Burton's on the Go! Shenzhen, China: June 2014

Kenney - Nanhai Montessori Children's Community - Age 1.5

Cole - Peninsula Montessori - Age 3

Cole Peninsula Montessori End of Year Celebration

Cole's school had his end of the year celebration. The ceremony was held at the Fenghua Grand Theater in Shenzhen - it was quite the grand affair. Leading up to the ceremony the school cancelled all afternoon activities during the school day - art, dance, and piano for two months. It was ridiculous - a few other parents and I voiced concern that we were paying for these activities, but the school just assured us that some day we'd be glad when our child was graduating for this extra attention in making the ceremony special. I think the reality is that they were having staffing issues... Anyways on the day they made a big fuss about the parents sitting in the back of the auditorium and not disturbing the kids in the front. We got there early thank goodness as it was packed. Each class did a song or dance. Cole's class performed "On Top of the World" by the Carpenters - what a crack up. My child at the Chinese Montessori singing an old 70's classic from the USA. Cole did great - he was front and centered and belted out the words. I was on top of the world : ) - his first major stage performance.

First/Last Day of School

First / last day of school - sorta. First day for Kenney (was April in first pict). They've changed so much in 3 months!

Kids and Friends

The kids did a great job making friends in Shenzhen. Their friends came from all around the world. It's neat to see that play and kid things are universal and not necessarily culturally or linguistically unique.