Pre-School Test Run

Last Thursday night, I went to the Meet the Teacher night for parents from 6-7 p.m.  I didn't realize it was a formal meeting, but I was there on time.  The room was full of parents, many of who knew each other from having other kids in the school or from 3 year old pre-school.  The teacher, Miss Elizabeth, is probably in her late 20s with pre-school teacher energy.  Her assistant, Mrs. Pelo spent some time talking to me, too.  They were good at making me feel like they cared.  I asked about how they want us to handle kids who aren't used to be separated from parents, and in this I was in the vast minority, it seemed.  She said we'd take it as things went. 

So I was ready for the next morning, Meet the Teacher with the kids at 10:30am.

Adam was excited about going to school.  He got his backpack out.  

 And Mommy did the Mommy thing...

 Adam was skating around the back room, buzzing with excitement.  Poor Abbey realized what was going on...she got sad and temperamental.  Uncle Bobby was on hand to help her through it.

 Let's go!  Mom stop with the camera!

 He refused to pose without a full view of his backpack :)

 Adam was at my side and when the little boy in green, Nico offered him a car and both boys welcomed him, he sat down to play, checking to make sure I was right there.   The room was pretty wild with all these kids (20!) and parents.

 Then Adam discovered the play sand box and got pretty excited.  Then the teacher played the "clean-up" song.  Adam had never heard it, but I have to say, he did a good job picking up.

 Here we are at our table, with five girls and one other boy.  Adam struggled to stay in his seat.  He always does.

 Miss Elizabeth invited them to story time.  Adam did pretty good, but got up to run and give me a hug a couple of times.

 Afterwards, they were giving a circle to draw their faces on because the book was all about everyone being an individual.  Adam knew where to put each feature, but his artistry skills needs some work :)  I knew that, though.  He's not that into coloring or drawing.  And when he was done, he wanted to get out of his seat.  Done, he kept saying.  Just like at home.  Sigh.  Then they whipped out the snack and he was all set to sit.  Can't beat juice boxes and goldfish!

 I sneaked a snap of his little name plate over his coat hook :)

 Adam wasn't intimidated by other kids, but he wasn't too interested in talking to them, either.

 Miss Elizabeth handing out a snack mix to take home.  That's Mrs. Pelo in the foreground.

 A close-up of Adam's name at his table.  I could tell he liked the classroom and the whole idea of school.  Wasn't that keen on talking to the teacher, but I think he'll warm up.  Near the end, he started singing "accidents happen" so I freaked out and ran him to the potty.  Mom, he said, accidents happen! And pointed to his shirt where he had spilled his drink box.  Oh, OK.  Adam was not impressed with my over reacting.  I left there excited for him and getting a taste of a whole new world that he is about to enter.....