20 months...the magic age.

Lucy is 20 months old today! I didn't realize it until well into Chinese class today. Last week, Lucy showed hopeful interest in class, but I didn't expect it to go much further for another few months! Usually she sits in my lap, sucks her thumb, and will help get the tables and chairs out for snacks. She'll help "clean up", but turns away at most interactions. The short story is, today Lucy's "light" turned on. She probably only sat in my lap 5 whole minutes out of 55. She was up and around, completely interacting with the teacher, being a "leader" almost with making her felt snowman face. I cried during much of class as I watched her branch out to really BE in class. I remembered that months ago her teacher said that "about 20 months" is when things get better (with anxiety, interaction,etc). While watching her.. WOW... Teacher was right, to the day!! :-) She lined up for snack all by herself...without running back to me in tears! Her teacher kept looking at me in shock and joy. And not just Lucy....the other kids were all repeating her Chinese, and counting their goldfish in Chinese. (the best Lucy does is nod her head when her teacher tries to get her to say thank you, xie xie!!). I love being part of a community of kids, that you kind of get to know them and watch them grow too.

At the end of the class, little Zoe's nanny (the nanny brings her and her little baby brother to class every week), went up and asked Wen Xiang (the teacher) to fill out a reccomendation for Zoe, to get into preschool. PRESCHOOL!!!!???? Ah, yes. I forget that there is this whole complicated, competitive education system out there. It's not enough that you go and have fun learning a few words in a foreign language. Now you have to have your teacher write up a letter saying you are the best student in our class. Out of 6 or 7 kids, she is the most verbal, so I guess she is the top of our class. But really, she's not even 3 years old for crying out loud. OUT LOUD!! Here I was so proud of these kids for just getting thru class, having fun, no one crying, and doing it all in Chinese. Who knew it was just the tip of the education iceberg.

I'm judging without knowing all the facts. But I have a feeling we won't be looking for letters of recommendation anytime in the next 15 years. Call me narrow minded, or the weirdo home-schooling mom....I guess we'll see! Happy month-day Lucy!