So this week and next, Lauren and Jon Owen are at Parish camps -- Lauren is in a "jump into 2nd grade" camp and Jon Owen is at a "jump into Kindergarten" camp. I was reluctant to enroll them in these camps because they run from 9-3, every day, for 2 weeks, and they are basically school camps -- they are seriously spending their days doing the work they will be doing when they go back to school in the fall. It's summertime, a time for relaxation and play, and I just wasn't sure that I wanted to get them back in the school groove quite so soon.
But after a few Kindergarten mixers where Jon Owen didn't really have time to bond with anyone, I decided that it would be a good idea for him to meet some more kids, spend some time with them, and get used to being on campus. For Lauren, I decided that she needed to have a little bit of structure thrown in with her fun, so that the return to high expectations didn't throw her for such a loop (like it did last fall -- she got off to a bit of a rocky 1st grade start). And this has turned out to be a very good decision on my part (pat, pat).
After a tear-filled, very rough first morning for Jon Owen, he has settled in exceedingly well. He has made friends, become comfortable with what will be expected of him, and is now excited about going to Parish in the fall. This is a huge thing! He has been twisted in knots over it for at least 6 months. And now he is thrilled.
Lauren's teacher tells me that after a few crazy days, she has settled in exceedingly well also. She is reading up a storm, writing beautifully, and doing timed math fact tests daily! This 2nd grade dry run will make the fall back to school much smoother.
My kids are happy. And so I am happy.
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