Well, it means a lot. Being a preschooler is no easy task. It requires a large skill set that encompasses skills in many different areas. The work of a 3 or 4 year old is complex, energizing and tiring. As adults, we often think of children just joyfully going about their day, everything being fun and easy. But when you break it down, it also has so many other layers. Each day these children are giving it their all, their very best. Each day they are figuring out how to ‘be’ in this world. The past few weeks have been a steep learning curve for our children. They have been:
- learning to say goodbye to their adored parents/grandparents/caregivers
- trying to get to know the routines- coming into the gathering circle, lining up, hand washing, nutrition break & lunch, departing
- understanding the ‘rules’ in this new place
- exploring new land, plants and animals
- learning each other’s names and play styles
- where they fit in
- how to use materials and what is okay and what is not okay
- how to find their indoor shoes when entering the Cottage
- when and how to use our different-than-home bathrooms
- songs-tunes & lyrics
- listening to a story in a group, not just one to one like at home
- how to run ahead on a path and stop
- how to walk behind birds without scaring them
- how to be themselves and be in a group
and, and, and …so much more.
So if your child is tired, cranky and just simply ‘done’ when they finish school, some or all of these points might be the reason. We are so fortunate to be part of this learning with them- what an extraordinary time to be part of their lives- thank you!
With gratitude,
Emily