I can’t believe it is the end of the school year! The time has gone so fast, Bella’s first day at school seems only like yesterday, it was such an emotional day for all of us as it was the first step from Bella being a toddler to finally being a girl!
This school year was quite challenging for Bella, although I guess its a big change for most kids. I think the transition from 4 to 5 years is a big one. It was also hard because of the arrival of her new little sister. Bella’s life changed completely meaning she was forced to grow up quickly.
I was very strict with her but now I realise that she was just trying to cope as much as she could with all of these changes in her life! Another issue was that she was one of the youngest in her class and you need to take that into consideration when comparing her development with other kids.
Autumn Term
The first term was probably the most difficult one as she had to get to know 20 other children as well as having to do homework for the first time. She also probably realised around that time that she wouldn’t get as much attention now that Sienna was here too.
It took time to grasp reading and writing. She knew all her letters very well but the progression to blending required a lot of time and patience. She loves to read books and took home about 2 different books to read per week. She loves sitting with Daddy to read.
Bella was very shy at the beginning, it took her a lot of time to feel comfortable with her new classmates. Every time we had a birthday party she spent the first hour ‘attached’ to us and only at the end would she start to play with the other kids.
Her behaviour was sometimes quite testing with many tantrums. She often wanted to be carried during these which seemed like a kind of regression but I think this was a way for her to ask for attention as now she had another sister who was getting most of it. Now I can see that but not back then.
Spring Term
At the start of the Spring term she was still not understanding blending and we got a little concerned about whether she would finally get it. Of course the age difference was a big problem for her. While most of the children in her class were already 5 she was still 4, as her birthday was not until May.
After the half term things started to change. Bella seemed to grow up and she finally stopped the continuous tantrums (she still has them occasionally but not as often any more). She even got a mention by the headmistress.
I was so proud of her as this was the first time I saw how Bella was changing from being my baby girl to my beautiful little girl! It was so exciting to see her growing up like that! I had some mixed feelings because on one hand I was happy to see her growing up and experiencing new things but on the other hand it was sad to see her changing so much. My baby was finally gone! So weird!
Her social life was really good, becoming much less shy by the day. She was so happy with her friends. The good thing is that since day one she has loved her school, her class and her teacher and that was always a relief.
Summer Term
The Summer term was much easier for Bella. Everything really clicked for her and she made a sudden improvement with her reading and writing, that seemed to get better and better every day. Her maths was much better too and she was generally much, much more social with all the kids. She even had a great first sports day, coming second in all her races!
Overall thoughts
She had all her FIRSTS:
- first school fair
- first halloween party
- first nativity show
- first class assembly
- first drama show
- first dance show
- first show & tell (where she tells the class about a favourite thing)
- first homework
- first shool trip
- first disco
Well, the school year is now finished and even though we had ups and downs I can happily say that it all turned out well in the end! I’m very pleased and now looking forward to the summer holidays and a whole new school year in September.
If you are looking for schools for your children and want to find out more about schools or to read impartial school reviews you can visit sites like GoodSchoolsGuide.co.uk for state schools or Educators.co.uk if you are considering private schools.
Do you also have kids finishing Reception? Did you have a similar experience to me? How did it turn out? Please leave your comments below as I would love to read your story too 😃
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
What a lovely post and lovely memories. Both my big kids will be in the juniors come September so that is quite a change for us – the babies still have a few years until school starts though #picknmix
Thank you lovely!! It was an important year for us. It was a big change for Bella, she really started growing up fast after this year. Wow you have lots of kids! So you know all about these changes!! It would be interesting to know about the transition between primary schooll to junior school. Thanks for stopping by, xx
So glad it turned out well. Good to know these things so I am aware for when J is older #TheList
Thank you Jules!! Yes it is a big change from pre-school to Reception Year. I still can’t believe Bella will start Year 1 next term!! Time flies really fast! BTW, I love your youtube channel! 😉 xx
A very lovely post, happy summer weekend
Thank you Louisette, xx
My eldest will be starting secondary school in September but it only feels like yesterday that he was your daughters age! It goes so fast, and I’m glad she has settled in more at school now 🙂
Thanks for linking this to #PicknMix, Stevie x
I’m very intrigue about the transition between primary school and secondary school. You should do a post about it. Thanks for commenting and for hosting! xx
Aw yes, we’ve just finished Reception too and what an incredible journey. It gives me goosebumps just to type this! Our little girl has absolutely thrived and knows her own mind very well…! Now for some much-needed down-time for her before Year 1… Oh my days. I’m really not sure where the last 9 months has gone…
It is amazing how the time flies!!! We now need to prepare for another school year!! Thank you so much Carol for commenting and also for sharing my post. You are very kind! 🙂 xx
They definitely do grow and change so much in reception year. My middle child is starting reception in September and I am going back to work to teach reception, can’t wait it’s my favourite year group. I hope she continues to enjoy school. Thanks for linking to #PickNMix
It was an interesting year for us, lot of ups and downs but overall a very positive year! We are now looking forward for Y1! Thanks for commenting and hosting! x
What a lovely post, I remember my daughters reception year like yesterday, and the tears when she finished that year, you will treasure those memories forever x
Thank you love! It was a special year for sure!! And you are righr, I will treasure those memories forever! Thanks for commenting, xx
Ahh, this is such a sweet post. It looks like she’s grown up enormously. Going to reception is such an massive step. My daughter is starting reception in September, and I can’t quite believe it. (By the way, I take it that isn’t a real 50 pound note? ;)) #binkylinky
Thank you Alison! Now is your turn to go through all this experience too! No, the 50 pound note is not real (I wish, lol) it is a plastic one! 😉 Thanks for stopping by lovely, xx
My girls start nursery in September – two and a half hours a week – I’m dreading it! Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
That is another interesting phase. They are still little and want you a lot but at the same time the enjoy all this new world. It takes time at the beginning for them to settle but then they love it!! Thanks for commenting and hosting, x
What a lovely post and fab memories my twins start nursery in September I hope they settle in well thanks for linking to the Binkylinky
I’m sure they will! It takes time at the beginning but then they will love it. Besides you have the advantage that they are 2 so they will keep each other company! 🙂 Thanks for commenting and hosting, x
Ahhh sounds and looks like she did absolutely amazing and what a change the first year. I can’t believe how many firsts and I have all this to look forward to come September B starts reception. I am both excited and nervous for it all. He is ready though and it will be so new to us all. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Yes lots of firsts to look forward to!! You will enjoy it I’m sure. Just remember it is a big change for them. It takes time for them to adjust but eventually they rock it!! 🙂 Good Luck in September!! Enjoy every minute as it goes very fast! Thanks for commenting and hosting! x