First Day of School for Ella

Today was a big day; today was Ella's first day in pre-school.

Took this picture this morning when we reminded her.  Think she's excited?

The school is not far from home.  In fact, it's around the corner from our place, less than a minute's walk.  Once we're in a routine, Jeff will bring her to school on his way to work.

Here we are at the school front door.  Sign reads "Nursery School of Teaching Department of Charles University".   We're feeling pretty lucky to be able to offer this to Ella, even if she is only 3 years old.

Ella's daily schedule?  She starts with early play, then a mid-morning snack,some outside play and lunch.  Whew.  Then mom comes to pick her up after noon.  We'll start her at 3x a week, half-days.  For this in $US, about $75 a month, for 'tuition' and board.  (It's on the "expensive" side, since we're paying for full days.)  :)

We get in the school grounds and find out Ella is in the Kotatka class, or kitty class.  Immediately inside the kitty class area, the kids place their shoes in a shoe cubby and change into their inside shoes.  Kids recognize their space by some picture.  Ella is the 'jablko' (apple) in the lower right.

Inside, Ella has her own 'jablko' cubby to keep her bag, jacket and, of course, her Dora the Explorer hat.  (we're still recovering from leaving our Boston Red Sox hat in Nova Scotia) 

What's the language?  Czech all the way.  Looking at the student roster in her class, Ella is very likely the only native English speaker.  No doubt this is a source of anxiety for mom & dad, but we watched a teacher and Ella play with some toy animals, and we believe Ella will adapt and grow pretty darn quickly.

This is mom after we finally left.  We stayed with her for about 45 minutes.  The teachers were supportive of us as "first day" parents.  Ella didn't seem concerned (at all) when we left.  Maylia, on the other hand, ...she felt it.

Mom went to pick her up at planned after their lunch and found Ella still eating.  Here's a pic of her and her plate.  They started with soup, then had fish, potatoes, beets.  To drink, the ever-popular local 'detsky caj' (children's tea).

When Jeff called to hear how Ella felt about it, Maylia said that she had trouble getting Ella to leave.  We sort of expected that, but not on the first day.   Well, we'll see how tomorrow goes.