A Metamorphosis

We attended an open house at Tess' preschool.  Her classroom was decorated to the nines with all the artwork and projects they've been working on all year.  I have a special place in my heart for St. Matthew's and Tess' teachers, Mrs. Hope McCaw and Mrs. Laura Ellis.  I remember how hysterical she was the first day I had to leave her, and Mrs. McCaw picked Tess up, held her and gave her a long hug.  Teachers aren't supposed to do that these days, but it's just what Tess needed to feel comfortable and understood.  Tess' Primary teachers during this time, Sister Darlene Smith and Sister Liz Cummings, have modeled similar loving behavior for Tess at church, and have been important influences as well.

As difficult an experience as the preschool trauma drama has been, it's helped me better understand the kind of teacher Tess responds to.  Talking with her teacher, she agreed that Tess doesn't need someone to hold her hand the whole time, but she does need to trust her teacher and know she can turn to her if she needs help.  Tess still tells me about the time she had an "accident" and how Mrs. Ellis "wasn't mad at all.  You get to go in a little room and put on new underwears and pants!"  Mrs. McCaw doesn't rush or push the class; the pace is nice and relaxed and the atmosphere is encouraging and nurturing.

Bit by bit, Tess has started to come out of her shell and feel comfortable there.  She's made good little friends and loves her school days.  Tess' sparkle and curiosity has returned, in place of the clinginess and constant anxiety.  Often when I pick her up from school, she'll say, "Awww, Mom!  I want to go back to school right now!  I love my school!''  Music to my ears!

"If you give a preschooler a pancake...."

Self portraits.

In her favorite center, the "home" center.

Playing with windsocks and streamers in the wind.

Marble painting. 

They have a squirrel that lives outside their classroom window that they've named "Super Squirrel."

Sprouting seeds.

Dress-up time.

Hatching butterflies in their classroom.

We were so proud of Tess that a little ice cream celebration was in order.

I'd been meaning to take Tess back to the butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum.  Since she's been learning about butterflies in school, this was a good opportunity.  Again, it was a big change since the last time she went and was so terrified.  I think they've "grown" more butterflies since last time--they were truly everywhere!

Lots of changes--all for the better!