Back to school around the world Were finally to the point where the rhythms of the school year have started to settle in, and were even beginning to think about Thanksgiving break instead of summer vacation. But whats it like in other countries? We asked editors from some of BabyCenters international websites – from Brazil to Singapore – to fill us in on this time of year in their country. Some things, like the ambivalence that goes with handing over our clingy little ones, are the same no matter where you are. Other things might surprise you: In Malaysia, 40 or 50 students per class is the norm. Whether the teachers will actually show up is a common worry for parents in India. Here are some more fun facts from around the globe. Starting age In Northern Ireland, as well as in many Arabic-speaking countries, compulsory schooling starts at age 4. In England, United States, and Holland, its 5. In Austria, Australia, France, and Spain, children start school at 6. And in Singapore and Sweden, children dont go to school until age 7! Getting in Both India and Singapore take the prize when it comes to stressing out over admissions (though parents in some U.S. cities may see some familiar themes here). Indian parents clamor to get their kids into good schools, and discreet donations are factored into admissions decisions. Singapores school admissions process is a frustrating ordeal of registration and waiting, and it may take up to three months before all children find a spot in primary schools. Shopping While the United States may be the most adept at marketing the start of the school year, back-to-school shopping isnt an exclusively American phenomenon. In Australia, wide-brimmed hats are commonly worn to protect students from the harsh summer sun. In fact, the rule on the playground is often “no hat, no play.” School shoes, pencil boxes, lunch boxes, and clothing seem to be at the top of just about everyones list, as are uniforms where those are required. In Brazil, the rush on shops that coincides with a new school year drives the economy and blocks the streets. In the bigger cities of Brazil, its easy to tell when schools are open because the streets get so jammed with traffic. First-day rituals In the United States, the biggest routine is probably the dreaded back-to-school shopping trip, but its also common for families to take a picture a child going off to school for the first time. (Tearing up at the first-day drop-off is also a beloved ritual here.) In Australia, its customary to take a picture of your schoolchild on the front steps of the family home. English moms do a lot of picture snapping too. In Russia, the first day of school is called Knowledge and Skills Day, and, according to a BabyCenter Russia editor, its customary for schoolchildren to bring flowers to their teachers. Brazilian students go to school for just three weeks, starting in February, before getting a week off for Carnaval. The typical school day Australian schools typically start at 9 a.m., as do many primary schools in rural France. While the Australian school day ends at 3:30, French school ends at 4:30 – but theres a 90-minute lunch break during which kids can go home or stay and eat a fresh three-course meal in the canteen. Its common for Brazilian schoolchildren to go home for lunch as well. The practice used to be the norm in much of Europe, but school lunch programs have expanded as more moms enter the workforce. Kids in China have a two-hour lunch break, but they also have the longest day – from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In much of France, theres no school on Wednesday, and that day is often reserved for extracurricular activities like art, music, and sports. Whether your child is in school for the first time or adapting to a new grade or teacher, its helpful to think of moms the world over dealing with some of the same worries and changes. Were all in this together.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +0000
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