Thursday, September 2, 2010
A glimpse into Jack's world
I took some pictures at Lab School today to show everyone our morning at school. We love Lab School , but everything isn't roses and cupcakes. It's really hard for Jack to handle the many transitions. Following a semi-structured format is difficult. It's beyond imaginable to sit on a carpet square and sing songs. I said to Matt this morning after class, "I hope the way a child handles school at two and a half is NOT an indication of things to come in elementary school."
Yet I'm so glad we're enrolled. It gives me a lot of opportunity to practice my language with him. It gives us one-on-one time together where we're both learning and adapting. Yes, I had to step out of the room and compose myself a couple times today and yes, I also thought that I had the wildest and most unruly child the world has ever seen... but I know this is not the case forever. Our teacher is AMAZING at handling Jack and gave me some positive feedback today. She thought Jack handled music better today (I thought the opposite). But it's good to hear other people's point of view because when you're right in the thick of it, it's hard to see through the mud.
Yet I'm so glad we're enrolled. It gives me a lot of opportunity to practice my language with him. It gives us one-on-one time together where we're both learning and adapting. Yes, I had to step out of the room and compose myself a couple times today and yes, I also thought that I had the wildest and most unruly child the world has ever seen... but I know this is not the case forever. Our teacher is AMAZING at handling Jack and gave me some positive feedback today. She thought Jack handled music better today (I thought the opposite). But it's good to hear other people's point of view because when you're right in the thick of it, it's hard to see through the mud.
Things are pretty frantic when we first get there. I think Jack is overwhelmed by all the possible play opportunities. We have circle time where we sing our Hello Song and explain the art project for the day. This time is usually spent rolling on the floor, kicking and yelling, telling me to "Turn music off," and mostly just refusing to sit on a carpet square. From there we are the first ones out to the Fun Trail. Today we had hoops to hop, a wedge to roll down, a tunnel to crawl through (or a cave for a bear as Jack corrected me), and a trampoline! We finished the trail 3 times. I didn't get any pictures of this. It's a crazy time.
Sensory Table
Then we went inside where you have your choice of 4 rooms: the toy room (? I don't know what else to call it. It has mostly toys and they all have a specific learning purpose), the block room, the kitchen, and the art room. Today we spent most of our time in the art room and kitchen. First we stopped off at the sensory table. It's filled with things kids can touch and feel. Today was oatmeal. It has been rice, beans and water in our last class.
Art
Jack has never been one for art projects. Maybe he just wasn't developmentally ready because today he really loved it! We painted, glued things on a plate, and played with playdough.
I asked what he was painting and he said "red circles." I really see red circles!!
Cutting playdough
This is the Safe Chair.
When kids are upset or angry or just need a plain time-out (which is what it's SUPPOSED to be, a time out of the environment to regain composure NOT a punishment) they can come and sit in the bean bag chair. It has a blanket, pillows and lots of soft squishy stuff. There's also a poster right behind it that shows faces of all sorts of emotions. A mirror is available for the kids to look at their face, see what it is they're feeling and then name that emotion. We spent a lot of time here today.
The kitchen
We spent some time in the kitchen today. Jack loves to cut the fake vegetables and pretend feed the baby which is what he's doing here in this picture. He puts the baby in the highchair, gets a bowl and spoon, sits down in a chair right in front of it and feeds the baby. He's doing exactly what I do!
Snack
Before snack we clean up the rooms and then wash our hands. Another nuclear meltdown. Today's snack was crackers, cheese and peaches. The kids have their own cups and pour their own water from a small pitcher. It's so cute to see them concentrating so hard!
This is Jack during music time.
After snack we read books and go back into the circle room to sit on our carpet squares and sing songs. In all of the classes he's refused to sit and usually spends the time out of the room standing by the door. Today he decided to run up and down the hallway and play in this doohickie. Sometimes he does pop through the door and participate in the song and dance. Today we were playing with scarves and singing this adorable song and he did that for a while. Then he lost it again.
Outside
The last thing we do is go outside and play on the playground. Today Jack spent most of his time on the bike. He doesn't know how to push the pedals yet so I pushed him around the courtyard. Then the bike needed gas.
"Firefighter climbing the ladder to get the cat from the tree."
Finally, we sing the Goodbye Song and leave. Leaving isn't an issue. He's pretty much pooped by this time and ready for another snack and drink in the car. Last week he slept for 4.5 hours after lab school and I expect him to take a super long time today. I told Matt that after lab school my brain feels like it just took a 5 hour calculus test. I'm fried and so is my little boy. But we love it and it gets a little better each time we go. But, boy, Mommy needs a nap.
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3 comments:
Thanks for sharing, Danielle. It helps me feel a little bit more "normal" when Lillian has the meltdowns and I got to learn a lot more about lab school. Thanks again!
Danielle - way to hang in there! It's so refreshing to read real experiences on motherhood. I feel like I'm right there getting excited and exhausted with you! I nominate you to please write a book!!!!
Love, Jenn xoxo
p.s. Jack is adorable!!!
awesome description - i felt like i was right there with you (i know i was the other day, but i mean right now;). i feel you completely! the cool zone/chill out place has become a favorite of blue's too - we've decided to make a safe spot in our family bedroom for this very purpose, too. it does seem like each week the kids really do find a little more comfort/reassurance in the routine of things. i am amazed at how blue's interactions and actions are changing, too. we're all there for you guys, too.
i have also been amazed at how supportive and insightful lab school has been for us as a family (and lynn is great:). i really feel like i learn sooo much by watching moms like you, emma, shannon, and lynn. it really helps seeing parents in action that really have their child's best interest at heart...and the patience to overcome their own issues when dealing with the tough stuff. so i thank you personally too for being an inspiring parent that i really admire. jack is a busy boy and i feel the love you have for him shine through no matter how tough the time may be - you rock mama!!
oceans of love to you...see ya next week:)
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