Preschool

Nolan started preschool this week!!  He will be going to school every Wednesday morning from 9:00-11:30 this school year.  He has two teachers:  Mrs. Arnell Rein and Mrs. Kristine Hagemeier in the "Rainbow Room."  There are a total of ten, 2-year-olds in the class (5 boys and 5 girls).  

We had a parent/student orientation last week where I was able to go with Nolan for a half an hour while he explored his classroom and was introduced to his teachers.  He was super clingy and a little apprehensive about the whole process so we were definitely a little nervous about drop off this week.  Eric met me at Nolan's school and, as expected, it was not a happy separation.  Actually, every single 2-year-old in the room was in hysterics.  I have NO idea how the teachers were able to calm all of those tiny people down, but the parents outside of the room all laughed a bit at the chaos that was going on behind the closed door and headed out until pick up.  It was hard to have one of Nolan's teachers take him out of my arms while he is screaming and whisk him into the classroom; but I know that's the best bet.  Make a quick and easy escape and don't drag out the goodbye.

Aunt Heidi is teaching a kindergarten enrichment program at Nolan's preschool on Wednesday mornings so I was happy to see a couple of texts from her throughout the morning that let me know Nolan was doing great after the initial shock of it all :)  He ended up doing great and had fun playing with the new toys, singing "Wheels on the Bus," eating a snack, and playing outside.  It was great to peek into the room at pick up and see him sitting at his tiny seat with his preschool bag slung over his shoulder, looking and listening to his teacher speak.  Too cute.

He's going to have a great year this year and it will be a fantastic start to playing with groups of kids his age and being in a classroom setting.  His teachers have mapped out a list of developmental goals for this year, some of which include:  separates easily from parents, verbalizes wants, follows two step commands, participates in music and movement, constructs simple puzzles, walks and runs without falling.  That last one makes me laugh.

Looking forward to a great year in the Rainbow Room!!

 Breakfast of champions before school.  Nolan got to pick what he wanted to eat that morning.  He chose grapes, watermelon and Froot Loops.

 Ready for school!

 Big dude.