My daughter Ashley started kindergarten this year. For several
weeks before school began, she was very excited and practiced
putting her notebook in her backpack and getting dressed in her
new school clothes. Every day she would ask, “Can I go to
kindergarten today?” Her older siblings started school a week
before, and she was very sad. It was difficult for her to wait
to visit her classroom, meet her new teacher, and play with her
new friends. Finally, the first day of kindergarten arrived.
Ashley woke up very early, before anybody in the house, and
quickly put on her new school clothes. She got her backpack and
stood by the door a full hour before it was time to leave.
Finally, she was able to go to kindergarten and had a wonderful
time. This was an exciting time for her and also for me as a
parent. It was gratifying to see her excitement and eagerness to
learn. Many parents have similar experiences with their children
as they start kindergarten. Parents hope their children will
continue to love school and