When it’s time for your oldest child to start school, you do research. You decide if they’re ready- which school is right for ALL of you, what TYPE of school is right, and on and on and on. When we were in South Carolina and felt it was time for B to join the ranks of a pre-preschool setting, we went with a great school based on the recommendation of a friend. Also their availability. Every other school I tried was full.
He went to this school for a year or so. He LOVED it. Thrived, in fact. It set him up to think school was awesome and the best thing ever to happen to him. His teachers were wonderful and we were thrilled.
Today he is in the Dutch school system and has been for about two months- as long as we have been here. We chose this house based upon the school. We met with schools prior to choosing a home so put much into this. Bonus that it’s only about 3 blocks from here. I felt a little unprepared though as I didn’t research it as heavily as I did with the one back home- and when the boys started back in November I kind of threw them in there and hoped for the best.
The Dutch system offers the peuterspeelzaal for ages 2-4. Essentially that is a playgroup with teachers (and quite like preschool in my opinion) and a small group of kids. My twins go on Tuesdays and Fridays and B goes four days a week- two of those days are with his brothers. We like it very much. B has picked up Dutch so quickly- even his teachers are impressed. I like the fact that the school itself is very accommodating and easy when it comes to communication. The teachers have been lovely and helpful beyond my initial hopes.
B is 4 next month which signifies the end of his ‘playgroup’ days. He is to start the real Dutch school which is 4-5 days a week and lasts a typical school day. The numbers of children are a little larger (probably 25-30 in a class) and the ages are 4 and 5. School is year round, with the typical holiday breaks- and children are constantly moving up based upon their age.
I am ok with them in a traditional Dutch school. That’s why we chose this road instead of the International School option. We decided that the boys were all young enough to adapt, and here in the Netherlands I continue to be impressed with their knowledge and use of the English language. However, the young children aren’t fluent in English yet so the conversations are pretty one-sided when it comes to relating to friends.
At this point in his fledgling school career- B loves it. He loves to learn and have fun. His teachers think he’s great, which tells me that he is doing well. What worries me is that time after time I throw something at him and force him to adjust. At what point is he going to say ‘Ok. I give up. I don’t like this anymore.” And stop loving school?
What do you think about the options for early education? How do you think your kids would do in a foreign language setting? Do you think I am expecting too much from my boys?
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So, I get this. Truly.
When we moved to Poland, the twins were just 3. I foolishly thought I’d teach them at home. That lasted 2 weeks. The schools here for that age were not huge on English, but I didn’t want to drive to the International School.
We found a montessori that emphasized English lessons. So, like you, the teachers can communicate fine, but the kids are too little to know much.
The boys loved their school. They had a tough time at first, but they adapted and really loved it. They made friends (mostly girls, which is cute) and learned a little Polish which they will never share at home.
When I was little, we moved a ton. I feel no ill will towards my parents for it. I am who I am from learning to adapt. And, the young age of our kids is why we chose to take this chance. This is an age where they don’t know normal yet. For all they know, everyone lives in this constant chaos!
That’s an excellent point you make- ‘for all they know..’ that’s so true.
I think that in the long run this is going to be a really good thing- not sure how long you are going to be there- but we will only be here 2-3 years most likely.
I also think it’s adorable that your boys made friends with the girls. How sweet
We’ve been here 2 years. Heading home to Texas in 9 days!!!!
You’re doing great! What an adventure for your kids. By immersing them in a foreign culture you are expanding their minds so much more. Face it, if you put them in an expat school, they would likely be surrounded by children much like themselves. That doesn’t really take full advantage of the situation. Don’t worry about the changes – remember kids are much more adaptable than adults. I believe that’s biological – young brains are sponges, you know. How great if your boys become fully bilingual and maintain it!
Thanks! I don’t know if they will get the chance to remember what they pick up- oh but how I hope they do!!! They are happy as can be here and that tells me things are ok. I just wish we could get rid of these sickness germs! Or at the least hurry up and become immune to them. ARGH.
hmmm hopefully at least while he is still young he will think that is normal. He will excitingly await his next journey. Kids are so adaptable unless you have my girls who hate school all together so i am pulling them out. haha I figured they just turned 4, keep them home for another year and hope they’ve matured enough then. But as you mentioned teachers; they liked their teacher last year and not this year and Lylla cries every day that she doesn’t want to go. Sucks. I’m no help….
Oh that makes me sad.
I know what you’re saying though— C has no issue with school. Linc cries and cries and cries. I usually have to hang out a while to calm him down. B wasn’t like that either- so this is new. I know what you’re saying.
I’m glad he’s going well! How long do you guys plan on being there? I tend to overevaluate things, and I’m not good given many choices, so I appreciate your confidence in the school.
Our initial contract is 2 years. When it’s up we’re going to evaluate and decide if we want to stay- if there’s opportunity to stay or go somewhere else. Our plan is to do this gig until we want to settle down with the boys so they can remain in one place during the middle/high school years. That’s the plan anyhow!
Kids are resilient. I think they adapt to change much better and a lot quicker than we do. I think putting them in the Dutch school setting was fantastic. They have an opportunity most children will never get, they will learn and grow in another culture. They will be exposed to new languages, food, perhaps a different living style and I think it’ll give them an advantage over everyone else in the world, especially my typical American children. They say the younger the better. If your kids were older I think maybe the international school may have been an easier adjustment, but at their age school is new to everyone, so I think it’s the perfect transition time. However, I am impressed with the teacher that teaches 25-30 4 and 5 year olds!
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