Emerald City

Shortly after arriving in Dubai we enrolled Tessa in school at Emerald City Nursery School. Here are some things we thought, and still think are pretty cool:

 

-Her teacher’s name is Ms. Fariah and she is from Pakistan. She has two teacher’s aides in the classroom at all times, Ms. Faith and Ms. Nula. They all three, are as lovely and kind as can be.

-Tessa is the only American in her class. Lots of British, a few French, lots of Arabs.

-She will spend 20 minutes a day learning Arabic. She’s already told me I only know how to speak English. Now and then she’ll practice her “wa aleikum ah salam” on a friendly stranger.

-Kung Fu happens on Wednesday’s and ballet on Tuesday’s as part of the physical exercise curriculum.

-I get a letter every week explaining what the focus of that week will be in the classroom. The teacher gives me a 5 minute synopsis on the day EVERY single time I pick her up.

-She see’s a pediatrician once a month at school for a routine check-up.

-She’s learning early and quickly that it doesn’t matter what language you speak, what color you skin is, or where you go to church, we can all get along and be friends.

The transition has not been particularly easy, but we are making great strides and she is gaining confidence in herself and in her new relationships. She is consistently happy at pick up and is more willing to go in the mornings than she was a few weeks ago and often talks of her friends at school.

“Learning to soon our limitations, we never learn our powers.” Mignon McLaughlin

We are optimistic and encouraged that she is becoming familiar with her pint size, yet mighty power.