Chronicles: What Are Kids Thinking About Going Back To School?

It's that time of year again for American families to get back to highly structured days and nights, mom taxis, early bed times, and crack-of-dawn wake times. School's back! While it's our natural response to focus on how schools, teachers, and parents are getting their kids ready for the year, something gets lost in the shuffle...the kids! I decided to do back to school (and first time in school) interviews with my kids to see what they're looking forward to the most this school year. While I think I got the "Since I'm talking to my mom I'll filter my answer" responses, it was still eye-opening to find out what kids are thinking about as they embark on a new school year.

Interview 1: Entering 8th grade, new kid at classical charter school

Q: What are you looking forward to the most this year as an 8th grader?

A: I hope there's a school debate team. I'm looking forward to that. My last school was fun at first, but then it became kind of boring. I think this school could be the same way. I won't know until I get there.

Q: In which subject(s) are you most interested?

A: Math and science. They're technical. At my last school my science teacher, Ms. Chase, gave it to us straight. We went in, got the information we needed to use, and it was clear and concise.

Q: What about friendships? Do you anticipate having a large social sphere?

A: I'm open to having friendships with all different types of people. I don't want any one type of friend.

*At this point he began talking about what he wants for his birthday. He moved on to a wish list... I started a new school interview.

Interview 2: Entering middle school, new kid at classical charter school

Q:What are you looking forward to the most this year at a new school as a 6th grader?
A: I'm excited because at this school I get to switch classes and meet all the new people and all the new teachers. And, since we switch classes there'll be a whole hour to discuss one subject. That'll be better. I think recess at this school may be longer too. Also, I've never used a locker before so I'm excited about that. And, basically just do new things.

Q: Which subject are you anticipating to be the best?
A: Hmmm...it's either art or science. I like science because there's so much you can learn, like ecosystems, chemistry, the food chain. And, it also connects to math so it's like two in one. But, this school focuses on art a lot. Didn't they say that before? Art is fun because I really like to draw all the time and I think that will be fun. Literature should be good too. I like reading. Books are fun and interesting. Like, The Giver. That book was interesting, but it was really easy to read. 

Q: What subject are you thinking you'll least likely enjoy?
A: None really.

Q: What about friendships? Do you think you'll make friends at this school this year?
A: I don't know, but I don't just want to be one of the crowd or popular kids at school. I want to have like two friends or maybe a group of five. I know if I don't have any friends I'll still be happy on my own.

Q: Is there anything you think you won't like about going to a new school or the new school year?
A: I don't really know what this school is going to be like. I'm not nervous. I'm actually pretty excited. I like lectures, but I don't want to take notes. I like just listening to the teachers when they talk because that's really interesting.

Q: What extra activities do you think you'll do this year?
A: It would be cool if there were an after school art club or a comics club or a school newspaper where I could write comic strips. Maybe there's a book club or Lego club. It would be cool to learn to use Lego motors or coding a Lego robot to do things.

Q: Is there anything else on your mind:
A: Not really, school lunch, maybe recess and what it'll be like.

Interview 3: Kindergartener, first school experience (no daycare, no preschool)

Q: What are looking forward to the most when you go to school?
A: I'm looking forward to coloring because I like coloring and cause mostly I'm good at coloring now. And making new friends.


Q: What subject do you think you'll like the most? (I gave examples of what this means, as she has never been to school and doesn't refer to what she learns as school subjects yet.)
A: Art is my mostly favorite thing. Because you can use different colors of paint and you can paint all the time.

Q: What subject do you think you won't like?
A: Insects because they bite.

Q: What extra activities will you do after school?
A: Mostly I'm good at ballet. Tennis.

Q: What do you think you won't like about school?
A: I don't like bullying around. And if someone bullies me I'll bully them back. Is that right?

*She began her own interview at this point. I went with it.

My Answer: No.
Her next question: Then what do I do? I can't tell the teacher. If I don't do that they'll just bully me more.
My Answer: If you think someone is bullying you, use your words. Say, "Stop, I don't like that. Don't talk to me like that. 
Her next question: What if they keep doing it though, like on TV?
My Answer: Pretend like they're not there anymore. Completely block them out as if they no longer exist.
Her next question: Should I say, "nah, nah, I'm not talking to you! I can't hear you!?
My Answer: No. What do you say to someone who isn't there? 
Her: Nothing
Me: So, that's what you say to them. Just act as if they're no longer there. Walk away if you can. If not, just don't talk to them at all anymore.
Her: Oh, okay.

This part of the conversation surprised me. I know teachers and staff won't always be available to help with every conflict. She's been in social settings where there is bullying, but parents usually step in to help with resolution. Now, she's on her own. I wonder how she'll adjust without adult intervention. This alone should be #8 on my list of reasons to homeschool! Yet, if they never have a chance to figure out how to deal with it, they'll never develop the social skill.



So, after taking the time to ask the questions I got a feel for how they will approach the year. I feel better equipped to help them frame the year and support them in feeling prepared for it.

Disconcertingly enough, my eighth grader is already kind of jaded. He's not that excited about the school year, anticipating it will be much like all the others. He's been there, done that and expects business as usual.

My sixth grader is excited about everything. In theory he loves school. Learning is like his mothership. But, he burns out sometime long about October because of the monotony.

And, my kinder girl has no idea what's about to happen. She's completely clueless about how school works, except that other kids can be mean. I truly pray that she finds kindred friends and patient teachers to reshape her thinking about how it will turn out. Honestly, I hope they all do. Or, this may end up being #9 on my list of reasons why homeschool is better!