Oskar's preschool has a summer program. This picture was taken on the first time we went. As you can see there are children of all ages and on this day there were 10 of them, only 8 shown. Deevi, the tall boy with the blue hat, led a game that the teacher had taught them. The kids run away on 1-2-3 potato and then Whoosh until he calls "yoo-hoo" and they all have to come running back to their same places and hold hands. Oskar loved it and forgot I was there for a good hour.
We will be going a total of 7 times this summer. So far I have been going with him for the half-day. That was the plan until he got acclimated and they knew he could handle the hike in the Presidio. We never have been on that hike but today, I was told that he is ready to be by himself for the half-day. Today, I sat outside for an hour while he played inside, so he could try things out without mom in the room. He did well on his own until 5 minutes before I came in. Then he started asking for mommy.
So far, snack time is my favorite. We come in after our walk. Everyone goes potty that needs/wants too, they each wash their hands and then sit quietly at the table. Blessings are sung, the quiet candle is lit and the napkins are either tucked into little ones collars or put on laps for bigger children. (Oskar has not been a fan of the napkin bib at camp, but tonight he let me do it during dinner.) Then the snack bowls are unveiled in the middle of the table. Perhaps I love snack time best because both times there has been a bowl for me. Both times, we have had popcorn with brewer's yeast, grapes or strawberries, almonds and cheese if requested. To get more, everyone has to raise their index finger, otherwise known as either raising or lighting your candle. I am not sure which it is and yes, I have done it. There is no talking, but sometimes whispers are needed to clarify which food is needed when finger is raised. When children are finished, candle fingers must be raised and then they are excused. Each one takes their bowl, empties it in the compost bucket that is also known as chicken feed, washes it in the wash bin at kid-level, rinses it and then lays it on a drying rack.
I also love the singing that happens as we walk to and from the park. Same song as we leave and arrive home. Somehow I know most of the songs (coming round the mountain, this old man, row row, etc) even though I haven't sung them in years. I noticed Oskar humming during the end of the walk back.
We will be going a total of 7 times this summer. So far I have been going with him for the half-day. That was the plan until he got acclimated and they knew he could handle the hike in the Presidio. We never have been on that hike but today, I was told that he is ready to be by himself for the half-day. Today, I sat outside for an hour while he played inside, so he could try things out without mom in the room. He did well on his own until 5 minutes before I came in. Then he started asking for mommy.
So far, snack time is my favorite. We come in after our walk. Everyone goes potty that needs/wants too, they each wash their hands and then sit quietly at the table. Blessings are sung, the quiet candle is lit and the napkins are either tucked into little ones collars or put on laps for bigger children. (Oskar has not been a fan of the napkin bib at camp, but tonight he let me do it during dinner.) Then the snack bowls are unveiled in the middle of the table. Perhaps I love snack time best because both times there has been a bowl for me. Both times, we have had popcorn with brewer's yeast, grapes or strawberries, almonds and cheese if requested. To get more, everyone has to raise their index finger, otherwise known as either raising or lighting your candle. I am not sure which it is and yes, I have done it. There is no talking, but sometimes whispers are needed to clarify which food is needed when finger is raised. When children are finished, candle fingers must be raised and then they are excused. Each one takes their bowl, empties it in the compost bucket that is also known as chicken feed, washes it in the wash bin at kid-level, rinses it and then lays it on a drying rack.
I also love the singing that happens as we walk to and from the park. Same song as we leave and arrive home. Somehow I know most of the songs (coming round the mountain, this old man, row row, etc) even though I haven't sung them in years. I noticed Oskar humming during the end of the walk back.
What fun to hear all about Oskar's first day at summer camp. I'd love to have a glimpse into it myself! Thanks for the wonderful description! I know Oskar is going to love this new experience - with or without Mom! Grammy
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