Zach was accepted into the free preK four-year-old program in the public school back in July, and I couldn't have been more thrilled. He, however, seemed a little hesitant about the idea of going to school. So we've been talking about it incessantly in an effort to get him excited about the notion of heading out to school like a big kid. He really was tickled one day when we visited his school a few weeks ago to drop off some paperwork only to find that the power was out and the school was closed. He told every person we saw that day that the power was out at his school. Ever since that day when he also discovered that the school had three playgrounds, he has been referring to it as "my school." And telling people about the abundance of playgrounds. I've been worried that maybe he's not quite ready for school (He is only just four today.) and anxious about what his reaction will be as he is historically not good at transitions and trying new things. We headed over last night for Back to School night where he got to meet his teacher and see his classroom. He was thrilled to find there was a train set and a play kitchen and blocks and a book corner. He didn't want to leave, and I began to relax, thinking that things were going to go more smoothly than I had anticipated. Of course, this morning I got all nervous again as the time for boarding the bus and heading off to school approached.
He reluctantly put on his new Star Wars Legos "packpack" filled with papers for the teacher and a healthy snack, and we headed over to the bus stop. He also threw in a few extras--a couple of Thomas trains and a Hot Wheels car. I wanted him all prepared and worried about all the things he needed to know, so, as we walked, I filled him with last minute information and instructions:
"If you need to go to the bathroom, tell the teacher, and they'll tell you where the bathroom is."
"Be nice to the other kids."
"Do what the teacher says."
"You don't even have to sit in a car seat on the bus. Isn't that exciting?"
"It's going to be a big yellow bus just like Sarah goes on to school."
"That tag I put on you tells the teachers and bus d
river who you are and where you live, so you have to wear it."
"When the bus brings you home, I will be waiting right here for you."
Then we got to the bus stop and waited.
And then we waited some more.
Then I was grateful that Zach had brought some toys, because he got them out and played trains and cars while we continued to wait and wait and wait.
Then Zach modeled his new backpack and stewed about where the bus was and why is was taking so long. He thought we should go looking for it. I decided after 40 minutes of waiting that we should just drive over to the school instead.
When we got to the school, he saw his teacher (Mr. K) and just popped into line with the other (nine) kids and didn't even look back. For a few minutes I wondered if he was really the same child that wakes up at my house every day. His teacher told him as the birthday boy that he got to be the line leader. He stepped right up to the challenge and led the kids in. When I yelled, "See you later, Zach," he just turned around, waved, and headed into the school. He seemed so big, and I realized that he can totally do this preK thing. He has the force with him.
He even got to ride the bus home, and I was there to pick him up just like I said I would be.
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