KINDERGARTEN #1
One afternoon, Schäfer was in need of a change of scenery so I took him to our local kindergarten to play on the playground. We were a little disappointed when we arrived because all we saw this little swing set. (Before, there was a much larger outside play gym.) But alas, a swing is a swing so we accepted the invitation to come in the gate.
While we were playing on the slide, a worker told us to go around back…
Ah yes! This is what we were looking for! Schäfer got right to climbing. It seems that our local kindergarten has purchased the apartment building behind them and added three new classes for children 2-3 years old. Since Schäfer has been saying that he wants to go to school, I thought we could take a peak in the classrooms.
The two-year-old class has 15 students and three teachers. There is no English taught (a positive for us). The standard price is 1700 per semester ($250 USD), but they would consider a good price 5-10rmb per day (75 cents to $1.50) if Schäfer only came one or two times a week for a half day.
I requested a copy of the schedule. The teacher hand wrote the following out for me:
7:40-8:00 arrive
8:00-8:30 breakfast
8:30-9:00 walking
9:00-9:30 start class
9:30-9:40 have a rest
9:40-10:10 play
10:10-10:20 bathroom/drink/stuff
10:20-10:40 play outside
10:40-11:00 wash hands before lunch
11:00-11:30 eat lunch
11:30-11:50 walking
11:50-12:00 prepare for sleep
12:00-2:30 sleep
2:30-2:50 eat a snack
2:50-3:00 exercises
3:00-3:30 sing
3:30-3:40 bathroom/drink/stuff
3:40-4:10 play
4:10-4:20 prepare for supper
4:20-5:10 eat supper
5:10-5:40 go home
Seems like a lot of eating, huh? Schäfer would love that!
After our tour, we ran into Jie Jie who we met on the bus way back in Oct. 2007. These days, they mostly see each other when she is out of school (after 5pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings). They are still the best of buds.
The fun was non-stop.
Schäfer loved being on the playground with the big kids.
So, I came home and shared with Hubs all that I had learned. Last year, the local kindergarten only had classes starting at age 3, but now they’ve expanded and Schäfer can go. We mulled over the possibilities of him going there or a kindergarten downtown or doing tutoring at home. Since we were in the middle of The White Powder Escapade ’09, no decision was made.
KINDERGARTEN #2
Next, we went to check out the foreign language kindergarten.
The classes are kept small. There are 20-22 students with 4 teachers.
Nap time.
Schäfer approved of the playground.
Morning exercises.
Each class has an English teacher that graduated from the university. Each class also has a flat screen tv where they watch movies in English.
Even the stairs are bi-lingual.
The piano’s are for the five-year-olds.
A view of the play area from an upper room.
The school was very welcoming and they invited Schäfer to come for 5500rmb per semester ($804 USD). If I taught at the school, they would discount the tuition to 2250rmb ($330 USD). And I could pay an additional 300rmb ($44 USD) per month for my son to ride the bus.
We’re talking two-year-old playschool for goodness sakes!
Though the bi-lingual environment is most desired by local parents, we’re actually looking for a place where nobody speaks English.
Not to mention, the price helped us make our decision. Yikes.
…
On Tuesday, Schäfer and I went back to the local kindergarten to play. The class that was his age group was singing songs so he wanted to go in and have a seat. He was welcomed in the class and loved sitting in the chair and being with all the little friends…so long as Mommy was standing beside him.
Inside my heart, I felt like the best decision for Schäfer would be one-on-one tutoring in our home through play. I brainstormed who this tutor could be. I thought of students. Old friends. I worked my way through my cell phone. Well, she could be good… Oh, if she has time then…
Finally, it hit me like a ton of bricks (because I need to be hit like a ton of bricks) our Helper is who is suppose to grow Schäfer’s Chinese.
Starting yesterday, Schäfer and Ayi had their first lesson. It went for 1.5 hours. They played. They read books. They laughed.
Since I did all the laundry and dishes the night before, I was able to sneak away this morning for a hot shower. (The shower and kitchen sink share a hot water tank so we have to choose: dirty dishes or dirty humans. ha.)
I’ve had to rearrange her responsibilities a bit and put some things back on my plate, but I’m thankful Schäfer can play with her from 8am-9:30am. Then, we usually go outside because all the other kids are out and about.
Our next decision will come in May when we have to reserve a slot for Schäfer to start school in the fall when all the Chinese kids start…at age three.
Looks like an abundance of tables and chairs for preschoolers! I really like the idea of learning through play (hint hint like we did at WEE School!) That encompasses the whole child. Good decision Mom!
I also thought there was a lot of sitting (and a lot of expectations that the child would sit still!) There were no toys in either of the schools we visited. My favorite thing when I was in pres-school and kindergarten was art (I have vivid memories of painting) and playing dress up with other kids. We are leaning towards letting Schäfer attend some schooling next fall because all his friends will start and the neighborhood will be empty. But, we’re thinking maybe 8:30am – 11am. Then, he’ll come home and read and play. We’re not even sure if he’ll go everyday. As The Wee School Guru, any advice you can share would be most welcome! Thank you for confirming that we made a good decision. It really does mean a lot.
Wow–the schools look great! What cozy little green nap cots–wish I could rest there for an afternoon!
I’m glad you arrived at a decision that feels right for your family right now–what a blessing!
nice playgrounds. you certainly have us beat in the outdoor entertainment department! who knew having kids would require such hard decisions such as: is a 3 year old supposed to go to school all day?
If he does start in the fall with his friends, he’s definitely not going to school all day. We’re thinking 8:30 – 11am. And we’re not even sure if he should go everyday.
Whoa! Those schools look so cool!!! I wish we had schools like that here! How fun!! Those playgrounds are amazing!!!
I think it is exciting for him… it is like he is heading off on his own – well, at least for a little while… I am sure you will make the right decision… I want to nap in one of those beds.
three days a week, 3 hours, Chinese school…after he’s three!!…my 2 cents worth…The Nanamaw
That’s kind of what we’re thinking too.
Sandra,
I also think those schools look amazing! But I think your decision to have Ayi play with Schafer is a much better one. Also, Schafer has a lot of Chinese friends so his language is going to be great, I’m sure of it.
One thing we have found, since we’re sending Clara Anne to you’eryuan, is that her school is VERY traditional. It is right within our xiaoqu, so extremely convenient, and we have made friends there and like it, for the most part, but it is Li hai!!! They do a LOT of sitting, listening, studying, with a huge emphasis on language. The teacher gave me a summary of what they are studying in March . . . about 25 chengyus, as many pairs of opposites of adjectives I had never heard, and then a few stories and one song. I think it is still the right choice for us, but she is only there for a few hours, several days a week (3 to 4, depending on the week). But oh my! It can be a lot of pressure for a three year old! So, it’s all about your educational goals, I guess, and what seems like the best choice for your family. We are always praying and seeking about this and ready to change if we sense something else would be better. Clara Anne is making progress in speaking and reading, too.
The playgrounds there look nicer than anything I’ve seen anywhere in our city. Hope you get a chance to enjoy them! (One way or another!).
Blessings,
Rachel
Why yes, we went to the playground today! They have an art class on Saturday mornings for students who choose to pay for this elective. The gate is open, but the playgrounds are empty! Schäfer and his buddies ran around non-stop.
Thanks for posting the schedule…it’s interesting to read. I’m a little anxious about starting the kindergarten process but seeing your school’s schedule makes me feel better. Keep us updated!