Big Kid School

In early January, Liam started preschool at Spring Valley Montessori. His first day went so well that he didn't notice Mom & Dad leave, didn't want to come home at the end of the day!

After the first week, his teacher said it's like he's been there his whole life. He enjoys following the rules, which is good, because Montessori school has a few more than the average school. For example, the children in Liam's class, despite being small, do everything on their own, from preparing their snack to cleaning up when they are done.

On the Saturday after we first started at Spring Valley, Liam helped me put away his clean laundry. I offered him a choice of a reward for getting all the clothes in the right places. He could have had chocolate (his favorite treat) or a sticker. But Liam asked for a small box. We found several that were too big or too small. Finally he showed us one that was the right size. We thought he would put his growing car collection in the box, like a garage.

Instead, we found Liam sweeping the floor and using the box as a dustpan. When I asked where he learned that, he said, "we do this every day at school."

So within the first three weeks, Liam has started reading a few words. The important part is that he really wants to read. At home we just read to him. Sometimes he tries to read along, especially with books he knows well. He also knows the months and days of the week, and has picked up a love for puzzles. He could put together his 10-piece puzzle so well that he picked out two new ones. One has 24 and the other 60 pieces. He can do the 24 on his own and needs only a little help with the 60-piece.

Now you might think this is bragging. Maybe it is. I write the blog, so I get to brag. But my conclusion is that there's little in life as rewarding as seeing your child figure out something new... especially if it's challenging, and they get it independently. Watching Liam learn new things every day is terribly interesting!

As for independence, that could be Liam's middle name. He's in the stage where doing it himself is really the only workable option. Even if it's too heavy, like a gallon of milk, or too complicated, like opening a package, he does his best. The other day he suggested that he's old enough to stay home alone. He reminded me that soon he will be three, which is much older than two. He also thinks that when he's three, he can drive the car and become a dentist astronaut who sometimes makes pizza. His imagination is beautiful.

So here is a photo of Liam at school, in French class. Liam is the little guy in front wearing red and blue stripes. He's likely learning to say Janvrier 'John-vree-ay' (January) which he pronounces John Deer.

http://www.springvalley.org/events/2010_French_Program.htm

Visiting Austin & New School

Liam and Mommy went on an adventure right after Christmas. Baby Ethan, Liam's youngest cousin, was born on Christmas Day. Liam and Ethan became good buddies in Ethan's first week of life.

Liam wanted to bring his tiny cars (Matchbox) on the plane. We put them in his little backpack, which he carried. TSA had fun trying to figure out what it was! They told Liam that he was lucky to have so many cars to play with on the plane. Typical toddler, Liam said. "I know." Before the plane took off, Liam got to sit in the pilot's seat. He 'flew' the plane using the special instruments and handles the pilots use. I swear the smile nearly broke his face in half.

In Texas, we saw a whole bunch of people. Auntie Katie looked really good for having just had a baby! We also met Aaron and Little Ronnie, and Uncle Ronnie too. One day we drove from Austin to San Antonio, and we met up with Liam's Nana. She planned a fun-filled day with trains and the zoo and a boat ride at the end. Back at her house, she gave him cookies and milk while he watched cartoons in bed. He stayed up way past his bedtime and I'm sure, felt like some sort of prince. He loved it!

When we got home from Texas, Liam started big kid school. So far, he loves school.

(More photos soon).