The David Bowie song, “Changes” comes to mind describing the new school year. New teacher, new ballet class schedule, new daily schedule, new tutor schedule, homework assignments everyday it’s a lot of changes in one week for a seven year old and her mom.
I am pretty sure that my life at that age was pretty simplistic, go to school, come home and go to bed. I don’t even remember getting homework in elementary school.
This is my daughter’s week in a nutshell, she goes to ballet class twice a week. Previously, she took leisurely 60 minute class on Saturday morning with her friends to the more intense 1 hour and 15 minute class where the girls are now working at the bar, learning to use their toes, stand straight, etc. And why would I subject my daughter to a more rigorous dance class to her already busy schedule. Do I have delusions that she will be the next Gelsey Kirkland or Margot Fonteyn? Uh, No. The reason I enrolled her is that sure hip/hop or jazz class may be more fun but is it worth the money in the long run? In my mind, given the cost of dance classes in New York City. No.
But ballet gives my daughter benefits, rewards and life skills that she will carry for her entire life such focusing, following directions, working as a team, and of course, the health benefits. Who doesn’t want to stand straighter? Ballet is wonderful for all of those things.
She also participates in after school program that includes, Soccer, Yoga and art. Wednesday afternoon, her math tutor comes after ballet class.
Saturday morning, she takes swimming.
And top of all the extra-curricular activities, her new teacher assigns homework every night in which we have to send back every morning. In first grade, the teacher assigned the homework at the beginning of the week and we had the entire week to finish it.
Yikes, it sounds like a lot and it is.
That’s what we spent the entire session discussing changes in the new year and developing the weekly schedule.
Having a visual daily calendar not only keeps my daughter focused but her mom.
