My Little Preschooler

My baby started a new chapter of his life two weeks ago when he walked into his first preschool class as a student!  He was well-equipped with his new "rescue vehicles" backpack and lunchbox, his little polo shirt, and his Ty-charm, and has completely settled right in as a member of the class in just two short weeks.  We are so proud!

 

 

Our town's public preschool program opens up to kids with special needs the week they turn 3, and those kids make up 50% of the class population.  The other 50% of the class is made up of typically developing kids who get chosen to attend the school based on a lottery system.  It is a true inclusion model of education, and Ty fully participates in his classroom activities like all of the other children.  We are so lucky to live in such an amazing school district that is dedicated to educating all of its students!  So, two days after his third birthday, Ty entered the class, with 9 other children.  Watching him walk with his class makes me smile - all that is visible is the tip of his little hat, bobbing along in a sea of monster-sized children.

 

By all reports though, Ty is thriving in his new environment!  Right from the first day, he sat through the entire circle time, and participated in circle activities.  Since then, his teacher has reported that he participates in gym class, has sung songs to his class twice (though no one knows exactly what he's singing!), and even got comfortable enough to eat snack with the other kids this past week (and anyone who knows Ty knows that eating is his biggest challenge!).  The most exciting report though, is that he is TALKING in school!  Not talking with sign, but using his spoken words to communicate with his teachers and peers.  We know what a chatterbox Ty is at home, but I was convinced it would take him months to feel comfortable to speak in front of strangers.  That is definitely not the case though!  He has completely surprised us with his willingness to participate in the classroom, and "show his stuff" to his teachers.  I couldn't be more proud of my little man!  This is definitely the beginning of a really exciting adventure for all of us!

 

I just want to leave you with a little "brag video" about Ty's preschool skills, saying the alphabet with me the other day (which he knows in upper and lower case, by name and by sound...such a smartie!).  We're still working on the pronounciation of a few letters, but it's great progress!  This preschool phase is a blast so far!