Those First Days of School

Picture this: you're at an important business dinner, you've just been introduced to someone high on the corporate ladder, and you have completely forgotten their name! Or, maybe you've just had the most incredible conversation with a business owner who wants to sell your wares, and you can't remember their name to ask for them when you call to set up an appointment at their store. Or, your husband introduces you to his best football watching buddy and you honestly can't remember ever hearing about them before!

Alright, now, picture this: you're a tiny person, maybe about 3-4 years old, and you're walking into a new building with your mom or dad. They've been telling you for weeks now that "You're a big boy/girl!" and, they "just know you're going to do great!" They've been talking about you going to this place called Pre-school in front of you to all their friends, and to be honest, you don't know how to feel about this. They say they're going to drop you off and then pick you up... sometimes this seems okay, and other times you just think to yourself, I don't think she/he'll really do that... now the moment of truth has arrived. What's next? What will "it" really be like? Will you really be "great" at "it?!" 

For a parent, those first few days of preschool have a lot of mixed feelings wrapped up in the reality of learning when to leave the house on time (or, how late is late). We tend to think about the cost of tuition, and making time to volunteer in the classroom, or finally talking to the mom of same aged children you've been sitting across Storytime at the library from for the last year... and yes, we think about how great our kids will be as Preschoolers, because, well, to think otherwise would seem unsupportive.

Once in the classroom, most children find themselves too excited to be afraid anymore. Look over there- a ladder to climb! And wowee! A fully stocked play kitchen! And art supplies just sitting out! There is a lot to see and do in each of our KP Cooperative Preschool classrooms. And a lot of new friends to play alongside, too! And, you say they can go back again and again for the WHOLE YEAR?! Yeah, this is a win-win situation.

Not all kids feel that excitement though. Some of them feel outright fear- will the teacher talk to me? Will other kids like me? How about if I feel like crying, who helps me then? And, will my mom/dad really be coming back? Teacher Kim and Teacher Mary have years of experience with helping our more anxious students adjust with the rest of the class (and reminding parents that, they'll be fine as soon as you leave).

In the first few weeks and months of preschool, we focus a lot on Learning our Friend's Names. We sing songs that introduce ourselves, and advance into songs that allow us the opportunity to introduce the friend sitting next to us- hey! When we line up at the door, we choose and name a friend to line up behind us. Out on the playground, we're encouraged to, Go! Find a friend and Play! Back in the classroom, we're reminded, let's share with all of our friends. That, to be kind to our friends is to be kind to ourselves.

Why do we spend such a long time focused on this idea of our peers being our friends? Friends with names that should be used- shouldn't, "hey, you there!" suffice? Well, for most kids, chances are pretty high that these first relationships will be with them for the length of their stay in the school district where you live. That first core group of kids playing together on the preschool-sized toys outside may very well be the same gaggle of grinning teenagers posing before a middle school homecoming dance- or high school graduation. And yes, each of those children has a name they've likely used since they were in Preschol. And your child may have been amongst the first to call out, Mom/Dad, look! There's my friend, ___________!

We spend a lot of time learning each other's names because, learning names can be difficult! Even as adults, we realize the truth in this. So, learning to identify features, or characteristics about the people who are around us, and to call them by name, it's important stuff. There is a certain feeling we get when our name is being used to address us- immediately, we give more of our attention to the user. We retain more of the information being directed our way, and we in turn, share more, if we've been asked by name to do so.

We spend a lot of time learning that our peers are our friends because, we are all in this together. No matter if your schoolmate has the right backpack, a funny way of talking, or an entirely different offerring of food in their snack pack, we are all here to learn and grow, and to cooperatively work towards those pursuits, in this place called school. 

So, the next time your little one points out one of their besties on the way in the building or after school, take a moment longer than the usual, "Oh, that's nice, dear," and go over an introduce yourself. Who knows, the next time you arrive, it just might be you smiling because your new "friend" said your name.

Fall Fun in the Classroom

Our families are settling into their new school year routines, and in the classroom we are exploring the sights, sounds, and textures of fall. Learning our friend's names, increasing our attention spans, and focusing on fine motor skills are all part of the daily learning activities. Apples have been cut, sauced and even made into pies!
In Ms. Mary's class at Evergreen, we are playing with barn yard animals. At home, you can talk to your children about the different animals that Old MacDonald would have had- perhaps you even have a few of these animals about your estate too? What sounds do animals make, and what are the sounds of the letters that make up their names... these are topical conversations that will allow you and your children to spark your imagination, engage each other, and of course, learn through play.
In Ms. Kim's classroom at Vaughn, there are a lot of friendships forming, which is a lot fun to witness. These social interactions are providing opportunities for some of the older or more school- experienced children to step into positive leadership roles, providing support for their peers and helping the parent volunteers to "know the ropes." Isn't it wonderful to see our kids growing into more mature versions of who they start the year being?
If you ordered one of our amazing logo tee shirts at the beginning of the year, don't forget to wear them to school, or just out on the town. It's a great way to start a conversation about how much you love your children (and their school)! Membership is currently full, but we do have a waiting list and another school year on the horizon. Inquires can be directed to Meg C./Vaughn
Our fall fundraiser launched last week and features PartyLite jar candles in two sizes. 40% of the cost goes to our school - wow! These are high quality, made in the USA candles, and come in a variety of scents and colors. Next time the power goes out, you'll be glad to have those magical GloLites in the house! Orders will be collected November 20th 2015, checks should be made payable to KPCP. Inquires can be directed to Anna B./Evergreen
Going into the colder days, please remember that children should be sent to school with appropriate clothing, as well as a change of clothes for emergencies. Often times we are playing outside despite a slight drizzle, and it's no fun sitting in wet pants for the duration of class. Parents who are volunteering in the classroom should also be dressed appropriately for the season.
Our next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 30th at 6:30 pm. We usually meet in the resource room of the Key Center library. All are welcome! Meeting minutes can be found in the classroom each month if you are interested. We are starting to gather support for our Annual Trike-A-Thon; mark your calendar for the morning of the second Saturday of March. If you're interested in being a part of this event, please let your class reps know.

 Thank you for sharing your children with us!