Preschool 2011-2012

May 22 was Olivia's last day of preschool at St. Ben's.  The year was a definite success, and it's been really fun to watch Olivia grow in her skills with writing, numbers, coloring, painting, cutting, following directions (at least for her teachers), and lots of other stuff too.  In the evening her class, along with the 4-5 year old class put on a little concert for the parents.

While Olivia didn't sing, I'm going to call the night a success as she didn't have her fingers in her mouth like at her Christmas concert, and this time she actually smiled!  :)  Maybe next year, she'll actually sing a few songs at the concert instead of only at home where she's apparently more comfortable showing off her skills!  The first picture is of Olivia during the processional - I was actually impressed that she was willing to walk by herself down the aisle!  The theme of their classroom was frogs - that explains the hat!

 

Okay, so the fingers did make a brief appearance.

  

No actions or singing, but at least smiling!

 

It's probably safe to say that Grace will have no problem participating despite having a huge audience watching her when she enters preschool.  She did fine while waiting for the program to start, but once she spotted Olivia during the opening processional, she threw an absolute fit because she wanted to be up there too!  We distracted her with a phone for a bit, but when it came time to sing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider," she had fit number two.  Grandpa Roger took her out of the building where the fit continued despite the distraction of a great playground.  Thankfully when they re-entered, Olivia's part was done.  Grace rejoiced in their togetherness and was super excited to have cookies and juice when all was over.  Little stinker - she'll be the one singing the loudest at her future concerts!

A pre-preschool picture of Grace!

FYI - Grace also cried when we left Liv in her 

preschool room and she didn't get to stay too.

Near the end of the year, I exchanged an email with Olivia's teachers.  They reported that Olivia is progressing just as she should!  She's a great listener, but they continue to work with her on speaking up and talking loudly - Mom, was I like this when I was little?  They thought the summer activities Liv is involved in (Bible Camp next week, Tot Day Camp in July, and swimming lessons) will help her work on her comfort with separating from Mom and Dad and also feeling more comfortable in new situations where there's a lot of activity.  I'm very happy that Olivia had such a good experience - nothing can make you happier than when your daughter pouts because school is over!  I wonder if my high school students ever feel that way?  :)

 

Mrs. Kane, Olivia, and Mrs. Bohr

Next year Olivia will be in the 4-5 year old group.  She'll go Monday, Wednesday, Thursday for the entire day.  We have the option of just doing 1/2 days, but with my school schedule picking her up would be really challenging.  Her teachers said they thought she'd do just fine at the all-day program, and she'll be able to ride the bus over to the high school when the days are done to hang out with me until we go pick up Grace.  The thought of my little Livy riding the bus is so bittersweet.