many new students and the new Mikan Class, the new school year has started. Things are new, not only for the children, but also for the parents as well… everyone is learning new things and getting used to them for the last few weeks, I am sure.
My son has also started his new school year, that is, a university. With the completely new schedule, it sure does take some getting used to. I had heard about the difference between Canadian and Japanese universities in general, in that Canadian universities are difficult to successfully graduate from much more than getting into, and now I realize how true the statement was… he is studying ever so hard every day, it is even scary. He is still living with us, so I think all the family will be experiencing new things every day!
We sometimes say that children adapt more quickly to a new environment than adults do, but is it really true? Perhaps it is a lazy observation and assumption of us adults not listening to non-verbal communication from children who cannot express their anxiety and concerns to us.
At the Nursery, the children move on to a new class as they grow, and that is a big change already for the children. Even those who were all right with one class may start crying in the morning or say that s/he does not want to go to the Nursery. These are perfectly normal. They have to go through a complete change and go into a new classroom and meet the new teacher and get along with new friends!
This is especially challenging for new students coming to the nursery school!
At home s/he was the centre of the universe, s/he was the god almighty (or almost), and all of a sudden, s/he would become “one of the many children” at a nursery school and get used to the pre-set rules and schedules that s/he had never heard of before This can put a lot of pressure to children and it is normal for them to feel uncomfortable and uneasy during the transition.
And, as I said before, it is a big change for parents as well as for children. Things can be quite challenging for parents when their children are younger.
If any of you have any concerns for your children, or have any questions, please ask your class teacher, or to our Director Keiko Sensei, or to myself. There is no question or concern too small or insignificant or irrelevant. You can inquire by email or telephone, or in person by appointment.
Each and every child attending our Nursery is OUR children. We shall discuss as a family and together will find a way to bring best to our children. I sincerely hope that we can build a strong relationship and a solid network of families and children.
Yukari Ikebata, Principal
August 29, 2011