First Weeks of School in Mexico
This week marked a significant milestone for our family as the kids and I embarked on our first weeks of school in Mexico. From Mason starting first grade (primario grado) to Camille beginning her final year in Casa de Niños (Children’s House), and even my own first week of full-time Spanish classes, it’s been a whirlwind of new experiences, adjustments, and growth.
Mason and Camille’s First Week
Mason’s entry into first grade and Camille’s start in kindergarten at their Montessori school have been both exciting and emotional. It's hard to believe that this is Camille’s last year before she transitions to primary school. Reflecting on our previous trip to Mexico, the emphasis on emotional wellness at their schools left a lasting impression on us. I vividly remember a time in Mérida when Mason was having a rough day at his learning pod. The staff noticed and had him express his feelings through drawing a picture of his emotion, followed by choosing three actions to help manage his emotions—like taking a walk, drawing more, or having quiet reading time. It was profound and exactly what we want to be prioritized in their educational journey.
As part of their school registration, Mason underwent a learning assessment and met with an educational psychologist. The detailed report they provided was eye-opening. They understood him deeply in such a short time and articulated things I had sensed but couldn’t quite put into words. Their focus for Mason during the first six months is ensuring he feels included, as they noted that while he is academically advanced, the challenge will be helping him feel like he belongs as he learns the language and integrates into the school community.
Adjusting to a New Environment
The first week went well overall, with both kids coming home excited to share their day, even if they didn’t go into detail about what they learned. When asked if they were picking up Spanish, the answer was usually a simple "no," or we’d get a "Hola" or "gracias." Camille, who is very outgoing, mentioned that none of the kids spoke English, so she often played alone on the playground. While this made me a bit sad, it didn’t seem to bother her, and we both agreed that this would change as she learns Spanish and spends more time with her classmates.
Both kids are eagerly anticipating their extracurricular activities, which start next week. The school introduced them to options like futbol, ballet, volleyball, and yoga. Camille chose ballet, while Mason was focused on volleyball. However, since he’s never played before, we agreed he should try it out before committing for the entire year. Extracurriculars will run until July, so it should be interesting to see how they develop their interests.
Unfortunately, the week ended with Mason feeling under the weather. He had a low-grade fever on Thursday and stayed home on Friday. Thankfully, he was back to his usual self by the evening.
My Own Spanish Immersion
As for me, I also started school this week, taking a full-time Spanish course. With the flexibility of managing our real estate business and working on my book, we decided that now is the perfect time for me to immerse myself in learning Spanish. The course is eight weeks long, and upon completion, I’ll earn a Spanish proficiency certificate, which will be beneficial both personally and professionally.
The school where I’m studying is actually the founder’s home, and it’s absolutely stunning. Our classes are held on the back patio, surrounded by nature with beautiful views and frequent visits from various birds. It’s so peaceful that I often find myself distracted, gazing off into the distance and thinking, "How is this my life?"
Our first week of school in Mexico has been a journey of adaptation and growth for all of us. As we continue to settle into our new routines, I’m excited to see how the kids flourish in their new environment and how my own Spanish skills develop. This adventure abroad is just beginning, and we’re embracing every moment of it.