Zia's first school

Last November 2008, Zia's developmental pediatrician has cleared her to enroll on a preparatory school. Her doctor has noted improvements on Zia's development, although there are still points to be improved. The speech and occupational therapy have to continue but we were advised that regular school can proceed. Judith and I scouted schools in BF Paranaque, looking for a school ideal for her speech condition, near our home, near the therapy center and of course not too expensive. After trimming the number to three potential schools, we eventually picked Child's Home School. Judith was very picky - she looked at the size of the rooms, the number of children per class, the schools where the teachers graduated, etc, etc.

Zia's class would be from November 2008 to March 2009. Her class was in the morning, from Monday to Friday. Seeing her in a school uniform for the first time is a sight to behold. It's a mixed feeling of glee - "my daughter is so cute" - and of gloom - "I'm getting old, my baby is now in school." Zia was enjoying her class. She was always excited when she was preparing going to school. Occasionally, she was accompanied by her Ate Cris to school, to be brought there by Manong Archie. After school, she would eagerly read her books and practice homeworks. Her speech has improved significantly. She has consistently expressed her feelings and sentiments, unlike a few months back wherein tantrums would be frequent because she cannot communicate to us well.



Of course, with school works come school activities that include family activities. By December 2008, Zia was excitedly practicing her Christmas class number. It was a dance number to the tune of Little Drummer Boy, with a costume of Little Santa. So when her school Christmas party came, all of us were there, happily cheering Zia and her classmates for their dance number. It was a cute number. Zia was dancing with her classmates, although sometimes, she has her own choreography different from her routine. Everybody enjoyed the party afterwards.

The other main school activity was the graduation. Again, some musical numbers were prepared. This time, Zia's class performed "I'm a Believer" from the Shrek soundtrack. Zia did another good dance performance. Her Ate Cris modified her costume which made her outfit better-looking. The other musical numbers were very entertaining as well. However, as her school was ending, Judith and I were deliberating wherein we will continue Zia to Child's Home. After balancing the pros and cons, we decided to enroll her to Montessori de Manila next school year.