparation for his preschool in 2017. I am thinking it will also help him to boost his own sense of independence with new people; teachers and friends.
