On a beautiful sunny morning, Raneem woke up early and began getting ready for her first day of school. As her mother brushed her hair, she said, “You’ve grown up, Raneem… you are going to school now.”
Raneem and School: Raneem asked, “Will you stay with me at school the whole time, Mama?” Mama replied, “I will stay with you for a little while, my love, and then I will come back to take you home.” In the kitchen, while eating her breakfast, Raneem said, “Mama, what if I help you with the housework today instead of going to school?”
Raneem and Children at Kindergarten: Mama smiled and said, “Help me with the housework! Well… you can do that after you get back from school.” In the car, Raneem whispered in Mama’s ear, “I’m not big; I’m still little! I want to stay with you at home.” Mama said, “You’ll love kindergarten, sweetheart. You’ll play with the children, learn lovely songs, and listen to beautiful stories.” Mama dropped Raneem off at the kindergarten and stayed with her for a little while.
Don’t Leave, Mama: When it was time for Mama to leave, Raneem cried out at the top of her lungs, “Don’t go, Mama! Stay with me, stay with me, stay with me!” The teacher said, “Mama will be back soon, Raneem. She’ll be back very soon.”
Raneem Laughed: Raneem sobbed as she said, “I-I-I will wait for Mama until she returns.” In the classroom, the teacher said, “Put your lunchbox on the shelf, Raneem.” Raneem replied, “No… no, I am waiting for Mama to come back.” The teacher asked, “How about playing with Haneen or Ahmed?” Raneem said, “No… no, I am waiting for Mama to come back.” Raneem sat on the chair. She sat and sat and sat. Suddenly, Kareem jumped in front of Raneem and said, “I am a scary monster, ROAR!!” Raneem laughed and said, “No, no, you are just a little boy.”
Kareem and Raneem: Kareem asked, “Why are you sitting on the chair and not playing?” Raneem replied, “I… I am waiting for Mama to come back.” Kareem said, “It’s simple! Wait for her after we paint with brushes and colors.” Raneem placed her new yellow lunchbox on the shelf and painted a beautiful picture in yellow, red, and blue.
Suddenly, a Knock at the Door: Then, she went out to the garden to play with Haneen, Ahmed, and Kareem. Raneem played and played and played. After they finished playing, Raneem sat with the children on the rug to listen to a story. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and it opened! Who do you think came to the classroom? Open the door to find out!