Elephants and burglars

The children went back to school yesterday, always a sad day. They had had a nice holiday break (apart from a violent sickness bug) with lots of play and family. We went on country walks, watched wildlife programmes together and we taught A maths. I guess if the school isn't going to do it then we must take it upon ourselves - and what improvement she made and what new found confidence she has! While packing their school bags, PE kits, swimming stuff and packed lunches, I asked the girls what they had for Christmas, sure that the teachers would ask. With a little prompting they could name some of their favourite gifts.

I volunteer to read with the Reception kids every other week, it not only allows me to help the school out but gives me a chance to ear wig on what is happening in the classroom. The teacher predictably asked the little ones what they received for Christmas - waiting their turn to speak, each child described a fairy castle,  a DS, a mini ipad.....and then I heard the whole class laugh when P had her turn. She told them she had a burglar for Christmas.

"What an unusual present P, it had what? some tools and ropes to get into the house? well, now, now children, don't laugh at P - perhaps you would like to bring it in P and show everyone!" the teacher commented.

Oh. My. Goodness. The school already thinks we are left-field, gobby, atheists - now we are encouraging burglary.

"Darling, did your teacher ask you what you received for Christmas this year?" I asked A when the school day was over.

"Yeah, so-and-so got an ipad, and someone got a car and someone else went to actual-real-Lapland!" A exclaimed excitedly.

"What did you tell the class you had?" thinking of a number of suitable presents she could've shared.

"Elephants on a string!"


                             
Stingy, Christmas-hating, thieving, left-field, gobby, atheists!

We are doing so well to fit in.