Two weeks ago, Enzo and I (and Zander) started our first day of "Mommy and Me" class. I have had a favorite teacher, Teacher Michelle, since I first started these classes when Eva was 1. Knowing Eva would be starting school soon, Enzo was starting to wonder, "Well, what about me?". He was very excited about his first day. There is circle time and songs in the morning, then there is outside play, where there is a playground, sandbox, chalkboards, balls, bikes, wagons, and skooters. Enzo tried out just about every single thing before the time was up...
Outdoor play is followed by snacktime and craft time. On the first week, the craft was an apple with a cute poem and hand prints...
and after craft is indoor play. Enzo is drawn to things that require building (peg boards) and tools (hammer and nails). He will sit and methodically play as content as can be...
We wrap the day up with story time, songs, stamps on the hand and a hug or high five with Teacher Michelle...
Enzo really enjoys having "school" of his own and I love the time I get to have with him. My highest hope, though, is that Enzo will find a few friends in the class that he really connects with because I think he is over being the "tag-along" with Eva and her friends and is ready to have his own special people.
Eva started school this last week, being in the same Preschool as she was last year, but this year she is a "Bee", which is the oldest group in the school. She was so excited about her first day before it came, and being MY little girl, she has realized that she can always request a special dress made for her for just about any special occasion. Of course, she knew exactly what she wanted for her "First Day of School Dress". She insisted that it be longish and she wanted it to only have one strap. I suggested the fabric and got her ok. She happily modeled before we left for school...
A couple weeks before school, we actually found out that one of her teachers from last year was moving to the Bees class, so she was going to have her again. While most kids might be relieved to know there will be a familiar face, Eva was initially disappointed. When I asked why, she told me because she wants NEW teachers. This girl never stops wanting a new adventure. After her initial reaction, and once school actually started, though, Eva was so happy to run into Mrs. G's arms once again, because just as she has always told me, Mrs. G gives the BEST hugs.
There are two teachers per class, so Eva did get one new teacher. Although, if you would've seen Eva run into the classroom towards her, you would've thought she'd already known Miss Bianca. She ran up, gave her a big hug, and immediately put her to work, pretending to be a queen in their castle.
Saying good-bye to her was just as you might've imagined. She didn't even hear me say good-bye because she already dove head first into her surroundings and acted slightly annoyed when she realized I was going to stand there until she finally said good-bye back to me. Haha. This girl, I tell you what!
While Eva and Enzo have their new classes, Zander is getting a little homeschooling. Enzo has been teaching him about books, how to turn the pages, look at the pictures, guess what the words might say. It is just precious...
I am also trying to get creative with fun crafty things Zander can do that don't involve things he can put into his mouth (because that is where everything goes, once it touches his hand). We tried out finger paints in a ziplock baggie one day. He and Enzo both loved it. They could smear the paint around, mix the colors, make pictures with their fingers...
I think everyone at this house is happy that the school year has started because we are ready for new adventures in learning :)