17 different women, 36 crazy children, 0 babies in utero
Adventures, Advice and Questions from a group of Mormon women who met in Queens, NY and have now scattered all over the place.
 

Thursday, September 07, 2006

First Day of Pre-K

Darling Daughter, today is your first day of school for the next 20 or so years. Wow. I am glad that today you began with a little smiley face nametag around your neck and a strawberry shortcake backpack and two matching french braids. I am glad that you left the room with a teeny tiny stuffed bunny and a lollipop, instead of a 100 page syllabus and a heavy textbook. I am sorry that your class had a lot of babies in it that were 2 and 3. In truth, they are 4 just like you, and it won't be the first time that you feel like you are surrounded by babies. Sometimes that is just how the world works.

Everyone grows and matures at their own rate, and you are the oldest kid in your family and you have done a lot of stuff already in your 4 years of life, so starting a new thing is no big deal to you, but it is kind of scary for some of the other kids for a while. Just be their friend, and make them feel good about coming to Pre-K and being in a class with you.

Remember that being a girl is a very special treat. You can do anything you set your mind to doing. You are smart, caring, a good friend, and a great listener. Your teacher will help you to learn and grow and develop, and you will be able to soar in school.

Remember to be kind to others. If another kid is feeling left out, try to include them and make friends with them, because you wouldn't want to feel left out right? And try not to toot or burp out loud in front of everyone, because even though it is funny at home, sometimes you might get made fun of for being smelly. If something accidentally slips out, just say EXCUSE ME.

Don't forget to bring home your yellow folder with your name on it, every day. And wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, and say Oh My Goodness, instead of other G words, and remember everything I ever taught you and most importantly have fun. I love you.
Love, Mom


6 Comments:

  • Thank you for a beautiful post, kage.

    My oldest has now gone off to Kindergarten. I have to admit that preschool was harder for me to let go than Kindergarten has been. The morning she went, DH gave her a blessing (I was balling, too, tri mama! :)), and then the whole family walked her to school. She walked right in all excited and forgot to say good-bye. But for some reason, it didn't really bother me this time. She's so independent and grown up.

    Time sure does fly...
    posted by Blogger Cheryl at 9/07/2006 11:05:00 AM  



  • Very sweet. Mine starts next week and this post reminds me of all the things I want to tell her before she goes.
    posted by Blogger This is Carrie at 9/07/2006 12:33:00 PM  



  • Oh Kage! My oldest started kindergarten this morning, too... and I wrote and posted a letter to him so much like this one...
    It's so bittersweet to watch your heart walking out the door to greet the world. Thanks for sharing your experience, so much like mine.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 9/07/2006 12:54:00 PM  



  • SO sweet. Thanks for sharing!
    posted by Blogger Kelly at 9/08/2006 06:22:00 AM  



  • I am puzzled and surprised to know that you would speak in such a condescending manner about other children. Name calling and labeling any child a "baby" because they had a hard time on the first day of preschool is pretty insensitive and tells your that she should feel superior to them. Not a very positive or productive way to start an educational journey.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 9/12/2006 09:57:00 PM  



  • Anon - That's funny, I was totally thinking the same thing when reading this just now. Very sweet post, but what's so wrong with little ones having a hard time their first day of Pre-K. It's a very big step for some and a very big change. I wouldn't think of them as "babies" and wouldn't want my DD to think of them as that either.

    Love the blog btw... I've been reading for awhile now.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 9/12/2006 10:19:00 PM  



Post a Comment

<< Home