Preschool

Starting in September, Zachary has been going to preschool at a Presbyterian church. All of the preschools around here seem to be at churches or day care facilities. I was really torn with the idea of signing him up for preschool but feel like getting him into this program was really an inspired choice.

Originally I'd planned on doing mom-taught preschool such as Joy School or a co-op because none of my siblings or I attended a professional preschool and made the transition into Kindergarten well enough. The main reason we decided to put Zach in preschool was for the social aspect; and so he wouldn't die of shock being separated from me 5 days a week with Kindergarten next school year.

Zach learns amazingly quick (I swear the kid has a photographic memory) but preferred to play independently of others because then he could play exactly how he wanted to. At play dates he'd go off by himself or would be really clingy to me. Within just a couple of months he's started running off to play with other kids when we get to their houses and sometimes suggests that mommy and Caleb go take naps while he goes to an upcoming play date without us. He goes to primary without being nervous anymore and sits with his class the whole time (he used to come sit back with my class and me more often than not). He's still improving in big group settings and I get so excited now when I see Zach running around with a group of friends at the park or other play date. I love how much more confidence he has since starting preschool!   

Another added perk of preschool is that Zach's speech has really improved. He's had to work a lot harder to not be as lazy speak more clearly in order to be understood by his teachers and classmates.

Zach loves his teachers and classmates. The teachers at preschool are amazing at keeping me updated with Zach's progress. They are also amazingly careful with protecting Zach from anything that could cause a reaction because of his food allergies. I've gotten calls from school to double check ingredients on things they're making in class. If I can keep up with my attempt to catch up on blogging, there will be more posting on field trips and/or holiday parties.

Apparently, this is the best way to pose on your first day of preschool. The blue bag is what each kid was given to carry their things to and from school.