It was Cass’ concert rehearsal day today and it’s supposed to be a no big deal thing for me as Alycia and Sherilyn had gone through this sort of rehearsals over the last 4 years. But it is a pretty big deal thing for Cass (it’s her first ever performance on a stage) and also for me as I tagged along for the first time… together in the big yellow bus with 60 over pre-schoolers and 6 pre-school teachers! Along with me were another mother (she drove her own car) and a grandma who tagged along.
In the past, the hubs would tail the bus in his car and ensure that Alycia and Sherilyn reached the destination. He would then leave the concert hall and did something else, only to pick them up 3 hours later. Actually parents were not encouraged to follow, but how could I have the peace of mind to leave my 4YO baby girl in a big bus with only 6 teachers to oversee over 60 kids? I would worry myself sick at home. I have never left Cass in a trip with her teachers before and I do not think I can let go, not until she turns at least 6YO. What more, with her minor urinary problem, I cannot just leave her in the hands of her teacher, as I know she would not have the time to attend to Cass each time she pees.
I was actually in a dilemma whether to follow or not. My motherly instinct told me to just go. And I have absolutely no regrets. The scene was quite chaotic with small pre-schoolers filling up the hall (and teachers hollering to the ‘wild’ ones) and there were not enough teachers to watch the kids. When the rehearsal was over, Cass’ teacher could not find one of her students. There were 17 number of 4YOs and one was missing and no where to be found! Panic button was pressed! I helped the teacher do the headcount many times but still 1 child was missing. We looked everywhere in the big hall but could not find her! Thank God, minutes later, she appeared out of no where and she got a tongue lashing from the teacher LOL!
Cass and I enjoyed our bus ride very much. It was her first ever bus ride too. Sitting next to Cass is Ethan, the class’ top 4YO boy who reads like a pro.
We reached the destination after a 20-minute bus ride filled with kids chatter and laughter…
A hall packed with kids and teachers. It was a combined event with 3 other branches. The kids were given some snacks to eat before their event. Sorry, no pix of Cass in action as the kids were all donned in their uniform, and I do not show pix of my kids in their uniform with the name/badge of their school in my blogs for their safety.
We had lunch at the Japanese restaurant at our condo. Cass rode on her scooter to the restaurant.
This girl sure has an expensive taste bud now. She ordered an udon set with tempura, California rolls and a chawan mushi.
Cass is one very happy girl today. When Sherilyn came back from school, Cass gloated about her exciting day’s happenings to her sister. Later when Alycia reached home, Cass bragged to her che che again about what she did today 😀
Would you allow your 4-YO or 5-YO child to go in a school outing without you tagging along?
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Me and hubs takes turns to accompany our two boys to all their school excursions. There’s at least two excursions per term. Though the class is smaller we still make an effort to go along. Actually parents are encouraged to tag along.
I agreed with you too. I would definately tag along if my kids go for school outings.
I don’t tag along…I just put my faith on the school & teachers.
But mebbe one day I’ll tag along just for the experience 🙂
For me, It is depend whether I am allow to tag to the event or not. But so far, I have let my son joined the school trip for at least 2-3 hours without me tagging along and he was doing fine.
ps: Elyssa’s been practising for her school concert too. I am so excited!!! *grins*
I find it strange that the teachers allow such a low supervision ratio, esp. for such a young age. I have done class trips where each parent watched 4-5 kids; as you can imagine, I was mostly focussed on the other kids vs my own! Another suggestion: have the kids pair up, like a buddy system and they can sort of keep tabs on each other. I don’t know how the teacher can let one kid go missing. I would have had a stroke!
Yes both my kids joined the school field trip every year, as young as 3yo. Well I could fong sum to let go because her kinder is small. Whole school only 49 students.
I would tag along if possible. Malaika started joining school trip when she was 5, nearly 6. I would not let 4 years old Kelsey joins the school trip. I think he is too immature and I have my worry.
qiqi went on her own with school bus and the boys just went on their first outing with school too some months back. Guess, nothing much to worry.
So far both went for their fieldtrip as young as 3 years old, we didn’t follow because we were working. They were ok…n happy..
Such a great experience for Cass. Hmm…….. it depends if the school allowed or not. I will tag along just for the fun. If not allowed, i am sure the teacher will handle professionally n i got to trust them anyhow.
can you believe it that i’ve never let ashley go on her kindy’s school excursion? the reason is because the trip was from 8.30am to 5pm and no parents are allowed. She did join her school for sports day/ concert rehearsal at a stadium which is about 15 mins drive away. Her school chartered a bus to ferry the kids and teachers to the school 😛