Pre-School

We are a big fan of GRADUAL change in this household.  It's definitely the theme in introducing my children to new things and just makes ME more comfortable with the transition.  It is not for everyone, some people, like my friend J Lar, much prefers to rip off the band-aid, and get the experience over with.  I can see that perspective, but I am sure that some counselor could tell me something about my past that makes me prefer the slow but steady approach.  Last fall when we moved to Zionsville I started researching preschool.  I knew that I needed to enroll Caden in order for him to learn a few things that couldn't be taught at home, sharing, listening to instruction, learning to follow directions, interacting with kids of his own age for a good amount of time...

So, rather than enroll Caden in a all day program, I really wanted to enroll him in a half day only.  The only problem was that there weren't any good half day options around here.  My first choice preschool, the one at our church, had a 9-3 program, which seemed rather lengthy, especially since from 12:30 - 3:00 they were just preparing for and napping.  After talking with the teacher, she agreed to allowing Caden to attend half day only, until we were comfortable enough in the school that he was ready to go full day.  We did lots of preparation for this 9 -12:30 day away from home.  Our teacher even did a in-home visit, which I thought was spectacular!!!  Caden seemed ready.  We went to our orientation, which was a 2 hour play session in his classroom, where Carsten and I could stay and play with him.  Now, his school room is actually the room that is our nursey at our church.  And aside from Sunday mornings, he goes to childcare there during MOPS meetings and bible studies.  He's definitely familiar with the environment!!!  It took him 1 of the 2 hours just to warm up to the idea, before we could even start playing during orientation.  I was fearing the worst for the first day of school.  The next Tuesday came, we packed his lunchbox and talked about how much fun he was going to have at school.  I dropped him off, and he didn't even cry.  Not one tear.  PHEW!  HUGE sigh of relief!!!  Carsten and I went back up at 12:30 to get him from school and he was still eating.  All the other kids were preparing their beds and getting ready for nap, and he was still chowing down.  I gave him some time, but finally ended up persuading him to finish at home.  He said, "Mommy, why can't I stay here to nap???"  OK, point taken!  You're ready for school!  Again, another huge sigh of relief, he really must like school!  He LOVES his teacher Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Leak is OK.  He tells me that he wants to go play with Mrs. Kelly all the time and he also tells me that Mrs. Kelly makes him happy!  What a joy!  I am so glad that something I dreaded so much turned out to be SO FUN!