I have started to school and I feel like I am learning more from my students than they are from me! This is truly going to be an amazing experience.
I was able to witness a fabulous German tradition on Tuesday. In Germany, the students start school at Grade 1. Therefore, the day before school began, the Grade 1 students came to school for a celebration. They first had an assembly, then went to their classroom to meet their teacher, and then to the playground. I was able to watch them from my class window as they celebrated on the playground. The students were dressed in their best attire. One little girl was even wearing a dirndl (traditional German dress). She was so cute! The students, parents, and grandparents were also with them. They were so funny to watch also. Most had a video camera in one hand and a digital camera in the other catching all of the moments of this special day.
Along with wearing their best clothes, the students also had on their huge backpacks--you have to be prepared! And they carried what looked like huge cones. These are actually called Schultuete. Their schultuete is filled with sweets and school supplies.

Picture of the Schultuete. (courtesy of http://fanzone50.com/Oberstein/schultueteHistory.html)
On the playground, the teachers gathered all of the students together. The students each had a balloon. After they sang a song, they released their balloon. This is to represent the start of their schooling, just like throwing your cap at graduation. What a great way to celebrate the beginning of school!!!!!