Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten

August 18, 2010 was a very memorable day for us here at the Mall household. I got up just like any other “school day” morning and started my usual routine; pack lunches, make breakfast, make sure backpacks are ready to go, wake up the kids……I’m pretty sure I’m working on auto-pilot at this point well, at least until I’ve had that first luscious cup of coffee :) However, this morning I was feeling a little different. My heart was slightly heavy and my eyes were already stinging. Today was going to be a BIG day. As I packed three separate lunch bags, I had my first reality check. As of today, all of my children are going to be in school full-time. How exactly did Jason and I go from having one little girl in kindergarten and two little ones at home in diapers to a KINDERGARTNER, a FIRST GRADER, and a FIFTH GRADER? Seems a little crazy to me!

Before I could sneak down the hallway to take a peek at my little guy sleeping, I hear the bathroom door shut and the toilet seat slam, my morning has already begun :) At this point all I can do is wait patiently. Before too long, Travin comes barreling around the corner. The first words out of his mouth are “Mommy I’m hungry.” I kissed the top of his head, wished him a good morning and asked him if he was ready for school. As he made his way to the table he said “Mommy I think I’m a big kid now because you have to be big to go to kindergarten. I’m big because today I’m going to my new school with my new friends.” We chatted for a few minutes about his special day before I woke up the girls. I may not have been able to steal a few quiet moments with my son but I’m pretty sure that I got something way better. Those few minutes of conversation we shared together as he ate his breakfast and I drank my coffee were more than I could have ever asked for on this very special day.

Of course the morning became very hectic very fast. For the first time ever, all three Mall children have to get ready for school at the exact same time. They are all on the same schedule this year. Our mornings seem to be very chaotic as they make their way through breakfast, take turns washing up, and attempt to brush their teeth. My job is to make sure that they get all of the “nighttime/breakfast bugs” off their teeth. Their hair must be brushed neatly, their shirts must be tucked in, and we can’t forget to put on a belt.



By 7:20 the girls were running out the door with their backpacks bouncing behind them ready to catch the bus. Travin got to ride in mommy and daddy’s bus. Going to kindergarten for the very first time requires a special drive in the car with mom and dad in tow!





On the drive to school, I think the first day jitters crept up on Travin. He was being very quiet so I asked him if he was excited about going to school. He looked at me with his big brown eyes and shook his head no. I asked him why and he said “I don’t want to go I just want to stay at home with you” I explained to him that he was going to have lots of fun in school and that he was going to meet new friends and sing new songs. I told him that kindergarten is special because he is going to learn all of his ABC’s. He said “but mommy I don’t need to go to school I already know my ABC’s see” and he sang the ABC song. We both had to smile at that. Daddy explained to him that he gets to learn what sounds his letters make so that he can learn to read all of his favorite books. He asked if he could read his Transformers book :)

This year, the school hosted a “BOO HOO Breakfast” for the kindergartners and their parents. We all met in the cafeteria for muffins and juice. Each teacher made a special table for their class. They decorated the cafeteria with balloons and welcome signs. One of the teachers read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. Travin recognized the story right away. The Kissing Hand is a family favorite for us. I bought it when Bryanna started preschool. I have made it a point to read it to my kids on the night before their first day of school every single year. After the story, the parents had a few moments to say goodbye to their “big kids” before they headed off to their classrooms. The teachers were trying to make the first day as smooth as possible so, all of the parents were asked to wait in the cafeteria until the kids were settled in their classrooms. Travin was a little nervous. There was a lot of commotion as the kindergartners made their way out of the cafeteria. At the last minute Travin decided he had to use the bathroom. Daddy lead him to the restroom and then to his class. It’s probably a good thing that Jason walked him to his classroom because I was a little bit of a mess. I know it sounds crazy. My son has been going to preschool since he was two (I was a bit of a cry baby on that day too). You would think that I would be accustomed to first day of school goodbyes by now but, I’m not :)











To me kindergarten is a big step in life. It is essentially the beginning steps in a child’s educational path. Everything that they learn during this year allows them the mobility to move further through their educational journey. I know every grade is a stepping stone as they make their way through school but, I am a strong believer in the fact the kindergarten gives a child the basic building blocks they need to succeed as they move forward.

Jason and I made our way down the kindergarten hallway. The doors were closed so I wasn’t able to get a glimpse of my little guy sitting at his desk like a big kid. I could only imagine what he looked liked. Jason put his arm around my shoulders. We made our way out of the school and back to the car together without any little hands to hold.

Our finally journey through kindergarten begins on this day. I am excited for my son as he ventures into the great world of education but, I am also a little sad as I realize just how much he has grown up.

Everyone has a first day
When they feel sad and all alone
It can be scary
when you are on your own
And I know that a first day
Can be full of doubts and fears
But they are full of new beginnings
Take my hankie, dry your tears

You'll find lots of things to do
And you'll probably make new friends
I promise we'll be together
When the school day ends

Here comes the teacher
Blow your nose and be brave
Come on now and wipe your eyes
This is no way to behave

Well, Good Morning, Teacher
We really do beg your pardon
No, Mommy doesn't always act this way
But it's my first day of Kindergarten!

We survived our first day of kindergarten!