IC's in Middle School

IC's first day in middle school

Today is IC's first day in middle school.

She was excited. She was nervous. But she was ready!

She gratefully accepted her big sister's 'old' school bag for her own use. And as a tradition, at least in our family, she created her very own school cone (Schultüte). The school cone is given to first graders, since it's also her first year in the middle school, she's getting her own school cone. MC got her own a few years back, too.

MC was off to school on her bike a few hours earlier, IC drove with her Papa and I to school. You know, we simply had to accompany her, a special send-off. Though she did question ur presence (why does both of you need to come?); and she immediately found her friends, leaving us on the sideline, upon reaching the school grounds. Oh well, how time flies!

Back home, she received her school cone filled with mini surprises. And she enthusiastically told us about her day, her first day as a middle school girl.

DIY: From a School Felt Project into a Pillow Case

IC came home with all of her art and craft works from school last week. After all, the summer school break would be in a few days!

She brought home loads of artwork, but the first thing that caught my attention was this piece of felt project which she informed me was from their Religion class. They cut out religious figures and pasted them on a piece of felt.

IC told me that she would love to keep that particular piece. My suggestion to her -- why not turn it into a pillow case? My little girl immediately agreed and I started 'upcycling' with glee.

This is the Religion class project made from felt.

Weiberfastnacht (Fat Thursday) 2014

IC is a cute Indian

Weiberfastnacht (Fat Thursday) is Christian tradition that marks the last Thursday before Lent and is associated with the celebration of Carnival. People would be having a big feast in full costume. And since it is a Ladies Night, the men who wanted to join the parties should show up as women, too!

The usual highlight of the party would be the men's ballet, which would really be a delicuous comic relief, aside from being well-presented! Another funny custom, which is generally practiced in Cologne would be men's ties being cut off my the women, they would be rewarded by a kiss though.

IC's class celebrated the day with a buffet breakfast and they wore their favorite costumes, too. MC doesn't seem to be too keen on dressing up anymore though.

Anyway, IC requested a special Weiberfastnacht last night, I told her she asked too late but we would celebrate tomorrow. I told my husband to buy Berliner (a German doughnut without a hole) and some Quarkbällchen (doughnut balls) for our special costume party. I can't wait!

MC's story on how to get free fries

MC just arrived from school and I asked her if I should prepare a late lunch for her.

Usually, she would be shouting about how hungry she is before she would even open the front door. But today, she calmly opened the door, went to her room, and did her 'things' before going down where I was waiting for her in the kitchen.

So, 'do you want to eat something?' I repeated.

MC said, 'no Mama. I am not hungry. My friend and I went to the kiosk in front of their school and got ourselves some fries before heading home.'

Then she excitedly added, 'Mama, you know what? Next time we'd buy french fries in that kiosk near the school? We would get them for free!'

'Wow, how did that happen?,' I asked.

How IC Prepared for her Three-Day Class Outing

IC's luggage and her backpack

Ever since her big sister MC went on a three-day outing in Dilsberg with her classmates in third grade, IC has looked forward to her very own school outing. She was disappointed that it did not happen on their third grade, but she's happy when she learned that it was scheduled on their fourth grade.

She learned about the planned class trip to Steinach am Donnersberg during their third grade and it was scheduled and confirmed a few weeks before they were released for summer vacation. Yipeee :-)

You think she forgot about her class trip during the summer vacation? Nope. She has that trip swimming around her mind almost the whole time. Thinking about what to wear, worrying if she would get enough food and drinks, wanting to see if her luggage is passable, choosing possible roommates, counting the days, etc. etc.

And because the whole family was also curious about IC's class trip, we decided to go and visit the place ahead. Well, I entered the youth hostel, with IC (a bit hesitant) following me. We saw the reception area filled with shelves of books and board games. There's a sweets corner and a souvenir shop, too. We also discovered a Celts Village and Garden nearby. All very interesting.

Working to Correct Tardiness in School (Updated)

Papa had to leave early for a meeting yesterday and he drove MC to her classmate's house a earlier than usual. She walks with this girl to school almost everyday, since they entered middle school.

It turned out that despite arriving at this girl's house that early, it took the girl sometime to get everything ready for school. The result? They arrived late in school.

The teacher saw MC coming in late, but didn't see the other girl. Therefore, MC was penalized by the teacher.

MC took her punishment in stride. She accepted it because she did arrive late. How about the other girl who made her late? The girl did not say anything to the teacher. And MC would not say anything aboout it, too.

I asked MC, 'What do you plan to do once it happened again?' She simply shrugged.

I'll help you

The girls' received their mid-semester school report cards last week. I am glad to say that they did well.

MC did surprisingly well, too.  Remember, she's the one who's having some issues with school works but I think she's over those things now.

The middle school rector even told her, "you know what, I don't know what grades you got when you were in grade four but I am telling you, you are doing well this year!"

Anyway, after receiving her report card and getting those words of praise from the school rector, she noticed that a classmate was not happy at all with her grades. In fact, she told me, her friend sneaked in the corner of the room and was very, very sad; almost crying.

She reached out to her and asked, "why are you sad?" It turned out the girl got mostly passing marks.

You know what MC said to her? "Don't be sad, I will help you."

Those words came from a girl who had issues with school works. Those words came from a girl who used to scream and cry everytime it's time to face homework and school projects. Those words came from a girl who fought anything related to learning.

And I am happy because that means...

Those words came from a girl is now ready to face up the challenges at school. Those words came from a girl who is now enjoying school!

The girl brightened up after MC talked to her.

I asked MC how she'd like to help the girl. I told her, if she want, she can invite the girl for a visit and they can learn together.

That same night she called the girl and repeated her offer to help. They are now working on a schedule. And I would definitely support my girl's offer to help.

Let's see what would happen next :-)

MC's First Day in Middle School

Okay, okay. I don't really know if they call it middle school here in Germany. But see, MC is now in fifth grade. That means goodbye grade school!

MC's new school bag and her mini school cone, beside it, IC's super mini school cone :)

Leaving the fourth grade is a little bit complicated here in Germany. There are many kinds of middle school levels that are available for the fifth graders: the Haupschule, the Realschule/Werkrealschule and the Gymnasium. The school choices depend on the following: the school grades, the teacher's recommendations, the parent's agreement (in other German regions, the school grades automatically discerns the school's level), the kid's nod, and of course, the number of fifth grade applicants.

My Girl Speaks-Up for the Boys

Ten-year-old MC came home from school in a bad mood. 'Mama, all my girl friends in school hate me,' she cried. She explained, 'well, it was during sport. The girls were asked to choose a game. And everybody, including the boys, played that chosen game. When it was time for the boys to select a game they wanted to be played, all the girls resisted.' It turned out that while the girls were alone in the dressing room, MC told them that she finds it unfair for the boys. 'I told the girls in my class that it is not good. The girls must also give in to the boys to be fair.' After saying those words, all the girls turned on MC and said, 'you are supposed to be on our side and not for the boys.' MC argued, 'well, I told you what I feel. I think the boys should have their chance, too.' She left the dressing room afterwards and refused to talk to the girls anymore. After letting her frustration out by talking to us, she felt a little better. 'You know what, Mama, I don't care what the girls think. I will fight for what is right,' she added. Well, my girl, you got that right, too!

Warning: Sex Education in Grade 4 Starts on Monday

Okay, we have been warned. A note from MC's teacher said it all.

On Monday, sex education starts on Grade 4 Class A.

They would share knowledge about the human body, answer questions about friendship and explore on ways to handle feelings.

The students were told to, if possible, list down their own questions and bring age-appropriate answers and books.

The sex education subject would include units in:
-friendship, love and feelings
-body development of boys and girls or puberty
-love and sexuality
-how a baby is created

The teacher emphasized that working with the parents is a very important part of the lesson. Parents are asked to support the subject by talking about it at home. It was also asked that each students bring a baby photo plus the story of their birth.

Plus, the parents are welcome visit the classroom to check out the materials being used; and if we have questions, to ask.

I remember in 2008, there was a discussion on starting sex education in Germany on the third grade. I guess it did not push through.

As for my girls, we have been talking about the birds and the bees when they were in kindergarten. I guess, that should count?

I have started talking with MC, a little bit earlier, about the development of her body just because she seemed curious about some things. Like we have explored about getting breasts -- that in time her chests might hurt or might be itchy because she'd be developing breasts. That would be the time to start looking for bras for her.

And of course, that she would be getting not only underarm hair; but also, down there, when she's a bit older.

Then, we touched on the subject of getting monthly periods simply because she knows when I have my period and how I take care of myself when I have those periods. She'd a bit confused, but I assured her that it won't hurt; although some girls experience some inconvenience.

As for boys? Well, she's a big fan of Pietro Lombardi, last year's winner of the Deutschland Sucht den Superstar (equivalent to The American Idol). But I haven't heard her really talking and giggling over 'boys'. Only that she finds them a little 'doof' (stupid) and loud.

Now MC's birth story? She's been hearing the story again and again. As she's also been asking to hear them, again and again.

The girls cannot usually wait for their turn in letting us know about their school day during lunch. They would tell us everything. Would MC let us know what was discussed during the first day of their sex education class?

Let's see what Monday would bring!