One of the more negative things I've felt about the Thai schooling system, is that there is not enough focus on sports. Its really academic: focus on languages, maths, and science. There's only one "physical education" class a week at Jonty's school - in my book this is not enough for a very active and physcial Grade 1 boy.
As a result, we have really encouraged Jonty to focus on his taekwondo as good exercise, an outlet, a release, a good way of learning self-control, discipline, and - of course - techiniques for defending his sisters in, say, 10 years time! I also try to get him outside, in play areas, or to the pool, as often as I can.
Well, cool season has officially started. Early mornings are pretty chilly - so chilly that we need to wear jumpers (or at least long-sleeved T-shirts) and socks to keep warm; and when I take the girls to kindergarten at 08h30 its only about 21 degrees C.
Cool season has not only brought out the winter woolies, its also brought out a new dimension in school life: SPORTS. Every day the kids now do sports from after lunch till 15h30 when school ends.
The downside of this is that its wreaking havoc with Jonty's homeschooling sessions, but I am delighted to see that Jonty is, for the first time since starting school, being introduced to football, badmington, volley-ball, athletics and other competitive sports. Even Emily comes home from school asking me to please feed them more veggies as she needs to get strong so she can win all her races.
Yet again, a reminder to self: things here are not worse, they're just different. In fact, its smart. Its usually way too hot to be doing strenuous sport outdoors, but now that the season allows for it, the school system is making hay while the sun shines.
Or should I say, playing sports, while the sun doesn't shine quite so brightly!
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