I mentioned last week that Johnny started preschool. He is going to a local church program and goes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. His best buddy Jack is in his classroom and the little girl that I babysit goes to the same school (different teacher). I had a good feeling that Johnny would do well in school because of how great he did over the summer at Vacation Bible School but I had no idea he would do as well as he is. He hasn’t whined at all and actually gets excited before school. There is even little protest about going to bed early for school!
On Thursday, the school held an open house where your child could show you their classroom, where they sit, and anything else they wanted. We walked in and Johnny was completely comfortable. He brought us to his classroom and showed me and his dad where he sits. He pointed out his name a few places around the room… which is good because that is the skill they are working on right now. Then, he showed me what line he sits on when they sit on the floor and he showed some toys that he plays with during play time.
When I asked the teacher how Johnny was doing, she said he is doing great! He is quiet at quiet time, he follows directions well, and he is catching on to the routine well. He has only needed one protein bar so his hypoglycemia is not causing problems for him either. He eats the snack each day and is nice to other kids. She said he is a good boy and it is very evident that he loves his teacher. He spoke easily with her and used her name when talking (so cute to hear that by the way).
What happened next was a big shock to both me and Mike. The teacher asked Johnny if he had shared with us the signs he has learned. When we said no, she started asking him to show us what the following signs were (ASL): red, yellow, sit down, be quiet, friend, and love. Johnny knew every sign! He did them with no problems and was so proud to be able to show us what he has learned. He was even more proud when I asked him to teach ME those signs. I am so proud of him for paying attention and trying to learn in school. I was worried this would be “play time” but he is really applying himself to learn in his preschool.
He knows the first six digits of his phone number now (the next skill) and he already knows his address. He can write Jo for his name and is working on the rest. He knows before I look at the calendar what color the next day is (they do a color each day this month) showing me that he truly is paying attention. I love how much he has embraced learning simply by starting school. When we walked out of the building, his teacher was standing outside. My heart just swelled when he said to her, “I will miss you tomorrow Mrs. xxx”. How sweet is he?!? When I put him to bed tonight I reminded him that he doesn’t have school tomorrow but would the next day. His response? “I will be so excited to go to school.”
I am so proud of my baby boy. He is becoming such a big kid and is doing such a great job. He shows that he has manners and is being nice in school. As a mom, I am so happy that he is happy when away from me. As much as it breaks my heart to have my son grow up before my eyes, I am so happy to see what a fine young boy he is becoming.
Southern Reflections says
What a handsome little boy you have!! Congrats on the preschool success!! Thank you for linking up with MGM; I will be praying for you!! Hope to see you again next week!! :o)
Alyssa M says
Wow! Great job! How proud you must be. I know that for me the scariest part of new situations is how my little guy will respond. It seems as if Johnny is off to a great start.
Stefany says
Thanks Alyssa! Yes, he is off to a great start!
Heather ~ Acting Balanced Mom says
PS – love that he’s teaching you to sign 🙂
Heather ~ Acting Balanced Mom says
so cool! I’m sure he’s going to just blossom there!
Debby Pucci says
That is excellent. Obviously mom has been doing a good job!
I am so happy that he likes it.
Stefany says
Thanks so much Debby!