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I survived the teacher “home visit”!
Last spring, I took my 2-year-old to check out a church-based preschool that is literally right around the corner. He immediately fell in love with the idea that he could go to school too, just like big brother and big sis.
I know what you’re thinking: “Two is too young for school!” But through having older siblings, he’s gotten a big dose of socialization already. (For the record, my older two didn’t start preschool till the age of 4, each logging two years before kindergarten.)
Besides, it’s only two days a week for a few hours at a time, and only six children in the class. That’s better than a lot of day care situations.
He was ready to start school the day we walked in! On our initial visit, he immediately dug into the tubs of toys, testing out each one systematically like there’d be some kind of prize if he got through them all before mommy said it was time to go. He warmed to his teacher, whom I already knew from the community — her oldest is the same age as my daughter. She’s relaxed and engaging, the perfect combo for a preschool teacher.
So … every day from then on, he has begged to go to school. And after a long summer, during which we frequently saw his teacher at the neighborhood pool (prompting a fresh round of his pleas), his school days are finally here!
“Cool,” as he calls it, starts next week, but we’ve already dipped our toes into the transitional waters.
We’ve talked to our son about who will pick him up after school, what activities they’ll do, where he’ll go to the bathroom when he’s there (which is most likely in his diaper! because he’s still not trained — drat).
We went to the school’s open house tonight: A room full of excitable preschoolers, pesky siblings and anxious parents presented an ever-louder challenge for Teacher, but she handled it with aplomb. Church leaders greeted us at the door, and even offered us homegrown tomatoes and peppers as we left. What a nice touch!
Even more intriguing: Yesterday, his teacher stopped by our place for a home visit!
A few days before, I talked about the upcoming visit with my tot, explaining that he’d get a chance to show Teacher some of his toys and play with her. He matter-of-factly announced that he’d tackle her when she came, and would show her his toy guns. Great, I thought, getting more nervous by the moment.
I had never had such an encounter, and come the appointed time, mommy was way more nervous than child. I made coffee, plated some leftover lemon bars, even sorted out the living room toy pile, which is no easy task.
But my apprehension was all for naught. The 30-minute drop-in entailed me chatting and filling out paperwork while my son fluttered around, obviously trying to win Teacher’s affections. And I believe he succeeded.
Finding a good fit with a preschool and figuring out what age is best to start is highly subjective, but I think we’ve made the right decision. He’ll be thrilled to start, and I’ll be thrilled to send him. I don’t anticipate tears on either side.
Watching children make their way through life’s tests is fascinating. It’s like good reality TV!
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By Shannon
September 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I wish we knew of this program last year when my son was 2 and dying to start “cool.” We went on a ski vacation and he had a few days of “ki cool” and was hooked. He was so excited for preschool to start last week, and has talked about it non-stop. School can mean a lot of different things, and for that age, a change in scene and toys and time with kids their own age sounds perfect. I hope he has fun talking about his day at school with your older kids! So cute!By Marley
September 1, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
I don’t know, LucyB. Sending a 2-year-old IN DIAPERS to school seems a bit much! And Yowsa! Having a teacher visit your home? TOO TOO TOO MUCH for me! Congratulations anyway on passing - with flying colors, I’m sure.