Getting ready for school
Starting school. Such an important moment in one’s life. A whole new world opening its gates. Even if we do not realise it, of course. We have always seen school like a sort of long training. And a great place to make friends. But also in a way an important mission, one which we could not fail. We are part of a generation which needed to succeed. Well, it also depends where you were born, we suppose. Europe can be so diverse in only a couple of thousands of km. But no matter where you come from, 30 or 40 years ago school was perceived in a different manner. That’s a certainty!
Nowadays, it’s more about experience, working together and developing certain skills. More care for the individual. At least this is what we hope for.
One of our founders’ kids will start school later this year. He is having this mix of emotions: wants to be big, learn new stuff and, in the same time, does not want to leave kinder garden. Here in the Netherlands, kids start school at the age of 4. No more day time naps and play all day, it’s grown up stuff now :). It’s the same elementary school they will go to until the age of 12.
When starting school there are all sort of “traditions” we, parents, hold dear. There are no specific traditions for the Netherlands. Except for putting all our kids in a bakfiest and off we go. By contrast, other European countries do have plenty.
In Germany, children receive a schuletuete, which translates to “school bag.” But this is no backpack! These are cone-shaped packages filled with school supplies, toys and sweets, to make the school year sweet! They can be purchased from stores in August and September, but many parents make them at home. This tradition is also present in Austria and parts of Switzerland.
In France, it’s all about La Rentrée. After the July slow down and August holidays, it’s time for back to school. La Rentrée is a sort of social buzz in the second half of August, when everybody starts preparing for it. There is a sort of celebratory approach which is helpful for kids. Adults talk to them about the return to school and a mark of their growing up. And then there are different types of parents. Those who hurry up to buy the stationary with a that elastic bit as mentioned on the school list. And those who have done this ages ago and now focus other stuff on their list. La Rentrée also refers to the launch of new books or the back to the “office” for politicians.
In Eastern Europe is all about formal attire and special ceremonies at the school. Kids bring a flower bouquet for the teacher. In the days before starting school, kids get new clothes and supplies for the year to come.
On the other side of the ocean, in the States, most kids wear a new, first day of school outfit and pose for a picture. Sometimes holding a sign which has the grade they are entering written on it.
For businesses like ours, Back to School means preparing offers and deals which can help you get ready for the new school year. Here is our one — a selections of backpacks , lunch boxes, water bottles, crayons, learning alphabet and numbers puzzles or games and much more. We hope you will find some of the items you are looking for!
What other traditions do you have or know about? Do let us know what you think, right here in the comments section or on our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
