Schultuete fuer den Ersten Schultag

Schultuete is an exciting Deutsch tradition. The first day of school is a big deal here! Just like everywhere in the world, but especially here because the children who are starting their very first day of school all look forward to their specail gift. The Schultuete is a giant paper cone full of goodies: sweeties, chocolate, books, pens, pencils, stickers, paint, etc. all kinds of treats! I would compare it to a Christmas stocking almost; with lots of little gifts. And it is almost as big as the children! All the kids are so proud to walk around with their huge backpacks and colorful Schultuete. Most of the time they decorate it themselves in the Kindergarten. So here is Luka on his very first day of school with his Schultuete!

The school system is completely different here which I have found so interesting. First off, maternity leave can be up to 3 years for Moms. At 3 years old, most kids start Kindergarten. Kindergarten lasts for 3 years. At 6 years old, kids start their primary school; like elementary school in the USA. But then after 4th grade, kids go into Senior School which is comparable to our High School. There are 3 levels of Senior School that kids can be placed in, and it all depends on the student's grades and performance from primary school. Talk about pressure. The Senior School is made up of Gymnasium, Realschule, or Hauptschule. Which ever school the students go to pretty much determines if they will go to University when they are 18 years old or if they will go to a technical or some sort of vocational training school (yes, this is determined after 4th grade). Education has a different look over here.

But anywhere you are, kids have a unique vigor and enthusiasm for learning which is another part of their charm.