Figs From Thistles: Schule

With the exception of Matty, J and I have decided to place the kiddos in German schools with Littlest attending Kindergarten (pre-school) and Log and Boppy attending Grundschule, grade school. We've been delighted with the receptiveness of the schools. Naturally, the classes are conducted solely in German, and the kiddos are like sponges absorbing it all. Bop's vocabulary is daily expanding, and she greets and speaks to everyone in the shops. Log is a bit more timid at trying his hand at German outside of our home. Littlest seems to little notice but employs mannerisms appropriately.

In terms of curriculum, J and I were astounded at the difficulty of the subjects in comparison to our American counterparts. That's not to say J and I don't respect the American school system, but even as students in a private school the kiddos were not engaged so much as here. Bop's first mathematics homework consisted of triangular shaped soduku puzzles!

Bop and Log attend school from 0800-1230. Superfluous things like lunch, nap and recess don't feature on the agenda here. With the exception of mathematics and reading, other subjects are alternated throughout the course of the week. Subjects include mathematics, reading, spelling, writing, music, art, science and gym with every opportunity for a practical implementation utilized. For example, when Bop's class finished a unit on fruits and vegetables, her class walked to a local farm, learned of growing the fruits and vegetables, chose vegetables, and made a soup. School is year round with brief breaks each quarter and Catholic holidays recognized.

The kiddos are somewhat a novelty in school with all aspects of themselves being heavily scrutinized in the most interested manner: what type of clothes is the American wearing or what did the American pack for lunch? I am daily bombarded by students with questions (especially where Bop is concerned) like, 'What's her favorite color?' and 'What is her favorite television program?'. In fact, Bop is something of a celebrity in her school. Log, as is his nature, is a bit more reserved and was taken aback at the attention he initially garnered. He has since made friends and comes home with happy reports. Littlest plays as though nothing is different; she carries on in English while other children speak German.

A view of Bop's school. Her school is comprised of a set of three buildings with a courtyard in the middle. Her school is four blocks from our home, and we walk her to and from school daily. Her school is named in honor of a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

A view of Bop's building

Log's school is in a neighboring village which is 2 kilometers from our home. He is picked up each morning by Herr Schmidt, who drives him to and from each school each day. After winter break, Log will attend the same school as Bop. Below, you'll see Log's school taxi. I'm sure Herr Schmidt thought I was ridiculous as I followed Log to and from school on the first day.

Log's first day; Bop wouldn't allow me to take pictures of her as it called too much attention to her. I believe it was a euphemistic way of saying, "Mom, don't embarrass me!"