First Grade Extravaganza

Germans know how to first grade. Lavinia and her fellow six-year-olds began their formal German education with a lot of fanfare.  The older elementary students greeted their new classmates with songs and each one was assigned a veteran to show them the ins and outs of the school. Vinnie was welcomed in English by another little girl. Errol and I feel really good about the language situations at the kids’ schools and are especially grateful for spots at Oberlin.

Parents of the first graders were asked to bring our children and stay for the program. This was all in German, but it was good to know which faces belong to faculty and staff. Vinnie’s teacher is lovely and looks like a volleyball coach--always a good sign.

Then, there’s the Schultüte.  This cone of gifts and treats is put together by parents and grandparents, and we saw some pretty fantastic ones.  Vinnie decorated hers on her own, but Errol and I did a decent job filling it.  She was so excited for the reveal. At the playground this afternoon, Vinnie wore her new satchel and packed it with candy. I’m glad she is aware of this unfailing method of making new friends.