Arielle 4.5: Pre-K Update

A few weeks ago we got the news that a spot opened up in the pre-K program at the nearby elementary school.  I hesitated at first because of the monthly tuition, but decided that it would be a great opportunity for her to make new friends and get used to the classroom environment since she starts kindergarten this fall.  I want to thank everyone for all your comments, feedback, and advice!  It was really helpful during this sudden transition.  Here’s how it’s going so far:

Arielle’s first day of school was kind of a blur for me.  I wanted to observe her reactions to her new environment.  I wanted to tell her how proud I was of her and that she is going to have a ton of fun and make new friends…

But Zavier had other plans.  He decided to throw a monster tantrum from the time we left the house, in the car, in the main office, and all the way in the classroom when we met her teacher.  Instead of being excited about her new school, Arielle’s attention was focused on trying to get him to calm down too.  Such a sweet big sister.  Way to ruin it, Zavier.  I was so mad at him.  I’m still mad at him.  But then again, how can you stay mad at this face:

Other than that, she did GREAT on her first day.  She did great everyday thereafter, too.  She looks forward to going to school and has one (1) friend named Nicole.  There’s a girl named Fifi and another girl named Isla, but I’m not sure if they qualify her homegirls yet. 

I’m also not sure what exactly she does during the day because the things she tells me is up for interpretation.  Did it really happen or was it in her head?  Or did it happen and she just doesn’t know how to explain it?  For example:

Arielle: They were making fun of me.
Me: Huh?! Who was making fun of you? Bullying? NO! Already? OMG we need to revisit the idea of homeschooling… 
Arielle: Nicole.  She helped me put on my back pack.  She was making fun of me.
Me:  Oh, okay. Was she mean or nice?  I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know what ‘making fun of me’ means.
Arielle: Nice.  Nicole was helping me.
Me: Okay. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.  I can stop freaking out now.

Or when this happened:

Arielle: We colored and played dress up.
Me: That’s nice. What else did you do?
Arielle: All the Disney characters came and we took pictures!
Me: Did that really happen or was that in your dream or just in your head?
Arielle: No, it really happened.  Wreck It Ralph was there.  So was Merida – she let me play with her bow and arrow!
Me:  I’m pretty sure that didn’t happen.

Silly girl.

In just these past few weeks, I’ve seen her independence and confidence grow by leaps and bounds. Her favorite phrase these days is, “I did it all by myself!”  from putting on her coat to taking a shower by herself. She doesn’t let me just do things for her, but also knows when to politely ask for help. She is more aware of her schedule – bedtime, clean-up time, and be-nice-to-your-brother all the time. Just kidding. We’re still working on that last one a little bit.

Even I’ve learned some things since Arielle started pre-K. I’ve learned that it is actually possible for me to not run late.  I’ve gotten her to school and picked her up on time, which is a BIG DEAL for me because I’m perpetually tardy for all events. I also realized that after graduating college almost 10 years ago, I have homework again. Because when Arielle has homework, that means I have homework, too. Boo.

Some things never change. I’m still very much a procrastinator, but I’m also very resourceful when I’m in a crunch. The assignment was to draw or decorate a family photo with glitter, noodles, etc. I didn’t have glue or glitter, so I used left over mustaches from NYE and duct tape from my Jolly Vox Box.

We’re all very excited about Arielle’s latest adventure. I’m so proud of her and will continue to be amazed at how quickly she’s growing before my very eyes.

I’ll leave you with this last piece of Arielle’s awesomeness – her performing a monologue straight out of one of her favorite movies, Ella Enchanted, complete with an English accent.  So cute!

xoxo // gracielle.