Veteran

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Today was Claire's first day of Kindergarten (called 'Pre-Primary 2' or 'Upper Kindergarten' here...).  Here she is in her first-day-of-school dress that Grandma Jan gave her last week in Agra...

Interestingly, although today was Claire's first day of Kindergarten (traditionally the first day of school - ever! - in the life of a child), today was distinctly different for Claire.


Today began her *fourth* year of school...  Yes, that's right, her fourth *year*.

She began going to school when she had just turned 2 and joined her brother at Kangaroo Kids pre-school in their 'Nursery' Class.  She joined other 2-year-olds who could barely walk, not talk at all, and were terrified to leave mommy behind at the door of their cute and comfortable little classroom.  Children start school a little earlier here in South Asia in order to socialize them sooner so they can be ready to tackle academics by the time they are 4 or 5 years old.  In many schools, children start taking exams at age 4.  Outrageous as that might seem, the children are generally 'ready' for those exams after having been in school from such a young age.  
So today marks a banner year for Claire.  She and her classmates are the 'top-dogs' in their school.  Next April she will have her first graduation ceremony and looks forward to the day she gets to join Clark at Oakridge International School.  For now, though, she'll enjoy the love and care of the teachers and staff at Kangaroo Kids... enjoying for one more school year, the joy of being a young child.

And like all young children, Claire likes being a bit goofy, too.  We love you, baby girl!

~lk


Comments

Unknown said…
Awww...so sweet & silly! I love it :) I know she'll do great at school!
3:23 PM
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