The Life of Savages

Last night we all went to Lily’s preschool orientation.  I think I was definitely the most nervous.  I knew that I liked the style of the school, the program, the location etc. but I wasn’t sure if Lily would really go for it.  I am happy to report that we all had a great time and Lily just went right in so confidently, was talking to teachers and making friends. . .and this all from my “shy” child.

There are many schools of thought (no pun intended) on the whole preschool thing.  I think up here in Philly it is pretty intense (in my opinion).  We don’t have anything like Mother’s Day Out for 2 hours one morning or two mornings a week.  ”School” is serious business.  I think my philosophy, in general, is against group care/school at a very young age.  Of course I also do not think that it is “one size fits all”.  Children are different and you have to be intuitive with the child that you have or if your child HAS to be in some kind of care other than your own then you deal with it and make it work.

Most people there (and this is a hippie/artsy, laid back school where you can actually get a 3 day option) were shocked that Lily was just starting at age four whereas most of the others started at around 2 or 2.5 years old.  I tried to imagine sending my child off so young and all that she would have missed.  Two years old is really the thick of establishing discipline and laying a spiritual foundation in the child.  All this took time and a lot of effort.  What if Lily would have missed it because “school” interfered or it was left to others?  Who would my child be today?  I am not sure really, but when I look at Lily I am confident that I have made the right decision for her.  I could chase that rabbit trail for awhile, but I will move on.

There is also this assumption with “shy” children that to “break” them of this behavior you should ESPECIALLY put them in large social situations early. . . but why and does it really do what people think?  Sure a child will “get used to” whatever situation they have to because children are resilient but my personal opinion is that putting a child out there before they are really ready diminishes their confidence in the long run.

I think of myself as a child.  I was an extreme extrovert and loved all my little classes and programs.  I thrived on lots of people and excitement.  I processed things verbally and easily with most anyone, but even I HATED after-school care while my mom was working.  I mean HATED the stress of it, though on the outside I coped very well.  I think about Lily and how she does not like to run into a situation quickly or without a lot of time to think and process with me at home.  We talk and discuss situations for a LONG LONG time before, after, during etc.  She turns over every detail with me and finally gets to how she feels about things.  When she feels rushed into a situation you can be sure she is upset, full of anxiety and crying etc.  I have learned to respect her in this process.  I am fast talker and thinker, so it has been really good for me to learn to take my time and let her be where she is.  Part of Lily’s enjoyment in life IS processing all the details in time. . .  and I have really come to enjoy that as well.  She, also, just needs more alone time and is fresh and recharged when she is allowed that time.

So, when I watched my baby girl walk into new territory last night everything in me was questioning and wondering if I was being true to her and what she needed. . .as well as her timing.  I am so at peace today knowing that she also felt secure and ready.

Now, about this preschool. . . it is really a hoot!  It is called Moonstone and it is a literary based program.  The oldest ones (and Lily’s group), the full moons are read to in the library for one hour each day from a “chapter book.”  I think they are starting the Chronicles of Narnia again soon.  From these stories, they create art projects, songs, and plays that relate to what they are reading.  They have music, spanish and painting everyday but without ever being in a set classroom but flowing from space to space with the activity and mixing ages when appropriate.

One big ticket item for Lily last night was all the animals that live there. . . 4 turtles, 2 guinea pigs, fish, and two bunnies.  And let me say that last night we all got quite a shock to learn that one bunny is “trained” and just hops around free all day and the kids cuddle, chase and feed it.  When it gets tired it just hides under the couch. . . um whatever.  It took me awhile to get used to the random bunny hopping through everyone.  It seemed to like it though.

The whole front of the main “community room” is windows and of course right on a city street so instead of a big shade or painting the window to protect the children from outside eyes they have the most plants I have ever seen.  Big rubber trees in pots etc. all in the window sill.  It looks like a rainforest and does a great job of preserving the light but keeping out prying eyes.

I did not get many picture but here are some. .  .

The entry way

Meeting the guinea pigs

The cubbies

A small corner of the vast library