Is it still preschool when...

you go with your kid, you're supposed to observe them the whole time, and it's only one day a week? My answer is: who cares? It sure is fun. And cheap. And it fulfills the two requirements necessary to qualify as a school according to Samuel: he gets to play soccer, and Mommy stays.

I was a little nervous when I learned that Samuel believed that soccer was the main thing that one did when one went to school, but our new preschool did not let us down. The morning that we walked in, there were a number of soccer balls strewn over the oh so green lawn, and Samuel managed to quickly locate the goal and drag it over.

Soccer, basketball, painting, water play, play kitchen, gas station, cars, lawn mowers, baby doll strollers, play dough, play structure, story time, snack time, singing circle time... Samuel asked me why we had to go home. I wonder if we will ever get to all of it. Samuel of course has played every sport provided so far, but we have yet to even approach the play structure and slides - there is just so much to do.

Playing soccer with Steve, our second day at preschool


Starting his second canvas - Samuel makes quick work of his painting. Especially once he realizes that there is soapy water with which to wash his hands. He soon switches from putting paint on the brush and then the paper, to dipping his hands in so that he can go wash them once again.
Double fisted painting
While Samuel plays, I have homework. I spend the day making notes about how he interacts with the activities and other kids, as well as filling out questionnaires. Today I recorded Samuel's personality qualities, behavior that I find most challenging, and his likes and dislikes. Perhaps I'll post some of the items here. I imagine it will be very interesting to look back on these lists to see how things have changed months from now.

The only thing I could think of for dislikes: tomatoes. Or as Samuel would say temos.

P.S. Breakfast this morning?
"Mommy, I want a sandwich. "
In my head: Really? I've never made you a sandwich.
"Ok, Samuel, do you want it on toast?"
"Yes."
"What do you want on it?"
"Cado." (Avocado)
"And Mommy, no temo"

I love that he felt the need to tell me not to put tomato on his sandwich. He will pick tomato off of any item handed to him, even if it is just a tiny little tomato seed left over from a slice that I have already removed for him. Did he really think I would suggest putting tomato on his sandwich? Ye of so little faith...