I started school at First Grade. Kindergarten was not required back then as it is now.My mom read to me regularly and by the time I started school, I new my number to 100, my alphabet, and I was reading Little Golden Books.

I was the first child and my bro hadn't arrived yet. I hated being away from my mom. I cried constantly. We used to have a recess at 10 AM and get a bottle of milk then some time outdoors before returning to class. One morning, I asked the teacher if I could go home. She told me I could go home later.

Recess time, I had my milk, went outside and walked home! Well, it WAS later!!

My mom was stunned when I walked in the house. While she was paging through the phone book to call the principal and let her know I was home, I went in my room took off my dress and got into my play clothes.

Boy was there a scene when Mom came in and said I had to return to school!!

My cousins were in 5th and 6th grade. They walked up to my house and got me and brought me back. I guess the principal felt that having mom walk me back was not going to work. My cousins still tease me about this over 45 YEARS later!

I probably would have done the same thing in a kindergarten or a preschool, not sure. I guess you just need to get your children used to being away from you for a period of time.

And by the way, can't you just imagine if a child did this today? The school would be in lock down, the principal would have a heart atatck and the National Guard would be called in!