Tags
Anna, felt, first day, first grade, Germany, handmade, school, school cone, Schultüte, unicorn
First Day of School
Today was Anna’s first day of school! She is now in first grade and here in Germany that is when school officially starts. Since she was three years old she has been going to a Montessori kindergarten/preschool and now that she’s six it’s on to first grade and a new school with lots of new kids and new teachers, early mornings and homework; a day of firsts! Here the kids started off the day in church with their families for a blessing, an introduction and some songs, carrying along with them a Schultüte. This is a cone-shaped “bag” made of thick construction paper. The cone is usually pre-made and can be bought with all sorts of whimsical designs and motifs already on it or it can be decorated at home. I used felt to decorate Anna’s school cone at home with a unicorn theme that she requested. The cone is then filled with various treats like an apple, candies, chocolates, school supplies, small toys and the like which get the kids excited about their first day of school, makes the experience more pleasurable and gives them something to look forward to at the end of their first day. I think Anna was pleased with her first day at school and all the little surprises that she got from her Schultüte.
At Church with her Bestie
In the Schoolyard
Posing with her Tüte
The boys were not amused.
Ben refused to wait in the schoolyard for Anna any longer.
Finally she unpacks her Schultüte after she’s done for the day.
Anna’s happy with her presents after an eventful first morning at school!
Anna and Me
The Artful Gardener 
This is such a wonderful post! Anna is such a cute girl, and so happy on her first day of school. Just look at that smile! Interesting, too, to learn of Germany’s customs for a child’s first day of school. The approach seems very community-oriented. The little ones feel part of something bigger than themselves and with all that support, ready to face that scary school. 🙂
Thanks John! Yes I was blown away by how much of a big deal it is when kids start school here. We had a relaxed afternoon and took her to a playground and out for ice cream later. Some families throw huge parties with extended family and friends and lots of food (of course). But we had fun in our own quite way and that was what made the day memorable I think.