September 10, 2007

Preschool

Well, the Boy has entered Preschool. I put off preschool until this year (he is 4) because I wanted him to have time that wasn't structured. Time to get some of that Boy energy out. Since I am not home with him, I wanted him to at least not think I was shipping him off to an institution while I go to work each day.

(I realize school isn't that bad, it is all me). Anyway, the Boy starts "officially" tomorrow. Preschool! Last Tuesday was the orientation day - or as I like to call it - bring your daddy to school day.

The Hubby, who is recovering from a recent surgery, was home and as such it was his duty to take the boy to preschool orientation. As typical of preschool, they sang, ate snacks, colored and they played.

In particular, they played a game. All of the kids got into a circle on the floor (my son sat next to Teacher - important for later) and they had to say their name and then say something they liked. Then they went back around and said their name and something they did not like. As this was only day one of orientation, their were only 6 kids in the class so they went around the circle several times. Well, my Boy can be shy on occasion and he didn't want to talk at first. So after they went around a couple times he was into the premise of the game.

Well, they got to the Boy at one point and it was time to say what you don't like. The Teacher, apparently was patting him on the top of his head and said "so, Boy, what don't you like?" and my sweet and well-mannered child replied:

"I don't like things on my head!"

Of course the teacher missed the point entirely and said "Oh? You mean like hats?" to which the Boy replied:

"If you say so."

My Hubby could not contain his glee when retelling this story, first because Teacher was clueless as to the actual meaning and second because the Boy actually said it out loud. Oh, but the absolute best part is that everyone else in the room got it - including the 6-four year olds!

What exactly are the qualifications for being a preschool teacher? I'm just saying!

Wish us luck - it is going to be an insightful ride!

Posted by Oddybobo at September 10, 2007 07:51 AM | TrackBack
Comments

ROFL! Gad, he's a cutie! But where are the first day pictures, Mom??? ;)

Posted by: pam at September 10, 2007 09:03 AM

Qualifications for pre-school teacher? Not much, no degree required.

Hell in High school I was technically a "pre-school teacher" through a training class I took. The local high school (mine) had a pre-school class in which high school students "taught" and interacted with the pre-schoolers with 2 adults to supervise the high-school students.

When I got out of that high-school class I was qualified to be a pre-school teacher.

Posted by: Quality Weenie at September 10, 2007 10:11 AM

Ohhh I can just hear the "recap" conversations now....he is a character, that son of yours. Adorable does't begin to cover it.

Not to mention is smarter than the average bear - to steal from my favorite cartoon! ;-)

Posted by: Tammi at September 10, 2007 10:29 AM

Oh hahahahahahaha!! He's a sharp one for sure!! :)

Posted by: Richmond at September 10, 2007 10:51 AM

LOL - I wonder if this is the same preschool teacher who told me... oh so seriously... "did you know your daughter can't put on her coat?"

I looked at the teacher and said - "she can not only put on her coat, but she is able to successfully change every article of clothing she has on - and put on the new outfit correctly including the shoes (she was 2 years old at the time). She's playing you."

Why are some people so dense? Heh.

Posted by: Teresa at September 10, 2007 01:02 PM

That's hysterical!!

I'll have to watch what I say and do next month, huh?

; )

Posted by: Christina at September 10, 2007 01:50 PM

Ah yes, the brutal honesty of four year olds and the complete unawareness of teachers.

Posted by: Contagion at September 10, 2007 05:48 PM

I cannot wait for the blog fodder. This is a great start!!! I know you are going to have a blast. I hope he says more than my son... how was your day? I loved the playground... what else did you do? We played on the playground... hahahaha.

Posted by: vw bug at September 10, 2007 07:18 PM

That's awesome!

Posted by: That 1 Guy at September 10, 2007 07:40 PM

Oddy,
That's great. I'm sure there will be more stories to come!

Posted by: Jerry at September 10, 2007 11:30 PM

Sounds like a good one you've trained there.

Oh, my personal opinion? School IS that bad.

Posted by: Ogre at September 11, 2007 08:37 AM

"If you say so."

Bwaaahahahaha!

Posted by: zonker at September 13, 2007 08:28 AM

Oh my - I think I adore your son!

Posted by: Kate at September 13, 2007 09:12 AM

If it is a preschool...not associated with a regular school district, then there may indeed be no degree.

BUT

If it is preKINDERGARDEN, then yes, there is a degree involved, with at least 2 further certifications and some continuing education.

It also takes a lot of patience. And stamina. Ever tried to keep up with 22 4 year olds? I did it and I did it with two groups of 22 4 year olds at a time.

I had even more fun because I was also the ESL teacher for the district (it was a small district--okay?). I had a mixed class, so we pretty much did an immersion program.

I often spent at least 2 hours a day after school prepping the materials for the students. I spent a lot of time and money making sure I had enough things for them to use to learn about how the world works.

I had to be willing to say things 18 times.
I had to be vigilant about safety.
I had to make sure that when we used ordinary objects I was watching to make sure they weren't used in ......not so ordinary ways.
I had to learn about 3000 kid songs and be willing to sing them at any time.
I had to make up my own songs to help the kids learn.

And I had to make sure I NEVER laughed at something a child said, unless I knew for sure it was supposed to be a joke. And the kids can come up with some very funny things to say, all unknowing.

So, to recap: Private day care preschool teacher--no degree, but willingness to do a lot of what I outlined above.

Public or Private Prekinder class: a degree with two extra certifications and professional development PLUS all I've outlined above.

Posted by: Nancy at September 13, 2007 10:07 AM