The Beckman Blog

Jonathan’s preschool ended early so his teacher, Mrs. Adams, could have a week or two off before her baby was born.  :)  The preschool provided a good atmosphere for him – only 10 children total (a mix of 3 and 4 year olds), including some of his best friends from church.  It was held at the local high school so the high school students had a chance to learn about and practice teaching the children.  And, for any that remember my post last year about preschools, it was only held for three hours a day, three days a week – my perfect solution to the full-day Kindergarten/Pre-K programs.  :)

Here are some picture highlights from his preschool:

First day of preschool - a handprint momento for mom. Cute. :)

I think this was especially good for those who were having problems with their “baby” going to preschool.  I didn’t even think of that until the next week – “Oh, I guess Jonathan had his first ‘school’ day.  That probably would have been good to get a picture of…”  Oh, well.  :)

At the Christmas party, coloring with his friends from the ward. Emma is in the upper right background.

Mommy helping Jonathan make a picture frame for Daddy

Donuts for the snack, in honor of the visiting family members

(Thanks to Liz, a friend of mine and Lainey’s mom, for the pictures – I never remembered to bring my own camera!  More on Lainey later.)

Near the end of the “school year,” the children took a “Kindergarten readiness test.”  Jonathan did pretty well – he knows his shapes (mostly), his colors, his ABCs and numbers, his name, his address… (but he doesn’t yet tie his shoes, know his phone number, or read the color names – yes, that is apparently part of Kindergarten readiness, or at least recognizing the words is part of it).

He had such a fun experience there that he was sad when he learned he would be going to Kindergarten in the fall, instead of going back.  In fact, when we went to register him for Kindergarten, he mentioned that one of his new friends from preschool – Connor – was also going to Kindergarten.  “Will Connor be in my new class, too?  Is there only one Kindergarten in the world?”  He was disappointed when I explained there were lots of Kindergartens, and Connor would be in another one.

The preschool children

But he got over his sadness quickly when he learned he’ll be riding a bus to school, just like Daddy does.  :)  Kindergarten, here we come…  But first back to preschool, or more specifically preschool graduation.  :)

Yes, graduation.  He even got a tassel.  :)  (And yes, I did keep flashing back to The Incredibles when I heard about this.)

The children arrived dressed  up like their “favorite Disney character.”  What, you didn’t know that Batman was a Disney character?  :)  I thought we’d try a prince, but Jonathan insisted and Mrs. Adams gave the OK.  :)  They started with a character parade around all of the friends and family (mostly parents, of course).

Then each child was brought up one by one for an award.  Jonathan’s was the “most imaginative” award.

Apparently he was happy to share his story-telling skills with his preschool class.  The presenter said, as an example, he once had the whole class believing there was a dinosaur on the roof.  :)

The children were then taken to another classroom to change into their “robes” while the high school students had their own awards section. Then the children were escorted out, one by one, to receive their “diplomas.”

Emma was definitely ready to be done with this graduation!

I kept waiting for it to be Jonathan’s turn, then he ended up being last.  As they brought him out, they announced, “And our class valedictorian…”  What?  A preschool class has a valedictorian?  :)  Apparently Jonathan had the highest score on the “Kindergarten readiness test,” which actually makes sense since the majority of the class was a year younger.

This is the best picture I got of him walking past - I wasn't the greatest photographer with a baby in one arm. :)

Jonathan with his teacher, Mrs. Adams, holding his "diploma."

The children were again taken back, this time to change out of the robes, and returned with Mickey Mouse “ears” on, ready to perform a little dance to the “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” song from Toy Story.  Jonathan got to stand next to his good friend, Lainey, and they played a bit during the song.

The children also got party favor blowouts to play with.

To be fair to Jonathan, this was actually payback for her doing the same thing a few minutes earlier. :)

While getting “refreshments” (cake, ice cream, and cookies) after, two of the high school students started talking about Jonathan and Lainey and how cute they act together.  Almost like it was a budding romance (of course, these are high school girls we’re talking about).  :)  Apparently the two played together a lot during preschool and even held hands a few times (though the girls described it as grabbing each other’s hand and then quickly letting go).  It made me laugh.  I don’t think either child cares about “romance,” but the two are good friends.  In fact, Jonathan declared that Lainey was his “best friend” the other day.  We need to do some more playgroups with them.  :)

And finally, here’s his diploma:

Now on to college… er, Kindergarten.  :)