This July 11th our son Raunak embarked on a very beautiful journey. He joined the pre-school or play group. We (me and my wife) were contemplating for a few days to get him enrolled to pre-school but having heard the how kids start getting common cold, cough and other ailments after joining, we were a bit sceptical. We were also quite unsure because most of the pre-schools in the vicinity are not very well maintained and clean. Luckily and thankfully Bubble Blue recently opened a branch at Sherwood Narendrapur. Even though that one is exclusively for the residents, one of my close friend who is a resident there was able to make some exception for our son.
The first day to school we closed all the admission procedures. The initial 2-3 days my wife was allowed to stay along with our son inside. This was the period to acclimatise. Thankfully Raunak did not find it too difficult to adjust. Though he looks a bit grumpy while he is being taken inside from the gate, once inside he becomes quite active. (On the first day to school with me; picture on the left)
One good feature which Bubble Blue has got is the ability to monitor kid’s activities inside through online streaming of footage from IP cameras. Though the footage lags and is non-responsive at times, we are still able to get a fair idea of what he does once inside. The first few days Raunak’s only activity once inside was to roam around the room. Teacher found it difficult to make him sit in one place for a long time. Even if he is somehow made to sit for few mins, he would again get up and move around the room with a sense of urgency. There are two groups for kids; one for kids upto 2.5/3 years and the other for 3 years plus; Raunak is now in the first group. Every day for 15-20 mins all the kids are taken to the activity room which is more like a jam floor for the tiny tots. Music is switched on and the kids are allowed the dance. Though the teacher tries to instil some sane behaviour by showing the moves to be done, the result is mostly free-for-all. The kids of the 3 plus play group though are somehow able to follow the instructions of the teacher, for all others it is do-as-you-like. We can see Raunak running around the room, moving to different corners, taking different postures, doing some dance moves and what not. On some of the days a physical trainer visits to show the kids some more different ways to play with balls and other objects.
Bubble Blue also organises small events to enjoy with the tiny tots. The latest of such event was on Friday. Such events are definitely interesting and the kids are definitely seen to enjoy a lot. The time which Raunak would spend was gradually increased over the past 2 weeks from 1hour to 1.25 and then to 1.5. On Friday he stayed the complete 2 hours. Kids are also made to sit for a tiffin break where they eat, whatever little they would, from the tiffin they bring from home. Raunak is generally taking biscuits for tiffin and ye he does eats a few of them.
While people of our generation never visited formal school before the age of 3 – 3.5 years at least but now time have changes. Raunak is expected to join proper school next year in nursery class, so before that the play group is the stage to get his prepared. He needs to get into the entire habit of going to school starting from getting up early in the morning, finishing off breakfast, getting ready and then once in school sitting steadily in the classroom, eating tiffin during the break etc. Generally play groups help kids to fight off the rude shock that they generally get when directly admitted to schools.
For us the best part is to see Raunak running to and jumping up into our arms after the school ends.
Little joys of life that makes the journey fulfilling.
One good feature which Bubble Blue has got is the ability to monitor kid’s activities inside through online streaming of footage from IP cameras. Though the footage lags and is non-responsive at times, we are still able to get a fair idea of what he does once inside. The first few days Raunak’s only activity once inside was to roam around the room. Teacher found it difficult to make him sit in one place for a long time. Even if he is somehow made to sit for few mins, he would again get up and move around the room with a sense of urgency. There are two groups for kids; one for kids upto 2.5/3 years and the other for 3 years plus; Raunak is now in the first group. Every day for 15-20 mins all the kids are taken to the activity room which is more like a jam floor for the tiny tots. Music is switched on and the kids are allowed the dance. Though the teacher tries to instil some sane behaviour by showing the moves to be done, the result is mostly free-for-all. The kids of the 3 plus play group though are somehow able to follow the instructions of the teacher, for all others it is do-as-you-like. We can see Raunak running around the room, moving to different corners, taking different postures, doing some dance moves and what not. On some of the days a physical trainer visits to show the kids some more different ways to play with balls and other objects.
Bubble Blue also organises small events to enjoy with the tiny tots. The latest of such event was on Friday. Such events are definitely interesting and the kids are definitely seen to enjoy a lot. The time which Raunak would spend was gradually increased over the past 2 weeks from 1hour to 1.25 and then to 1.5. On Friday he stayed the complete 2 hours. Kids are also made to sit for a tiffin break where they eat, whatever little they would, from the tiffin they bring from home. Raunak is generally taking biscuits for tiffin and ye he does eats a few of them.
For us the best part is to see Raunak running to and jumping up into our arms after the school ends.
Little joys of life that makes the journey fulfilling.
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