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Maria’s first week at school

Jan: “what have you done in school today?” Maria: “I’ve learned French.” On Friday morning Maria says for the first time that she wants to go to school, because “I am big now”. The first days were quite difficult for Maria. But she has already stopped to cry when saying goodbye. The teacher confirms that it goes better everyday. “And”, she says: “she talks a lot, but no French!”

The first day at school was quite a happening. Close to 30 toddlers of about 3 years old in one class going to school for the first time. The parents jostled themselves inside looking for the right classroom. And on parting… the parents cried louder then the kids!

In France children go to school at the age of 3 (sometime 2.5). This is called the École Maternelle and is comparable to playgroup. Wednesday is a day off, and everyday has a lunch break of two hours, these moments Maria is at home. The class is a varied group of (north-) African, Caribbean, and French children. So Maria is no outsider. Well maybe just because she is the only child being brought to school by bike…


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