May 10, 2008
Chico Preschool Fun
For me all workshops are fun, but some are special. Thursday evening’s workshop at the Chico Community Children’s Center was one of those fun and special ones. 
I could tell you it was special because it was close to home and driving 20 miles instead of 200 made it easier. I could say it was special because I could bring more items to share, work and play with since I wasn’t flying somewhere on an airplane and trying to keep the weight of my suitcase within a reasonable amount. When I’m flying my questions are sometimes: Do I bring an extra suit to wear or bring a child’s book, 2 games, and a set of dinosaurs for the parents to try out. I’m sure most people don’t have to ask themselves questions like that, but I do. I usually opt for the parent/kid items and fit in an extra top to wear with the suit I already have. Going to Chico I didn’t have those questions. I could take all kinds of activities to do since I only had to drive a few minutes.
But those weren’t the reasons for it being special. It was special because it was a preschool. I find preschools to be the most exciting, supportive places. They’re filled with color, games, toys, and wonder. Children are so excited every day to come and explore this new world they’re discovering. Parents are supportive and full of questions about how to help and what to do. Teachers interact with the children from the moment they arrive until the second they leave. And the feelings are contagious. That wonder and excitement rubs off. Anyone arriving at the gate feels it. This preschool setting was no exception.
Special too was the enjoyment of the company of no less than four babies at the workshop. I’m sure George at the ripe old age of eight months might not consider himself much of a baby, and in an infant preschool program, he’s right. Having babies, toddlers, and children in a workshop is sometimes a bit chaotic for sure, but it’s real for parents who are trying to juggle two or three small children, the laundry and how to get dinner on the table. We managed to talk, share, play games and do a couple activities while learning some new ideas about how to their babies and preschoolers be successful in the next few years of school.
One of the questions I always ask is: “Now that you’ve been to a workshop on how to help your child with learning, what do you plan to do with your child this week?” From the parents of preschoolers I heard answers like read a story, play Go Fish, play games outside, and go to the park. From the preschool teachers I heard make a dream book and read more stories. All of those activities directly relate to and reinforce what they are learning at Chico Community Children’s Center.
The one question on everyone’s mind was asked at the end by a curious parent, “What can we expect in first grade?”
My answer is in next week’s blog…
Posted by Dr Joni at May 10, 2008 10:20 AM