One of the fundamental ways that primary school children can enjoy a typically rigorous and demanding school life would be to immerse them in non-academic school activities. And as parents, we should endeavour to participate alongside them as often as possible.
Through intensive participation, I strongly believe that our kids would create an indelible bond with their primary schools, and not merely associate their school lives with pure studies. I heard of parents who worry that extensive participation in non-academic activities might eat into precious study time, but I think CCAs and representing the school in some activities are wonderful platforms to cultivate multi-dimensional children, nurturing their social and leadership skills.
Hence, I keenly encourage Big Bee to participate in school activities enthusiastically. She is now in the school performing dance team, and was recently chosen as the only primary 3 ballet student to perform in a concert, together with other bigger girls. She also plays tennis in school on a recreational basis, and I am heartened that her school organises many non-academic activities for the parents to bond with the children in school.
Some of the recent activities in the post-exam hustle and bustle include:
1) Zany Brainy Day
This was a day in which parents took over the entire management of the school, so that teachers can all take a well-deserved break right after the mid-year exams. Parents planned a full day of fun and games for all the students, and it was generally a convivial, noisy, hot but memorable affair!
I had been volunteering as a parent helper in this event since she was in primary one, and had been a "class teacher" and a "games judge" in previous years. This year, I was arrowed to be a "dance parent" where we had to guide the kids to dance a little K-pop routine! We even had to attend a dance practice the night before, and then danced our hearts out during the event, so the kids could be motivated! It was truly fun and exhilarating!
Such events also allowed me to network with other parents, so we could exchange notes on the fierce P3 teachers (!!), homework, exams, tuition, CCAs and other idle gossips :)
More importantly, I also had the good opportunity to know Big Bee's friends better through such activities. A lot of them treated me amiably as I tried to be as crazy as these 9-year-old kids. It was evident Big Bee was secretly pleased, with her wide Cheshire Cat grins whenever her friends teased me.
2) P3 Musical Extravaganza
Last Thursday, the P3 kids in Big Bee's school put up a musical for all the parents. I went early to help the children dress up in their glittery, glamorous outfits and to put on make-up for them, although I noticed that girls this age are already interested and capable of putting on make-up themselves!
It was great fun having dinner with them, and changing them up in the dressing rooms. And even funner joking with Big Bee's sprightly friends again.
The colourful stage actors!
After the kids were transformed into dazzling stage actors, I joined Hubby, my mum and Little Bee for a buffet dinner held in school, whilst networking with other parents. I love such opportunities for parent networking!
We were all aptly impressed and very awed by the quality of the musical performed entirely by the whole P3 cohort. There were 6 acts, and 2 extra performances by students from an Indian primary school here on exchange (who looked so sweet and tiny!). Throughout the 2-hour musical, the students sang and dance just like a Broadway or West End musical - very captivating indeed!
Big Bee was a singing mouse...hmm....
I am very glad that Little Bee would be embarking on this independent journey like Big Bee, who is beginning to have a significant social life of her own now.
Little Bee was very inspired by the musical!
And yet, I wish to be by their sides whenever they need me, ubiquitous and supportive, but not obtrusive.
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