Mommy went back to school...but just for one day.

When you think about school, I doubt "summer" and "kindergarten" come to mind.
When you mention school to a child, you think they will shudder, run away screaming and hide in a closet until they hear you say "JUST KIDDING!"
Well, today I went back to school...and there was no "just kidding" that came from my son's mouth.
He woke up and said "mommy, you're coming to école (school) with me today right?" so instead of nudging the partner and saying "it's your turn today hun" he got to sleep, and I got ready, had my shower and put a small lunch together (heck if I would be shadowing him, I had to get the full experience right?)
So from 8:30 until 11:20a.m. I got to shadow my little man at his 1/2 day french program.
I got to see their routine, I got to see what they do, I got to see how the teacher handles each and every child while still managing to get the days lesson taught.
(I have so much respect for her...13 children ranging in age from 3 1/2 to 5yrs old and not one issue arose where the class went A-wall...I could never do it)
But of course, those who know me best...I wasn't the best of students when it came to two seperate things "talking" and "day-dreaming / not paying attention"
So yes, it was quite difficult for me to actually stay focused in this classroom setting...I guess it didn't help that the amazing lady next to me kept chatting, and of course I chatted back and we tried our best to route the conversation around the lesson (aka-when the kids were listening to the teacher, or a story was being told) but no one said much of anything.
No looks...nothing.
(I guess we are all or more accepting of 'the gift to gab' these days than we were back in the day, when we were doing our time)
I helped my little guy make "goop" (corn startch and water, but not too much water) which made quite the mess...but man it was fun to say "yes, get dirty hun! don't worry!" and his eyes just lit up and the look of 'WHAT MOM SAID GET DIRTY' just echoed in his smile.
I saw him participate, I heard him speak french, answer questions, and listen to direction from another person (besides me and my partner). I saw him understand and I saw the delight in his eyes when he did something right!
we made a story book, we coloured pictures, we helped to clean up and then circle time.
So hats off to the teachers who teach our children!
I have so much respect for them!
I give my 'back to school experience' a HUGE A+
At the end of the day, my own son asked me how I liked école (school) and I told him how much I enjoyed it and would love to come back another day to see what they are doing.
He gave me a look (one that you don't expect from a 4 1/2 yr old) and he said "mommy, you did good at école, but tomorrow I think you should stay home. I think you are just too old for école. oh and mommy, if you come back you cannot talk. You have to pay attention to what madame is saying. It's a life skill. Listening."
*sigh*
I guess I should have paid more attention when I was in school. At least I know my son (right now) is on the right track.