Head Back to School 2009, by Penny Oates (Purse Pelican Head)
From the child’s eye view:
What a busy day I had! First of all I joined a Year 1 English class, where I had to pay particular attention to my spellings. It was very tricky and making sure that I chose the correct set of missing letters to fill in the blanks made me think really hard…is ‘skirt’ spelt with an ir, an er or a ur? Luckily the children in my group helped me to sort it all out before the teacher came to check. The teacher was also looking at my handwriting, and I was really pleased when she gave me a house point because she thought it was so neat.
Next I went to Assembly with Year 2. I had to sit on the floor with all the children. I listened carefully to the story, as I wondered if the teacher would ask me a question about it. She didn’t, but it is always best to be ready, just in case.
Then it was play time. We played ‘What’s The Time Mr Wolf?’, ‘Grandmother’s Footsteps’, ‘Simon Says’ (in French) and ‘The Farmer’s in his Den’ and then the bell telling us it was time to line up went. Our line was the smartest and I felt very proud.
Next I went to the Nursery where I did some sewing and made a sea anemone. I love sewing but needed one of the children to tell me how to do it right. The best bit though was our floating and sinking experiment outside. I had to wear a waterproof apron to make sure that my dress stayed dry. The apron was a bit small but I managed to put it on all by myself. We sorted balls into those which floated and those which sank. I had to guess first and got both my guesses wrong. It didn’t matter though. The teacher said it’s OK to guess wrong.
After that I went to a creative writing lesson with Year 2. They are very grown up. I had to write about, ‘My holiday Adventure’. I was chosen to read mine out so that the children could comment. I was nervous but they were very kind and said that my story was quite good.
I had my lunch with the Reception children. I tried to remember to use my cutlery properly. They told me off though, when I took two puddings by mistake. After lunch it was back out to play. I played a game of make believe in the boat. It was really good fun. I also found out that I am not good at hoola hooping and need to practise.
After play time finished it was time for PE with the other Nursery class. I wore my PE clothes and trainers. We were practising for Sports Day. They were so good at their races that I came last in both mine, but I know that it’s the taking part that counts, so that was all right.
Next I went to the Reception class where they kindly gave me a ‘buddy’ to look after me. She showed me where everything is and helped me make a fantastic bug, which is bright yellow and has my favourite colour (pink) spots on it.
Last of all I went to Year 1 again. We saw a brand new baby. Her mother brought her in to show us and we were really interested to watch her drink her milk out of a bottle. Her Mum also showed us her tiny nail clippers, which she uses so that the baby does not scratch her face.
Then it was time to go home. It was a very tiring, but really exciting day.
From the Head’s eye view:
I used to think that I had a very busy job. Now I know that being a Pelican is just as busy!
Penny Oates
11 June 2009
