The make-up exam period was over, and graduation day arrived.
Dozens of parents came to celebrate their children's graduation. Some only had their father or mother, while others had both parents, making the number even greater.
Those with both parents were mostly third-grade graduates.
It was now the 25th century, the year 2496, and the academic system had changed significantly.
In this era, there was no kindergarten. So, when children started school, they went straight to elementary school. Skipping kindergarten might seem rushed or forced, but not if the minimum age for elementary school was 9 years old.
Yes, that's not wrong. This was done to ensure the child was mentally prepared.
People often mistakenly assume that children with high IQs can start school early. They tend to ignore whether their child's understanding and character are ready. Because if children only know academics and don't really understand the outside world, or only receive information without truly understanding it, they will be lost and lack experience.
It may sound strange, but the education system seems to be considered more appropriate.
A higher minimum school age will force parents to play the role of their children's first teachers more often, and prevent them from freely throwing their children into the world of education, claiming they are busy with work.
Have you ever thought about or experienced a situation where children obey their teachers more than their parents? Closeness and frequent interaction have a huge impact on children, so if you think about it, perhaps you'll find the answer.
The graduation ceremony began, and everyone began to focus on the stage.
The principal was there, giving a speech and discussing various topics with the parents in attendance.
The man explained the school's system, expressed his pride in the students, and mentioned the students' various achievements, which made some parents feel proud of their children.
"Looks like we didn't make a mistake in choosing a school for Dahlia," Kyle said as he watched their daughter take the stage and receive her trophy.
His wife, sitting beside him, immediately responded. "Yes. This year, they (the school) also received an award. Our investigation wasn't in vain."
"I think several schools will be eyeing our daughter."
"Dahlia is only 12 years old. Don't forget that the starting age for junior high school is 13... Dahlia needs to use her free time to develop herself and use her knowledge outside of school."
"That's right... I'm a bit rushed."
"Well, let's go."
Kyle looked at the principal who was calling them to the stage. "Celia, can you go alone? I don't like this kind of attention."
"That's what you have to endure when you have a child who is top of the class. Come on!" Celia pulled her husband onto the stage with her.
Upon arriving on stage, the principal chatted with them for a bit.
"I think some parents want to know how you managed to have such a great child. Can you give me some tips, ma'am?"
"This may sound a little boring, but I try to give her the best. Also, I only give her healthy and nutritious food, and always keep unhealthy snacks or treats away."
"Well, a healthy body is the main foundation for a child's growth. What about you, sir?"
"Um... I taught her to play puzzles and Rubik's cubes when she was a toddler?" Kyle said hesitantly.
"Uh... Wow, that's... a bit unique, isn't it? You seem very focused on developing your daughter's brainpower in a fun way." The principal put the microphone aside for a moment and spoke softly. "Hopefully, she doesn't have any kind of headache."
Hearing Kyle's words, Celia sighed and touched her forehead for a moment, before leaning closer to the microphone.
"The most important thing is happiness. Encouraging children to learn is important, but it's even better if they can do it without coercion."
"Learning should be driven by one's own desire. I think providing motivation is the best option. Guide them, not push them. Children are like blank slates; if you don't fill them with what you expect, you can't blame them for unsatisfactory results," Kyle continued.
Hearing this, some parents began to reflect. Some were a little annoyed, some agreed, and still others were touched.
After chatting for a while, Celia held Dahlia and Kyle hugged them both, and then they posed for a photo to immortalize the moment.
Dahlia was a high achiever and the best among the other students, so she was placed last, which meant that it was the end of the main event.
After all the outstanding students went up on stage and took photos with their parents, the graduation ceremony was closed by the choir.
All the graduating third-grade students sang a song together. They were still children, but their singing united in a melodious unity, echoing and captivating those who heard it.
After the graduation ceremony, all the parents returned home with their children happily.
The school their children attended was one of the best, elite schools with high standards. So, even though they knew their children had failed the exam, their scores were actually quite high compared to other schools.
That's why, in the final exam, they still had a second chance to improve their grades. The children simply didn't meet specific criteria, not the national standard.
After arriving home, Dahlia showed her trophy to Hazel, who was sweeping the yard.
Hazel, who saw the trophy, didn't quite understand Dahlia's achievement, but she knew that winning a trophy was a good thing, so she let go of the broom and hugged Dahlia.
Kyle coughed slightly when he saw Dahlia's closeness with Hazel. "Dahlia, Papa told you not to climb on Hazel. You're not light anymore."
The delighted Dahlia immediately fell silent and looked at Hazel carrying her.
Hazel was actually a young woman, but she looked like a teenager, with her small, youthful frame.
Dahlia never thought about it, or realized it, because Hazel was always willing to carry or hold her.
"Am I heavy?"
"Yes. You are, Miss Dahlia. But as long as I'm still strong..."
Before Hazel could finish her sentence, Dahlia was overjoyed and hugged Hazel again.
Both parents sighed slightly at their daughter, but they also smiled at Hazel and Dahlia.
"Okay, that's enough. Let's go inside," Celia said.
"Madam, do you want me to get anything ready?"
"No. You go ahead and do your work. I'll get it ready myself." Celia said, rolling up her sleeve and winking.
Hazel didn't know what Celia wanted to do, but she knew her mistress wanted to try it herself, so she smiled in response. "Okay."