Its that time of the year again when we’re all excited about the new academic year at school. The smell of fresh books and excitement of a new school bag. P started school on Monday. Its an exciting time for her when she sits and labels all her new books. She insists she will do it all by herself, from sticking the labels to writing her name and grade on all of them.

She starts 4th grade this year and as they progress into higher classes they will be given the responsibility of a locker. Their school has the first week filled with only activities. No studies ,no books. They have to go in casuals to school. No uniform. A time meant for students to bond with their new classmates and the new teachers. I feel it’s a great way to start the year. The kids really look forward to it.

They have an activity through the week which is of their choice (she has taken paper mache from a variety of stuff like dancing , music, origami among a few others). And they have another project activity where they make stuff to either donate outside the school or within the school like the library or younger classes. She is in Board games where they are creating popular board games in hindi. These will be kept in the school library for everyone to use.

Their choice time activity will usually have something which will be displayed somewhere in the school. They are making paper mache birds which will be put up in some place visible. A couple of years back the students of higher grades made a wall climber in the primary block with recycled materials. And I think last year they made a tree house. So that’s the idea of this activity.

After 5 days of bonding with your new classmates and teachers, they have a sleepover in school from grades 3-12. Its a huge party with food, dance, music, bonfire. And then they all sleep with their friends in school in their sleeping bags. It just sounds like a whole load of fun and excitement. Imagine! What fun to spend the evening in school with friends and then sleep there only (which I’m sure at least the seniors hardly do 😂)

P is super excited for her new year. She look very happy and enthusiastic. Lets hope the enthusiasm continues through the year. Cheers to the new year 🥂!!

In the meanwhile….. A is super bored 😐 just waiting for her to school to re open. She asks me every morning if it’s time to go to school yet.