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| The warning signs are there already........ |
There are still two months to go until The B starts school but I'm getting the sense that the playground cliques are starting to form already . . . .
I got this impression after the latest visit to meet the teachers and discuss the logistical details involved in his imminent introduction to the classroom.
Following the main event in the assembly hall, some distinct groups began to form.
There's the obvious in-crowd - those clad in the trendiest gear and clutching the latest gadgets. These, in the main, hail from the most popular pre-school (not ours). Some proved a little pushy, others demanding, and most showed themselves to be reluctant to stand in line and do as directed.
Then there were the more reserved ones, those shyer, better behaved and less interested in jostling for position or showing off.
I should, at this point, make it clear that the above meeting took place sans-children . . .
Yes, I'm afraid it's the parents I'm talking about here.
I'm not always the most outgoing person in such situations and, as the evening progressed, I found myself pushed to the fringes, wondering how it was that everyone else was acquainted already, and how I'm going to fit in once September comes around.
For some time I've been concerned that The B might find it difficult to adapt to the school environment. On recent evidence, he's going to be fine and it's me facing the struggle . . .
Oddly I have just posted, on my own blog, a little bit about my son's first year in reception but from the perspective of what he has been taught. His school has not allowed pushiness - anyone getting ahead is made to help the less able - but there was an undoubted parent clique when he started. This was because his school also has a pre-school which he did not go to but many others did.
ReplyDeleteIt was painful for 3 months but, kids being kids, they decided their own friends and we parents have had to fall in behind them. It's WAY less cliquey now than it was in September - simply because kids will not be told who they should and should not play with.
It's good to hear that it gets better :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though Boy has had a great year in Reception Class. For all the bits that I'm not looking forward to, some of the things you mention in your blog (great read, BTW) sound great and I can't wait!
Eldest is just coming to the end of her first year at reception and it's been fine at her school. She didn't go to the pre-school which is held in the same room as reception whereas 2/3 of the class did so already knew each other for over a year but it didn't make much difference. I'm also incredibly shy but the kids get their parents to invite each other to playdates and parties! Good luck to you both (all four of you!), it does take some getting used to but I actually really enjoy her time at school now so summer hols will be a shock! ;-)
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