IN his first year at school, Barraba twin Bailey Madden has learnt to “write lotsa words in my sentences” while slightly younger brother Zach can “write my name and count to 100”.
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The Barraba Central School littlies have emerged “greatly improved in both behavioural and writing skills”, according to parents Jeff and Amanda Madden.
“Compared to when they started, they’ve definitely matured,” Jeff said. “Their behaviour’s improved heaps, and they listen a lot more now,” Amanda added.
Both agreed, though, that the twins “get tired near the end of the term and really need that week or two off”.
“Bailey’s the academic. He likes to help the teachers out as much as he can,” Amanda said.
Bailey is the oldest by a minute – “and he likes to let everyone know that”, Jeff said.
“Bailey loves writing and colouring in – reckons he’s going to be an artist when he grows up, while Zach’s an outdoor kid who likes the social interaction in the playground,” he said.
Bailey and Zach – who was born with a heart condition causing narrowing of the arteries and requiring surgery at 10 weeks – spend week about with their parents, Amanda in Barraba and Jeff at Upper Horton, so going to and from school is via bus.
Bailey likes the bus “’cause it has a TV on it”. Zach says, “I like the driver and I like it ’cause it has seatbelts in it. And a TV.”
Amanda jokes that the driver of their in-town bus, Mel, could only tell them apart because “Zach talked non-stop”.
So what have the little munchkins learnt in 12 months?
“I like writing lotsa words in my sentences,” said Bailey.
“I like playing in the playground with my friends and I can write my name and count to 100,” said Zach.
Bailey dislikes “nothing” about school, though Zach dislikes having to “change my teacher in my new class”.
“They were really looking forward to these holidays. It was all Santa up until Christmas, but now they just go outside and enjoy each other’s company riding their bikes,” Jeff said.
During the holidays, they’ll rotate each week with their parents, he said.
“When they’re here, all they talk about is going to Mum’s. When they’re down there, all they talk about is coming back here. They’re probably luckier up here in that they can ride their bikes on the street without fear of traffic.”
Jeff and Amanda both have some advice for first-time parents of kindies starting school in 2016 – spend as much time as you can with them. When they start school, your time with them is limited. Try not to get frustrated, and expect them to get tired at the end of each term.
“Short naps where possible are a blessing,” they both agreed.