Day 37

"The Feast"

Hannah couldn't wait to get to school today. "The Feast" has been built up for the past week and a half. All the kids were able to sign up and bring in different snacks to share for a class, Thanksgiving Feast.

Throughout the week they have made a complete indian costume. A smock, head band, necklace and drum. They paraded around the entire school playing thier drum!

Over the weekend, Hannah colored pictures for everyone in the class. They all had to do with things that each child has brought in the past for show and tell. She was very excited to make them. She put the letter of thier names in the corner, so she would remember who they were for!

I surprised Hannah at school by coming in early. I couldn't wait to see her at "The Feast!"

Newspaper

Gateway Academy ~

Veteran's Day Celebration

Pre-Kindergarten 3 and
Pre-Kindergarten 4 classes

(Hannah is on far right)

Day 33

"You're a Grand Old Flag"

Today is Veteran's Day. Gateway Academy had a huge celebration this morning for the entire school. They all gathered in the gymnasium.

There was a special observance that was highlighted by several military men and women from the area attending, speaking and meeting with the staff and students. They sang lots of songs.

Hannah was so proud that her class stood up with the 4 year old class and waived flags while signing "Grand Old Flag". She knows all the words- and will belt it out whenever asked.

You're a grand old flag,You're a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave.You're the emblem of The land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White and Blue,Where there's never a boast or brag. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

They did other activities in the class pertaining to flags and the USA- story, stickers, songs.

They spent more time on the playground after the presentation in the gym- because it lasted an hour- and they had to behave and sit still. Mrs. Schmidt said that the entire class did great- and behaved better than the Kindergartners. Hannah said that she sat next to Mrs. McGowan.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• EVERYONE was in the gym
• "I sang all the words"
• Leonard was nice to me today
• Grace didn't sit still in the gym because she wanted to sit by her mom
• ate fruit snacks
• didn't get to turn off the lights today
• "today was a great day... I like to have great days!" (she seriously said this)

Day 32

"I don't think I'll go to school on Wednesday"

This morning as I left Hannah, they had a new activity with their name. They had clothes pins that had letters of their name, that they needed to take off and give to Mrs. Schmidt. It's as if the activity was created just for her! We have been starting to work with Hannah at home on pinching activities and using her pointer and thumb to start moving towards holding a pencil/crayon correctly.

The class has been working on numbers for the past several days. They have been coloring in the numbers with dot-paint. They've also been learning how to write the numbers.

She was quite wild coming out of school today. She ran full blast into me, almost knocking me over- then turned around and did the same thing to Mrs. Schmidt.

Mrs. Schmidt told me, after I put Hannah into the car, that they are having a Veteran's Day celebration at school on Wednesday. They practiced in music class today by signing the song "A Grand Old Flag". They talked about on Wednesday going to the 4 year old classroom and holding flags, and singing the song all together. Hannah's response to Mrs. Schmidt was "I don't think I'll go to school on Wednesday."

All of the children were back in class today- and appear to be healthy for the moment.

Other things Hannah did today:

• Animal crackers for a snack
• New job this week- turning off the lights to signal clean up
• played on the slide at the playground
• went to the library
• read a book about a square pumpkin
• grace was the calendar person today
• Collin brought a car for show and tell
• when Hannah and Collin were leaving, the class was getting out small puzzles to play with
• Mrs. McGowan helped Hannah write the numbers

Day 31

"Pocahontas is an Indian."

Here's Hannah's class picture. The resolution is not very good- which is okay with me- the face that she's making, doesn't need to be clearly seen. Ha.

Today was Hannah's turn for show and tell. There was no decision to make about what to bring- she was set on bringing her Pocahontas doll from Nana's house.


Now that it's Thanksgiving time, Hannah and Nana have been reading about the Indians & Pilgrims and of course, dressing up like Princess Pocahontas. Hannah couldn't wait to show the class her doll, and talk about John Smith. There's also something about a necklace breaking that Hannah talks about in the story. I haven't seen the movie or read the book with her, but she knows most of it by heart. She said the boys didn't like the doll, and that Alyssia likes Ariel better. But she was very proud to have brought Pocahontas.


When I was leaving Hannah this morning, I reminded her, and let Mrs. Schmidt know that Nana would be picking Hannah up today- Hannah started jumping around the room signing in excitement!

The only room that they visited today was the centers room. She told us that she made an alligator with Leonard and that she sorted different colored beads into bowls.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• played outside on the slide
• had goldfish crackers for a snack
• read a book in the classroom
• held the flag again
• Leonard had to leave school early today
• Mrs. McGowan said, "Shawn, that's not nice!"

Day 30

"God created the world and rainbows"

Hannah's class has been learning the story of Noah's Ark. They have been doing activities about the story. Hannah has a book at home which we've used to focus on animals. They learned that God made the world and rainbows- according to Hannah. In the classroom, they have been reading the story and have been playing with giant Ark's and have been pairing animals to put inside. Hannah's favorite activity is the giant floor puzzle containing all the animals and ark as well.

Hannah's job this week is to hold the flag during the pledge of allegiance. She's so excited to get a new job weekly! She told me what job everyone else had in the class today too.

They went to music class and played the xylophone. She remembered having one at Nana's, so of course they needed to get it out an play. She told us that Mr. Gerdell taught them to play blue and orange- so I am guessing that the bars are color coded.

Other things Hannah said about today:

• Went to music class
• played outside
• went to the centers room
• cut out the rainbow with Mrs. Schmidt
• played in the kitchen with Alyssa
• Shawn wrote on the wall with markers
• Grace brought show and tell today- it was a camera to show a picture of her cat

Day 29

"Parent-Teacher Conference"

Today was the big day. Tyler and I couldn't wait for our first parent-teacher conference! We both left work early to be at school by 3:15. We had to wait a few minutes for our meeting to begin, as school dismissed for the day. We watched Hannah's class (there are 5 kids that go full day).

When we first started to talk with Mrs. Schmidt, she gave us a two page report documenting Hannah's progress. It was almost surreal to have someone talking about her. She told us things we already knew and surprised us with new things.

The most impressionable comments were talking about Hannah as a person, and how it's obvious she comes from a loving, caring family. That she has been so lucky to have been home with Nana for years, because it's developed her as a person that is confident, emotional and capable.

The progress sheet was as follows:

• Excels academically- knows her shapes, colors, numbers and letters
• Can stack blocks
• Balances well on her right and left feet
• Throws well left handed
• Kicks ball well with left foot
• Needs improvement with pencil grip and using scissors
• Speaks clearly
• Communicates feeling, needs and wants
• Speaks in sentences
• Participates in circle time and waits for turns in group activities
• Is attentive during group activities
• Follows instructions
• Responds when addressed
• Sometimes participates in clean up- other times, watches what everyone else is doing

Other Comments written by Mrs. Schmidt:

"Hannah is adjusting nicely to the preschool classroom environment. She demonstrates strong language skills and appears to enjoy many different activities. She continues to feel more comfortable playing with other children and will initiate play with others during free time. She is a true joy to teach."

Day 28

"Angels on Parade"

Today was the "Angel and Saint Party" to celebrate fall, Halloween and All Saints Day. Everyone in the school could dress up as an angel or saint! Hannah's class got to walk around the entire school, visiting all the classrooms like a parade! Hannah had a blast today. They exchanged snack bags full of treats, played bingo with candy corn and made spider art projects! Hannah and I put together her treat bags last night. She brought m&m's, toy story fruit snacks and granola bars. She wanted to try them all at once, of course.

Hannah and Mrs. McGowan (above)

Hannah and Mrs. Schmidt (above)

Hannah and Alyissa (above)

Alyissa, Shawn, Hannah and Collin

Day 27

"Jack-o-lanterns are magnets!"

Rainy day, rainy week, rainy month. No outside for Hannah's class today. It's been the wettest October on record for St. Louis.

Hannah was very excited to bring home the jack-o-lantern magnets she made at school this week. I was pretty impressed with how well she's staying inside the lines! They each have something different carved on them, and Hannah was quite particular about putting them in the correct order on the refrigerator.

Hannah sang us a song at dinner tonight that they sang in music class today. She doesn't know all the words, so I have no idea what it actually was. Something about "Nancy went up the....." She said that they played the stick instruments, and she had fun.

When I left Hannah this morning, she was starting to do watercolor painting with the girls. They decided that they were going to paint ducks. I was so excited to see that Mrs. McGowan put a smock on Hannah- as this was a struggle earlier in the year, when Hannah didn't want to wear one. My how she is growing to do different things- even small things sometime seem so big!

Hannah played with Shawn and Mrs. McGowan on the floor with all the trains. They built train tracks and then they drove the trains around on them.

Other things Hannah said about today:

• Leonard was still sick
• Keejuck was back, he got a new haircut
• Keejuck forgot the show and tell bag again
• Grace did the weather frog
• Collin held the flag for the pledge of allegiance
• ate vanilla wafers for a snack

New thing- Hannah knows the entire Pledge of Allegiance! She can say it all by herself without any help!

Day 26

"School Pictures"

Today we got Hannah's school picture. Oh my. Coming soon will be the class picture. This is the face Hannah makes when you tell her to smile. You'd think the photographer would think this looks unusual...

Hannah sang "Old MacDonald" all evening, because that was the song they sang in music class today! They played the tambourines, because it was Ignacio's favorite.

Hannah's new job this week is the snack helper. She gets to pass out all the snacks to everyone. Part of her job is that she counts the kids, then counts the snacks and passes them out. She didn't understand why she is the snack helper, but we didn't have to bring the snacks. (I don't understand that either)

Hannah says they didn't go to the gym, the library or the chapel today. Even though they typically go to these places on Monday, I guess they had other things to do. She talked about painting pumpkins- and came home with orange paint on her arm.

Hannah also told us:

• had cheese and crackers for a snack
• Keejuck and Leonard were out sick today
• Alyssa stayed for the after care program
• it was raining, no playground today

Day 25

"The three bears have beds!"

This morning, when we arrived at school, Mrs. Schmidt was the only teacher in the classroom, because Mrs. McGowan was home sick! Hannah surprisingly didn't seem too concerned with this. On Thursday's there are only 5 kids in the classroom, so it didn't seem to be a problem at all.

Hannah was very excited about the art project that they did today. In class, they have been reading the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They made a stand house, bears, beds and porridge all to match the story. We played with it all evening. It was a great project idea!

Today was Hannah's last day of the week for school, which meant this was the last time she'd do the calendar in class for a while. We talked about the calendar tonight at dinner.

Other things Hannah told us:

• Keejuck was not in school today- he was out sick
• played with Leonard on the floor, got out the animals
• went to the centers room and ran around
• Shawn was very nice to Leonard today
• made cards for Daddy and Papa

Day 24

"Mr. Gerdell was back today!"

When I picked Hannah up from school today, she ran out yelling, "Mr. Gerdell was back today!" She was so happy to be back in the normal routine and going to music class. They didn't play instruments today, but did sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Mrs. Schmidt pulled me aside to talk after I put Hannah in the car, to tell me about a situation that happened yesterday. During free play, Hannah was playing alone for awhile in the kitchen. At one point, Ignacio joined her and took some of her food. Hannah pushed him out of frustration. She said that Mrs. McGowan witnessed this and immediately addressed Hannah, and it made her cry.

Mrs. Schmidt also mentioned that Hannah isn't helping clean up. The signal to the kids that it's time to clean up is to flicker the lights. When the lights are flickered, Hannah stops playing and watches everyone else clean up.
Other things about today:

• had popcorn for a snack, that Mrs. Schmidt made
• made lots of 'cards' for everyone at school today
• Shawn took Keejucks toys today
• played outside on the playground
• went to the centers room and played with Grace
• showed the calendar again today
• Keejuck forgot his Show and Tell bag at home

I scheduled our parent teacher conference for November 2nd... can't wait!

Day 23

"The music teacher was sick."

Hannah couldn't wait to tell me about music today- because Mr. Gerdell was sick. He was not at school today! There was a different teacher for music class, but Hannah can't remember her name. They played cymbals in class, because they are Ignacio's favorite.

Every week jobs change... and this week Hannah gets to do the calendar! This is her first time doing this job, however, she's been practicing at home. She has a pointer from her abacus that broke, and she uses it in her room to point at the days and dates on her calendar. I caught her teaching Nemo a few days ago, and now I understand what she's doing!

I arrived a bit early today to pick Hannah up, so I decided to go inside and sneak a peek at what was going on in the classroom. They were in the library with Mrs. McGowan when I arrived. They were reading a book about a big pumpkin that rolled down the hill. I hid around the corner, so Hannah wouldn't see me. It was amazing to see her listening, following instruction and behaving so politely- all on her own. I'm so proud of my little girl.

The drawing above, is the United States- I can see it!

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• went to the Chapel this morning to say morning prayers
• played outside for the first time in a week
• Mrs. Schmidt helped her do the monkey bars
• Grace brought a horse for show and tell
• made a house for art project, but couldn't bring it home
• ate crackers and cheese for a snack
• painted pumpkins, but they had to dry
• Keejuck did something funny
• Shawn played with Legos
• Leonard and Collin pretended to be dinasours
• Alyssa played blocks with Hannah
  
  
  

Day 22

"There were animals in the kitchen!"

When we arrived at school today, the first thing Hannah told Mrs. Schmidt, was that she forgot to water the plant yesterday. It was her job as the special helper and the teachers forgot! Hannah remembered last night around dinner time and wanted to go back to school to water!

Today was Collin's birthday. The class sang "Happy Birthday" to him, but Hannah told us that she didn't sing. She was very excited that the cookies they had for his birthday had purple icing and all different colored sprinkles.

The class painted leaves today to decorate a tree on a bullitan board. She liked painting and drawing today. It sounds like they stayed in the classroom for most of the day- no music, library or chapel. They also couldn't go outside because it was still raining.

When I asked Hannah about what toys she played with today, she was more interested in telling me what Shawn did today. She found it funny and frustrating that Shawn put all the Noah's Ark animals in the kitchen- because, of course, they don't belong there.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• Leonard brought a pillow to school today
• Ignacio's dad brought him to class this morning
• Grace was not there
• Mrs. Schmidt read Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Day 21

"I like glue."

Hannah did lots of art projects today. When I left her this morning, she was busy with Mrs. McGowan getting out colored paper, scissors and glue. She has been bringing home papers that she's glued smaller shapes on and pieces that she is cutting out. I am very impressed with how quickly she has learned how to do these things- these are things that she has done at school- and not at home.

Hannah couldn't wait to tell me as soon as she got into the car after school today, that Grace was back in class. I asked if she knew where Grace was on Monday- she told me, "Grace was at the lake with her Dad." It really made me chuckle- it was such a matter of fact conversation.

The girls did art projects together all morning. In class they've been focused on animals, fall and Halloween. They painted spiderwebs and made spiders.

Hannah played by herself today during free time- with Noah's Ark and the animals. She told me she lined them all up in a really long line and counted them. She told me there were 26 animals. I asked her what their names were- she told me that these animals don't have names. She just calls them what they are.

Things Hannah told us about:

• went to music class, played bells
• sang a song about Mommy sleeping
• Shawn didn't play nice today
• ate pretzels for a snack, that Collin brought
• Leonard brought a knife for show and tell (I need to find out about this)
• didn't go outside today because it was rainy

Day 20

"I said it just like Daddy told me to"

Brrrrr!! It's cold outside!! Hannah looked so darling going to school today! She wore tights with her skirt, a big winter coat, and pink gloves with butterflies on them!

Today was Show and Tell Day again for Hannah. This time was quite a debate over what to bring. We've tried to encourage her to incorporate all of the different things she likes and enjoys. Sunday night, we finally decided on something to represent "The Little Einsteins"... Hannah picked out what she was going to bring- all the characters.

Tyler worked on her all night, helping her come up with different things to say about each one of them. The Little Einsteins are great- I thought they were weird when we first started watching them- but I am amazed at the things that it's teaching Hannah. She's telling me about the pyramids in Egypt and about the Monarch butterflies migration. When we asked Hannah about Show and Tell Monday night- her response was, "I said it just like Daddy told me to." Oh brother.

Hannah's new job this week is the special helper. Part of that role is to water the plant that they planted outside last week. She was very descriptive telling me about the watering can, and that it had flowers on it. She said, it's like the one I have at Nana's, but different. I use it to put water in and water the plant.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• Grace was not at school
• Rice Krispie treats for a snack
• went to music class
• went to the library, but Mrs. Roberts was not there
• went to the centers room to do an art activity
• Shawn played nice today

Day 19

"Last Day for Treats"

Today was Hannah's last day for being the treat helper for a while. She was very excited that the class would be having cheez-its. That's all she talked about on the way to school!

I can't believe that Hannah is doing paint by numbers!! She did the submarine above, and I think it looks awesome!! I vividly remember doing paint by numbers when I was younger. I remember going to K-Mart and going to the art aisle to find new paint by number posters all the time.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• went to the library, read books about bears
• did not go outside, because it was raining
• played with Keejuck today, and put together a puzzle
• made pumpkins out of orange play dough
• Grace was not at school today
• Mrs. Schmidt cut up apples for snack time to go with the cheez-its

Day 18

"I didn't like the apples. They were too hot!"

Hannah's class has been very busy learning about the seasons and the transition from September to October. They have been talking about apples. They made apple trees for an art project.

Today, they made grilled apples in the classroom. They helped to peel, slice and stir the apples. Hannah didn't like them because they were too hot.

The class has been watching seedlings grow inside, and they were finally ready to move outdoors. The class was able to help plant them outside in pots by the playground today before recess. Hannah said it was just like planting the garden that she helped me with this summer.

Hannah was excited to have passed out the snacks in class again today- they had individual circus animal crackers in the box. She had broken the string on one of the boxes when I brought them home last week- and she made sure that she got that one today.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• went to the music room
• didn't play instruments, only sang songs
• continued to remind me that I scratched her nose this morning with my ring while taking off her sweater
• played play dough with Grace and Shawn
• read a book about bears
• talked about winter
• played on the playground- of course, on the slide

In the car on the way to Nana's- where I get most of my information, Hannah said, "No more questions, Mom!"

Day 17

"The fire doors will be closed..."

In addition to counting school buses on the way to school, Hannah and I pass a fire station on Long Road. It has 2 doors that we try to guess if they will be opened or closed~ sometimes one door is opened and one is closed. Today when we drove by, the doors were closed, just like Hannah predicted.

Hannah has been slowly introduced to the fire trucks and firemen. She's heard the sirens at Nana's when they play outside, she hears the Monday 11:00 weather sirens also. She knows what police cars, fire trucks and ambulances are. A few weeks ago, Nana and Hannah were at the grocery store, they saw the fireman out the window when the pulled up, and Hannah waved at them. The fireman wanted to meet Hannah, and found her in the grocery store to bring her a fire helmet!

Today was Safety Day at school- the fireman were supposed to come with the fire trucks and ambulance- just for the preschool class. They weren't able to come, they were called out to an emergency. The class did lots of activities about fireman. Shawn was very sad and cried because they couldn't come today.

Hannah's job this week is the snack helper. We get to bring snacks for the class for the entire week. Hannah couldn't wait to pass out today's snack- Toy Story Fruit Snacks, this is her new favorite snack.

Other things Hannah did today:

• colored with Mrs. Schmidt
• waited for the fireman outside
• went to the chapel - said the prayer we say at bed time
• went to music class
• sang a new song, but can't remember the name
• Ignacio was smashing the Toy Story Fruit Snacks together
• Keejuck helped Hannah put together an animal puzzle
• Leonard's dad brought him to school today, and his little brother came into the classroom
• read a book about firemen in the classroom
• read a book about pumpkins in the library

Day 16

"Cinderellie... Cinderellie!!"

When I left Hannah at school this morning, she was making play dough pumpkins with Mrs. McGowan, Leonard, Alyissa and Shawn. There were no tears this morning, and Hannah was off and playing before I could say goodbye.

Today Hannah overcame a previous fear and enjoyed going to the gym today. It was raining, so the class went to the gym to do some running around and physical activities. They played with a parachute and bean bags. Hannah was very animated telling us about how much fun she had.

Last night Hannah brought home the Show and Tell bag. She immediately knew that she wanted to bring her 'soft' Cinderella from Nana's house. (I don't know why she chose this one over the others that she has) She told the class that her name was Cinderella and that she has a stepmother, friends with Gus, wears glass slippers and marries Prince Charming. The entire way to school this morning, she was singing in the car... "Cinderellie.. Cinderellie..."

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• went to the library
• read a book about a frog in space
• at chocolate graham crackers
• Ignacio got to throw the bean bag on the parachute
• ran around the blue lines on the gym floor
• Keejuck changed the calendar to October
• didn't play outside because it was raining

Tonight Hannah acted quite different. She had several tantrums and was very demanding and bossy. I don't know if there was anything specific at school that triggered this behavior, if she's not feeling well or if it's just one of those things....

Day 15

"My favorite color is pink!"

With no school on Monday, getting out of bed and out of the house on time was a chore- but not impossible. Hannah was excited to wear a new brightly striped cardigan this morning because it was chilly outside.

When we arrived at school, Mrs. Schmidt was already reading to Grace and Leonard. Hannah looked worried for a moment, because she didn't see Mrs. McGowan in the classroom. When we were done going to the restroom- Mrs. McGowan had come into the classroom, and Hannah was relieved. She went and played in the kitchen with Grace and Alyssa while I left.

The project of the day was to make their night time prayer cards. They used pipe sticks and picked out the colored beads to put on them. Hannah couldn't wait to show me that she had 4 pink beads- because of course- pink is her favorite color.

In music class, she played "sticks"- not sure what these are- and the song that they sang was "I love my teacher"... and I think those are the only words- that's what Hannah has been repeating over and over this evening.

Other things Hannah did today:

• went to the library
• read a book about saying sorry
• her job this week is the "special helper"
• played outside on the playground
• Alyssia brought a horse for show and tell
• Keejuck did not bring anything for show and tell
• played with puzzles
• ate fish crackers

Hannah no longer wants us to say "Bless Us Oh Lord" at the dinner table, because that's a special prayer that they say at school before they eat a snack.

Day 14

"Chug-a Chug-a truck truck..."

Today Hannah was so excited to bring home the truck that they had been making in class all week. She's been upset about the wheels falling off her 'cintas' truck that she plays with, and now had a new truck to drive around (of course while wearing a tu-tu.. she's still all girl)

She thinks its funny to sing chug-a chug-a truck truck.. while driving it around. This is trying to be like Daddy- he sings chug-a chug-a choo choo when playing with beads and pretending they are a train.

It was a rainy day today, so that presented a new routine at school, as the first rainy day. It was an ordeal with the umbrella getting in and out of the car. The class dressed the weather frog in new clothes for the first time- Hannah couldn't wait to tell me about the rain coat, boots and umbrella. They also didn't go out on the playground today- instead they went to the activity room. The activity room is a classroom adjacent to theirs' and has large blocks, gym mats and other things for them to have non-structured play time.

Hannah told us that she helped Leonard with a puzzle today that had animals on it. But she was most proud of getting out "measuring things" to measure the table and wall.

Other things she told us:

• learned how to use stencils with Mrs. McGowan
• Ignacio brought a horse for show and tell
• Grace was not in class today
• Collin played in the kitchen today
• the boys made a mess in the kitchen today
• ate cheez-its for a snack
• sang the calendar/numbers song
• tried to get tissues out of her back pack, but the package was empty

No school on Monday for a teacher in-service day.

Day 13

"Mr. Mom"

I have been away from home since Monday afternoon at a client conference- today was Daddy's first day of bringing Hannah to school. We have been preparing Hannah for the past several days, and telling her that Daddy would be bringing her and picking her up.

They arrived at school on time- following the normal routine- even counting school buses along the way (they only saw 9) Hannah was fine with Tyler leaving- and the day looked to be a success.

Tyler then calls me at 10:00am, after trying to reach Nana, to let me know that he was stuck on the highway with a flat tire, on the way to go shopping before picking Hannah up from school. I fortunately was at a point in the conference, where I could get away to pick her up. When I arrived at school, and Hannah walked out with Mrs. Schmidt, she stopped dead in her tracks when she saw me- and had a complete meltdown. Instead of being excited to see me.. because I hadn't been home in 2 days- she was distraught that Daddy didn't come to pick her up, like we told her he would. It made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

After calming down... several minutes into the car ride home... she told me about her day. The highlight was going to music class where they talked about animals and mimicked the sounds they made in songs. Hannah was the turkey and gobble-gobbled!

Other things Hannah did today:

• played outside on the slide
• came home with blue paint in her hair
• is getting very good at cutting with scissors
• connected the numbers on the worksheet above
• read a book about dragons today
• Collin cried in class today
• ate chocolate teddy grahams for a snack
• really wanted Daddy to pick her up

Day 12

"Everyone was back today...sniffle..sniffle..."

Hannah and I went to the doctor on Thursday afternoon to find out she had a double ear infection and an upper respiratory virus. She was prescribed antibiotics. We stayed in all weekend and she was well enough to go to school today.

When we arrived at school, we found out 4 other kids in the class were out sick on Thursday as well!! Everyone made it back to school today.

The class went to the chapel for the first time today. Mrs. Schmidt told me that they only stayed in there for 10 minutes- but Hannah now knows what the chapel is- I found out that's what she was calling the arts and crafts room. They are going to start going to the chapel for prayers once a week.

Hannah's job this week is to hold the door. She was very excited about this job today- because they went not only to the chapel, but they also went to music class, the library, and the playground.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• Leonard brought something for show and tell today, but couldn't remember
• Started working on a "truck" project that we will see by the end of the week
• Played on the playground with another class today
• Mrs. Roberts is the librarian
• ate cheese and crackers for a snack

Day 11

"Mommy I don't feel good"

Today Hannah didn't go to school.
Last night she had a fever of 101.6 and we went to the doctor this afternoon.
She has a double ear infection and upper respiratory virus.
Hopefully she will be back to school on Monday.

Day 10

"Picture Day!"

Hannah started her day in class with colored paper and scissors. She helped Mrs. McGowan pick out different colored scrap paper out of her desk as I was leaving the classroom. Hannah has never tried cutting with scissors before- I was so excited to see what she brought home!

Today was picture day at school. Hannah and I have been spending a few evenings looking at my yearbook and class pictures- I knew that picture day was coming up and I was hoping that she'd understand it all.

It consumed most of the morning for the class. They took an all school picture in the gym. She thought that it was funny that her music teacher, was outside of his classroom, and in the gym with the rest of the school! Individual pictures were taken after, then outside on the playground, a class picture was taken.

When I picked Hannah up today, she was not very talkative- I could tell that she may be getting sick.

• picture day
• went to music class- played the bells
• read 2 books
• ate goldfish crackers
• Leonard left school early today
• played with grace in the kitchen

Day 9

"I played peekaboo with the rhinoceros!!"

Today was Hannah's turn for Show and Tell! We were at Nana & Papa's house last Thursday, when we found the bag in her back pack. Hannah went upstairs into her room and immediately decided that she wanted to bring her rhinoceros that she got at the zoo. Nana got out her zoo map and photo album. We packed it all up- and Hannah couldn't wait for Monday to come!

Today started out well - and bringing Hannah to school went very smoothly also! No tears today when I was leaving!!

Hannah couldn't wait to tell me about Show and Tell. Mrs. Schmidt said that it was a hit today- and that Hannah really opened up. Hannah talked about going to the zoo with Nana and Papa along with all the different animals that were there. She showed the class her rhinoceros and told them about how she was playing peekaboo with him as he walked back and forth behind a tree.

Other things Hannah told us about today:

• music class
• new job this week- get to flicker the lights to signal clean up time
• played on the playground
• learned to connect the dots on paper
• sat next to Shawn on the mats
• went to the library
• didn't play an instrument in music class
• ate fruit snacks

Day 8

"Stop, Slow, GO!"

Hannah was very excited for school today, she knew that Nana was going to be picking her up!

In a very animated voice- Hannah told us all about painting the stop light. She mimicked Mrs. Schmidt's voice, "Stay inside the lines!" The picture to the above right, has circles for them to paint inside- I think Hannah did a great job of staying inside the lines! She also told us about when they were painting- that a fly was in the classroom. She calls it a 'shoe fly'. She was cracking up because Mrs. McGowan was trying to catch it!

The other painting was a finger painting picture that Hannah did yesterday- learning to make new colors out of primary colors. I love it because you can see her hand prints.

Hannah asked me tonight if I liked Mrs. Schmidt or Mrs. McGowan. I laughed and told her that I liked both of them very much. I asked Hannah who she like- and she responded, "I like Grace." Then I clarified and asked her what teacher she liked-

• ate a granola bar for a snack, but didn't like it- threw it away
• Grace was not at school today
• played with shapes- she ripped the paper instead of using scissors
• the boys were good today, didn't throw any blocks
• the boys played with Lego's
• went to the library
• played on the ladder at the playground
• held the flag today
• Shawn fell off the monkey bars today, but he didn't cry
• Keejuk brought a robot for Show and Tell

Hannah 'claims' that they went to the chapel today, but she can't tell me anything about it- I am not so certain.

Day 7

"Mommy, what did you like about school?"

Last night Hannah and I had a long talk. She started the conversation with, "What do you think Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. McGowan will be wearing tomorrow?" followed by, "What do you think I will do at school tomorrow?" followed by, "Do you think Grace will be at school tomorrow?"

It was all about school tomorrow. She was so worried about going to school. I can see her suck in her stomach when she thinks about it. She is such a worrier like me.

She then asked me the biggie..."Mommy, what did you like about school?" This was the beginning of the real talk. We talked about everything about school. What I liked, (which coincidentally had everything to do with what Hannah was experiencing- painting, library, music class, gym, reading, singing) She was asking question after question. So I got out my yearbook to show her about when I went to school. We went through the yearbook 3 times before she went to bed.

The morning started out well. No problems getting up, having breakfast, getting dressed and leaving the house. She was quite amazed by all the fog this morning on the way to school. Once we arrived at school, was a different story- the lip quivered as soon as we walked into the classroom- and she let the tears flow when we were in the bathroom. Like a big girl, she pulled it together, and stopped crying by the time I left, and according to her teacher, didn't cry the rest of the day. What an accomplishment!

The fun project of the day was finger painting and mixing colors. Hannah was so excited to tell me that red and blue make purple. I also knew this because of the paint all over her uniform today. She didn't want to wear the smock. However, tonight at dinner I showed her that she has a now that she knows she has a smock at home, she hasn't taken it off.

Other things Hannah did today:

• New job of holding the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance
• Read a Dr. Seuss and Dinosaur book
• Went to music class
• Finger painted
• Grace was at school today
• Alyssia talked to Hannah today
• Collin had to go home because his brother was sick
• Ate Teddy Grams for a snack
• Did NOT fall at the playground today
• Shapes were on the mat today
• Hannah was a blue triangle, Shawn sat on a yellow rectangle
• Grace dressed the weather frog
• Keejuck knocked the blocks down and hit Shawn in the head
• Different string colors that are with animals (didn't get clarification on this one)
• Climbed the ladder outside on the playground

Day 6

"I want to bring Abby!"

Yesterday when Hannah came home, we found the white Show and Tell bag in her back pack. Each day, a child has a turn. Thursday was Hannah's day. She told us without hesitation, "I want to bring Abby!" Of course, this meant, her long time, favorite Sesame Street character, stuffed doll, Abby Cadabby.

Hannah and Daddy practiced all night what she could say about Abby. That she lives on Sesame Street. She has wings that she uses to fly. She has a magic wand that she uses to call her Mommy. She's a fairy-in-training. They went over and over it- Hannah kept wanting to talk about it.

I think Thursday's might always be tough. This morning when Hannah and I got to school- she didn't want me to leave. She turned to me and looked up at me, eyes filling up with tears and said,"Mommy, hold me." This was rough. This is the first time that she's cried with me leaving. It broke me.

I reminded her that Daddy was picking her up today, and that she had Abby in her back pack for show and tell. Mrs. Schmidt laughed, because as soon as she gave her the Show and Tell bag yesterday, she told her that she wanted to bring Abby. Mrs. McGowan came over and brought Hannah to the drawing table and quickly attempted to engage her in an activity. I waived bye. Hannah yelled out, still fighting back tears, "I want to give Mommy a hug and a kiss." She ran over to me in the doorway- it was the tightest hug she's ever given me.

After I left, there were barely any tears. Mrs. Schmidt said that Hannah did great the rest of the day. She talked about Abby at Show and Tell, and that helped her with being more outgoing today. Hannah was very proud to tell us that she climbed on the ladder out at recess today.

Other things she told us about today:

• Painted a cut out of her hand with a paint brush
• Went to the library and read a book about Dinosaurs
• Played with Alyssa today
• Grace wasn't in class- (I am thinking that she doesn't come on Thursday's)
• Dressed the weather frog
• Said prayers as a class
• Ate goldfish crackers for a snack
• Excited about the seek and find, finding all of the crayons

Hopefully this long weekend break won't make going back to school next Wednesday tough.

Day 5

"Afraid of what we don't know"

Hannah and I had a great time getting ready for school this morning. I think I finally have the routine down, so that I am completely ready before I even attempt to start with her.

On the way to school, as we have been for the past several rides, we counted school buses. Today we saw 15- our highest number yet. Driving into Chesterfield Valley- we saw fog. Have you ever explained fog to a child? It's not easy. Think about it. How would you explain? Clouds, water, steam, wet, mist, condensation all came out of my mouth... I don't think she understood. She said, "Why is it dark, and the sun is out?" Makes sense to me...? Gosh all the things she has to learn, that I take for granted passing by, looking at or experiencing... she's learning everything for the first time.

Today seemed much like Monday for Hannah. She was delighted when the teachers used her Princess back pack as an example for the class today. They compared her back pack to Leonard's- who has Transformers on his. They had the class count and figure out if there were more Princess's or more Transformers. The Princess's won!

The highlight of the day was another trip to Music Class- or the instrument room. Hannah got to play the cymbals today! She said she cried in music class, but that it was her favorite thing to do.. who knows. Hannah is still afraid, and doesn't know why. She's afraid of what she doesn't know. Much like a bee... fitting with the stamp Hannah picked out today. We are all afraid of bees, although we don't know what they will do. Some sting, some don't. We are all afraid of what we don't know.

Other things we talked about today:

• Collin brought a rabbit cape for show and tell
• Cheese crackers for a snack
• Played with Paper Dolls
• Dressed the weather frog the same again
• Learning a poem about a turtle, Hannah is excited that it rhymes
• Played on the slide outside
• Learned about shapes today in class

Day 4

"Alice is a Camel"

Hannah was so excited to go to the 'instrument room' today, as she calls it, or music class. She likes her teacher. Everyone in the class gets to play different instruments as they learn a song. Today Hannah played the tambourine. They learned a song about a camel with 5 humps and her name was Alice. I joked with Hannah, because she couldn't remember how the song went, and asked her if it was like "Alice In Wonderland". She was very serious in responding, "No Mommy! Alice is a camel!"

Today wasn't all pleasant for Hannah. Mrs. Schmidt and Hannah both told me that she cried several times in the classroom- all without an explanation and without knowing why. I believe Hannah is having a hard time communicating with the children in her class. I feel she is so advanced in conversation- and she doesn't understand why other kids don't talk to her, or respond when she talks to them. She feels very comfortable with her two teachers- and is interacting with them mostly throughout the day.

Hannah's new job this week is to dress the weather frog. They have a large cut out frog on the wall that they get to dress each day according to how the weather is outside. Hannah thinks it's funny that they don't put pajamas on the frog for the night when she leaves- that they undress him and leave him naked.

Other things Hannah talked about today:

• Grace was back in class after being out last Thursday
• Keejuck hurt himself with his backpack
• Ate cheese and cracker sticks for a snack
• Mrs. McGowan threw Hannah's snack away before she finished
• Got to pick out a stamp to use (chose a spider)
• Played with dots (i think it's like the bingo markers that make dots)
• Slide outside was wet- couldn't play on that
• Went to the library- getting conflicting information about what they did there- have heard about reading a book with a mouse, that goes to school; and about Zoe from Sesame Street- not entirely sure

Day 3

"Tears in the gym"

Today started out differently than most. Hannah didn't want to take off her pajamas and she didn't want to put on her uniform. After a slight battle we were dressed and off to school.

Hannah was first in class today and was warmly welcomed by her teachers. She has her morning routine down pat- hanging up her back pack, putting her name in the basket, and going to the bathroom.

I talked to Alyssia's mom today, and we shared a few funny stories about our girls and what they have been coming home and talking about. Alyssa has been talking about Hannah, because it's her cousin's name, and it's the only one she can remember from the class.

Daddy was off work today, so Hannah was very excited to find out that he'd be picking her up.

Daddy anxiously arrived to school 15 minutes early and waited outside for Hannah. Surprisingly, Hannah and Mrs. Schmidt walked outside early, before the bells. Daddy noticed that Hannah was crying. Mrs. Schmidt told Daddy that the class went to the big gym today. Hannah seemed to be overwhelmed and started crying. I understand this perfectly. I know when Hannah is introduced to new places and things, she becomes quite leery and scared. Mrs. McGowan brought Hannah back to the classroom and read her a book. For some reason this didn't calm her down, and that's when they noticed that Daddy was already at school.

As soon as Hannah was in the car- she was great. She told Daddy all about playing with Alyssia and having a good day. Here are some other things Hannah told us about today:

• Painted people (on picture above)
• Played with play dough.. tried to make a duck, but the neck was too long
• Last day as the 'door holder'
• Read a book "Kiss the Hand"
• Ate orange gummies for a snack
• Went to gym & cried (that's how she put it)

This is one of those days, that I hated not being there for Hannah. I talked to her tonight about why she cried, and she said she was scared. We talked about how she can tell her teachers when she's scared.

Day 2

"The Wheels on the Bus"

We started the day counting school buses as we drove to school- Hannah spotted 7.

When I picked her up, Hannah couldn't wait to show me that she had a project in her back pack. When we pulled away from school, she realized it was there, and almost dove over the seat to show me.

It's darling- Hannah's first time finger painting was great- as she colored in the bus yellow. The teachers cut out the windows, door and wheels- but Hannah tells us that she glued them on all by herself- quite impressive if you ask me.

As for the 'newness' of the day- the class went to 'music'- or as Hannah calls, the "instrument room". She met a new teacher, that spends 20 minutes with them a week. She was delighted to tell us that she played the triangle and sang "Wheels on the Bus"... quite fitting with her picture.

At dinner- she was very dramatic when we said the prayer- she said that they practiced the cross- or the sign of the cross. She wanted me to say the father and mary. (Our Father and Hail Mary) - at the start of the school day, the director, says these prayers over the intercom, and they talked about them today as a class. Hannah was impressed that I knew the words.

She also talked about dressing the weather frog today. They have a frog on the wall that the kids dress accordingly with the weather and seasons. Something must have been funny about what Mrs. Schmidt may have said or done- something about sleeping, jammies and forgetting- not exactly clear on what went on, however Hannah found it hysterical.

Other highlights include:

• Ignacio's Birthday- blue icing cookies with rainbow sprinkles for a snack
• Made a butterfly with green play dough
• Played with the doll house- with another boy
• Was the door holder again today
• Music class, sang the "Wheels on the Bus" and played the 'triangle'
• Played on the slide outside
• Practiced the 'sign of the cross'
• Read another Winnie the Pooh book at reading time

I feel very lucky that Hannah is in a safe and nurturing environment. I am so excited about the new things she is experiencing and being introduced to!