Alden, who is five years old, is learning to read and learning to write and learning how sentences work. Yesterday, a piece of paper came home from school. It featured a series of sentences that Alden had made up. In each, the point was to use a word in context. As follows:

As much as I like to witness my child’s intellectual development, the sentences offer a window into Alden’s developing psyche. For example, “I get something from the aquarium that I like.” For Alden, the aquarium is not about the pleasures of seeing majestic underwater creatures up close. No. It’s about getting something from the gift shop. Something that she likes. Something small and plush, if I remember right.

As for the second, “I planted a seed in my garden,” my question is whether the word was actually “plan,” and Alden juked the system to get the chance to talk about gardening, which is a favorite pastime.

Moving on to “I like the end of my story,” I’m suspecting it’s because once the story is over, she thinks she might get to watch TV.

As for “Is Kato really Batman?” I can’t believe she left us hanging. I mean, I’ve always wondered, but have never known who to ask.

And here’s the back of the page.

The whole wig thing is a revelation to me. Maybe Robbi is in on this. I had always thought that curly hair just ran in the family. Maybe August has a wig, too? I feel so disoriented.

I’m glad she’s in school. I’m glad that she’s learning.

So am I, apparently.