Preschool Peeps

My children will both be in preschool as of 9:30 tomorrow morning, giving them 8 hours a week with some very talented (and patient) teachers and teacher's aides and giving me 8 hours a week to do those things I used to do with kids that I can now do without - that is to say, everything. I cannot wait. They are pretty psyched for preschool too.

Reni and I were chatting tonight as he clutched puppy to his chest (his new sleepy-time companion - now that Anika has Rosita, Reni decided that he needed a puppy too), and I was telling him all about the things he would do in school and what he could expect. (I had to skip the part about taking his puppy back pack to school, because had I mentioned the back pack, he would have demanded that I get it for him and that he wear it THIS MOMENT, to bed please and thank you. He LOVES that back pack). His favorite part, which he repeated several times before dozing off? "Miss Stacy change my poopy diaper." Apparently this fact amused him. He seemed unfazed (or perhaps hadn't thought it all the way through) when I told him, gently, that I would drop him off and then come back to pick him up after snack time. I'm a bit worried that he will scream when he realizes I haven't stayed in the classroom with him.

Miss Anika is a preschool veteran. She knows which friends will be coming back to school this year, and is excited to have a new teacher. She's thrilled that Reni will have her teachers from last year, and she put one of her dolls to bed telling the baby all the things they will do in school tomorrow. Since meeting her new teachers at an open house last week, Anika has been telling me all the things she is going to do at school and the toys and books she will bring to share with her friends. We have talked about how Rosita must stay in Anika's cubby outside of the classroom or that Rosita may be most comfortable waiting for Anika in the car. I have told her that she can't carry Rosita in the classroom or eat lunch with her or take her to the playground like we do on non-school days. Ani seems agreeable enough to this arrangement, but I have a feeling there may be a few tears shed over the new school rules.

It hardly seems possible that I sent Anika off to preschool a whole year ago, but time is funny that way and here we are, me a tad worried and anxious and butterfly-ish, and the kids happy and unfazed as always. I had to fill out the same survey this year as last year, and thought it would be fitting to put an abridged version on the blog, for posterity's sake.

How old is your child? Anika, 3 1/2. Reni, 2.

How well does your child separate from you? Anika: very well - loves being at school and playing with her friends. Reni: Not well at first - he may cry when he notices I'm gone. Once he gets busy, he's fine, but may look for me periodically for the first few weeks.

How would you describe your child's personality? Anika: exuberant, energetic, silly, loving, artistic, imaginative, precocious, a bit mean at times (especially to her little brother), independent, brave, strong, sometimes bossy, likes to be in charge. Reni: loving, observant, funny, sweet, curious, sometimes a bit rough (he is very 'boy' in that aspect), mischievous, energetic, musical

What are your hopes/dreams/goals for this year in preschool? Anika: to sustain old friendships and make new ones, to learn to write her name and all letters/numbers, to have an absolute blast in school and continue to be excited about learning. Reni: to establish great friendships with boys and girls his own age, to have a wonderful time playing and learning and growing socially, to become potty trained, to learn all letters and numbers.

What activities does your child enjoy: Anika: art projects, writing (she is practicing her name and letters of the alphabet), playing with blocks, dolls, trains, dance and gymnastics, playing in the mud or sand, running, making friends, putting together a parade or a party or a magic show, playing school. Reni: being outdoors, singing, blocks and balls and dolls and hats and shoes, running and jumping, 'driving' his cars, playing with other kids (especially his big sister), playground equipment, legos.

What does your child find fascinating? Anika: other people, dance (especially ballet), books, art projects, babies and smaller kids, bigger kids, kids of any age, soccer and playing catch, putting things together and taking things apart. Reni: bugs, shoes, his big sister, music, cowboy hats, spider man, dogs and cats and animals of any kind, blocks, cars and airplanes and balloons.

What is your child fearful of? Anika: she's not really scared of anything. Occasionally she will act shy around people, but usually it is just an act. Reni: doesn't like loud noises (unless he is making them, of course) or when he is pushed by another child. Especially sensitive when disciplined by someone other than mom.

What calms your child when they are anxious? Anika: a cuddle or her stuffed toy, Rosita. Reni: a hug, his stuffed puppy, watching Dora the Explorer, a sippy cup with chocolate milk.