Lessons Learned From My Son's Preschool Teachers
Sending your tiny toddler off to that first day of preschool is a bag of mixed emotions, as any parent who has been there can attest. But for me, there was something just a little bit exhilarating about the mystery that existed behind that classroom door. Kids behave differently in the company of others vs. their parents, and I couldn't wait to see how my little boy would respond to his new environment.
I also couldn't wait to see what kind of influence these two women (whom on the day of that first drop-off I had only met for a few brief moments at a schoolwide meet and greet) would have on my child during such a crucial developmental phase. To say that they've surpassed expectations would be an understatement.
This afternoon, I received a phone call from one of them to check in on my son, who hadn't been feeling well this morning. When I whispered to him who was on the phone, he asked if he could talk to her. I watched in amazement as he greeted her with delight, then nodded and "Mmm-mmm'ed" very seriously at her line of questioning. This was in significant contrast to his typical phone chats with his dad or me while we're not home, or with grandparents, which usually involve jumping up and down, distracted giggles, and other 2.5-year-old things. Point being, there's a lot that parents can take away from these brave souls who have dedicated their lives to controlling our kids' chaos (for at least a few hours of the day). Here's just the beginning of what I'm certain is a never-ending list.
:upscale()/ps-image-unavailable.png)
Let Them Lead
Every classroom and school philosophy is different, but I have grown to really appreciate the way that ours operates. When you drop your kids off in the morning, they have the option of several different stations throughout the small room. There's an easel with open jars of paint, a table with homemade play dough, an "imaginative play" area with baby dolls, a play kitchen, a little library, building toys, etc. The children (all 2ish) enter the room with immediate purpose and calm knowing just where they want to go and what to do.
I've attempted to transfer this line of thinking to our home, instead of suggesting (and probably overwhelming him with) myriad activities the second we walk into the door.
The Coat Trick
I was overcome with both pride and nostalgia on the first chilly Fall day that I watched my son do this, as it was how my own preschool teachers taught me how to put on a coat.
For those who aren't familiar, the child lays the coat on the ground in front of them (zipper side facing up, with the hood/head area closest to their feet). They then put their arms into the arm holes, and flip it over their backs. Voilà, ready to go!
If You Want to Have a Conversation, Get Down to Their Level
Needs no explanation, right!?
Never Let Them See You Sweat
In my experience, the way that a teacher punishes or corrects a preschool-aged child is much different than the way a parent handles bad behavior. It's no surprise that no parent enjoys yelling, but now that I've seen firsthand just how effective a soft-spoken "Please stop doing that right now" can be, it's time to put it into practice. (We'll see if it's as impactful coming from Mom . . . )
Don't Overthink Your Organization Plan
If you're in need of playroom-organization inspiration, step away from The Container Store and into your kid's preschool classroom. These people know how to make sense of a room full of toys, crafts, and other supplies, and they aren't spending a small fortune doing it.
Allow More Time Than You Think You Need to Get Ready
My son's school day ends at 11:30 a.m., but if I arrive to pick him up as early as 11:20 a.m., he and all of his classmates are already sitting at desks with their jackets and backpacks on.
At first this stressed me out, made me feel like I was always running late, and had me wondering why the teachers were in such a rush to get rid of the kids. But the fact is, two adults getting eight 2-year-olds geared up and ready to go takes a while (especially in the dead of Winter in NY). If they start early enough, the inevitable missing mitten or stuck zipper won't send everyone into a tailspin.
Even if you've only got one kid to get out the door, the same logic applies.