Theo is in his fifth week of preschool and I’ve FINALLY received an update from his teachers. Communication with them has been a bit touch and go. Of course I partially understand considering they are working hard in the classroom everyday and the transition period for a gaggle of 3 and 4 year-old’s is obviously no easy feat.
First they had a blog going with weekly updates, complete with adorable photos. Then technical difficulties ensued… and then they introduced personalized notebooks that would stay in each child’s backpack to be updated each week. Well, that has yet to come into fruition. Last Thursday, there was a sign up for the Sweet Gum class parents (that is Theo’s crew) that individual emails would go out to each parent about their child by Friday. Sweet, I thought… finally. All weekend I still had nothing 🙁 Tuesday I asked them about it and they promised me I would be getting mine. Many other parents already received their email. Ugggggh. This afternoon I finally received our update.
Transition:
Theo enjoys working and playing in the classroom and is working hard at adjusting to being at school. He is verbal and energetic. When he is feeling sad or mad, he will seek out a teacher to talk to. He is able to share his feelings and feel comforted by a hug and will usually feel better afterward. We are helping Theo work through his feelings in a positive and constructive way.
Theo is pottying well at school. He uses the potty at least once a day. He is always able to tell teachers when he has to use the bathroom and is able to perform all tasks associated independently. He is not quite comfortable pottying during outdoor play yet but let’s us know that he would rather wait until we return to the classroom.
Play/Socio-Emotional:
Theo can be encouraged to play and work with classroom materials and is able to do so for a short period of time. This is age appropriate and we will continue to work with Theo on building his endurance for sustained activity. Theo is still learning how to navigate his body safely in the space and often finds difficulty in touching friends in appropriate ways. This is okay. We can already observe him taking in the concept of gentle touches and making choices to touch his friends in gentle ways.
Theo often checks in with teachers and shares a story and will engage in play alongside them. Theo especially loves sing-alongs and stories and is sure to ask for his favorites throughout the day.
What you can do to support development:
Although their transition continues, the first month of school is complete and our time in the classroom will become more and more significant as we form a deeper bond with the children. It is important at this stage in transition that parents leave before or by 9:45am. This will help the children gain a sense of confidence in their school routine.
Upcoming:
Parent Teacher Chats are scheduled for November 5th and November 6th. During these chats you will have the opportunity to see and hear more about Theo’s experience at school and share your concerns and questions at that time.
I had considered taking Theo out of preschool already because of all of the changes that were happening simultaneously in our lives. Watching him struggle with sleep, our move, behavior, has not been easy. I wasn’t certain if school was best for him right now. However, over the past few weeks I have seen him more excited about school and I know that he has fun when he is there. And I know the teachers are very good at what they do. Theo is hungry for this environment. School is probably the best routine for him to have every week. Something that is absolutely consistent and that he enjoys. The teachers are helping to reinforce exactly what we are at home. This morning at the playground I watched Theo join another school group playing duck, duck, goose. He was so happy and thrilled to sit and participate with them. I also watched him yesterday at a small 4 kid art class I took him to. Sitting in the circle, singing and doing the project laid out for the kids was really nice for him and I could tell how proud he was of himself. I watched him listen well, wait his turn and engage with his project. It was heartwarming. Suffice it to say, although there are times I want to just keep him as close to home as possible, I know this is the best thing in the world for him. It may not be the best preschool in the city, but he is safe, nurtured and encouraged to grow and learn. It is truly a big stepping stone.