A few things I've learned in preschool...

The boys and I are now two weeks into our preschool career and I must say, it's going really well! Jonathan seems to really like his class and Matthew is doing better every day. In just the past two weeks, I have already learned a lot of pretty important lessons and since a lot of you have preschool aged kiddos, I thought I would share :)

 

1. I'm sorry to tell y'all, but my kids are pretty much the greatest kid artists ever. Matthew makes a killer painted hand print and Jonathan can glue feathers on a bird unlike any kid I have ever seen.

 

2. It pays to be a teachers kid. I love that so many of the other teachers and staff members know my kids and look out for them. During our first week, Matthew basically refused to sleep. So one day, as I was walking my class to music, I found our assistant director rocking Matthew in the front office. I mean, seriously? My boss was rocking my baby so that he would be happier....that is pretty awesome.

 

3. There is nothing cuter than a 6 person stroller driving by your classroom window or door. Oh wait, there is....a 6 person stroller that has your adorable baby in it.

 

4. Little kids love their teachers (for the most part.) This one is a biggie for me, coming from 8th grade where the kids pretty much hate your teacher guts. They want to be right up in your business ALL the time. I have one sweet little one who doesn't really nap. So during nap time, if you are standing anywhere near her, she will start to rub or tickle your ankle until you look down at her. It is pretty much the cutest thing ever.....except  for a 6 person stroller with your baby in it.....

5. Being the line leader is basically the biggest deal in the history of the world. And if you aren't the line leader? That just means you have free reign of the hallway from the back of the line. Luckily, we found a way to combat this, it's called being the caboose. For some kids, it's just as special of a job. Other kids don't understand why some kids think being at the back of the line is fun. Don't they understand that the goal is the be the line LEADER? 

 

6. Meal time is also a pretty big deal. The key here is to bring something for lunch that all the other kids have too. That way you can announce to the entire class "I HAVE THAT TOO!!!!" I always feel sorry for the kiddos who don't have what everybody else has. In our class, it seems like yogurt is a winner. For Jonathan, the key is to send a granola bar.

 

7. And finally, preschool freaking rocks. I seriously love going to work everyday. I loved teaching 8th grade, but there were a LOT of days where I was watching the clock. It was a long day and a lot of frustration, paperwork, emails, crazy kids......but now....the days goes by before I even realize it. We play, sing, learn brand new things, make some awesome art work and I get to watch little ones discover new and exciting things all day long! And my boys? They love it too :)

 

So there you go....so far, so good. I think the Ley's will hang out in preschool for a while :) And just for fun, here are some pictures of my classroom! It has a changed a little since the kids have come and we discovered different needs, but it basically looks like this.