Vaillant Family Blog: Lincoln's First Day of School!

Lincoln started school on October 12th here in Japan. We quickly started looking into schools when we arrived and toured two schools before deciding on Fuji Youchien (Kindergarten). They recommended we wait to start until after their big sports day on October 9th since the kids had been preparing for it and they didn't want Lincoln to be too overwhelmed. It is an all Japanese speaking school so we knew it it could be a hard adjustment for him at first. He rides a bus to and from school that picks up and drops off at the gate closest to our house. On his first day we drove him in and he rode the bus home. He has done great with the bus and did not even cry getting on the bus his 2nd day. The school is very unique and we think it will be an awesome experience for Linc. The school is in the shape of a circle with open air classrooms on the bottom and a large play area on top. There are multiple areas to play outside around the circle and the school has animals including two ponies (he gets to ride one on his birthday!). The school has a farm that the kids get to harvest vegetables from and bring them home. Within his first week, Lincoln had a field trip to harvest sweet potatoes and brought home 5 large one's. Eric made a yummy soup with them. They also have school chefs that prepare fresh meals daily and most days we have let him try school lunch. The food is very different than what he is used to and some days I think he only eats the fruit but the teachers tell us he is getting better at trying the fish, chicken, rice, noodle, and soup dishes. Also within his first two weeks we were invited to a family lunch for his class. Eric and I were able to attend and try some of the food he is offered. It was tough for Lincoln having us there and we were all a bit overwhelmed. The food was served by the kids and they sang songs in Japanese as the teacher played the piano. Lincoln has 2 kids from base in his class and the teachers say they are making great friends with each other. He wears a uniform to school and the kids change themselves into play clothes upon arrival. One of the school's motto's is I can do it myself and we can already see Lincoln becoming more independent since starting school. When were were registering for the school they gave us so much info it was a little overwhelming for me. There is a certain way to wear their clothes, pack their lunch sack and book bag, and don't forget to put a handkerchief in their left pocket daily. :) Two of my neighbors have kids that attend the school so they were very helpful in answering any questions I had as we got started. It also helped that he had friends on the bus! The school has been great with letting us know how he is doing. We have one main contact that translates any information from the teacher to us. They say he plays well throughout the grounds, is trying new foods and is very observant and tries to dance and sing with the class! Here are some photos from his 1st day, field trip, and family lunch. I also included a link to a Ted Talk that shows the school in more detail and the philosophy behind it.

Ready for my 1st day!

Rocking his uniform!

In front of his classroom. They take their shoes and socks off before entering the classroom. He gave me a hug and was off with his teacher to change his clothes.

Getting off the bus his first day. I see you buddy!

So proud of my big boy! When all the kids are off the bus we bow and say Sayonara (Goodbye in Japanese).

The school sent home this picture of Lincoln harvesting sweet potatoes. They meant dug of course. His class wears a light pink hat with their training wear shorts daily. He can wear tights under on cooler days.