Afternoon Worker

I wanted to capture a photo of the girl's first day of school. Really, it's just like any other weekday since they are both in school full time, year-around and neither of them are switching classrooms or teachers. Still, I thought it would be a good idea to record the day. Or try to.


Oh Eliza, look over here! Where's Addie? Addie!


Girls! Look over here at Mommy!


Hey, Sillyhead! Can you smile? Eliza - look over here!


Ok! Sit by your sister. Can you do a regular smile?


Regular smile please! Can you sit a little closer?


Well, that's a pretty good smile. Eliza, what's wrong? Addie let go of your sister!
Oh forget it.

A week or so into the new school year, Ms. Amy announced that Addie was ready to be an Afternoon Worker. This means no more naps and during that time she can pick some work to do on her own. This could mean painting, language lessons, math or whatever she chooses. Addie thinks this is quite an honor and is very excited.

I had to go pick the girls up early last week when Eliza had a fever. I went into Addie's classroom and her entire class was sitting in a circle in the foyer listening to a story. Where was Addie? "She's with Ms. Amy." said Ms. Layla. I thought, uh-oh, she's in trouble. Instead, she was in the very back of the classroom quietly working in watercolors at a table while Ms. Amy prepped the classroom for the afternoon. Ms. Amy said that she frequently likes to spend some time alone while the other kids read. Her teacher keeps a special tray just for Addie in the closet with watercolors, brushes, sponges for blotting and a cup for water. It was really so sweet to see her concentrating on what she loves in the peace of her classroom. Addie's a pretty amazing little girl and I love that her school encourages her interests. Go Montessori!