Image Map

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Sunshine School

Sunshine School begins next week, and we are all very excited around here. Kendyll began attending Sunshine School when she was 18 months old, and I have credited much of what she has learned from her wonderful teachers there. I began teaching the three year olds that same year, and have enjoyed it so much. It gives me a great opportunity to be with other teaching moms, as well as get to know families whose children are in my class. I have another great set of kids for this upcoming year, and can't wait to get started!!

Most of all, I am excited about my own kids getting to go again this year, to play with friends, to learn more than I could ever teach them, and to be with the sweet families of our church.

Both of my girls got wonderful teachers (and good friends of mine!) who will be perfect for each one of them. Mrs. Nicole gets the wonderful job of introducing Carlie to "school life" in the two year old class, including learning to attend chapel without running to Mommy or the stage, sitting in a classroom with friends and obeying the rules, and finally, the biggest hurdle....sleeping on a nap mat in the floor. Mrs. Nicole, we want you to know, WE'VE BEEN PRACTICING!!


Carlie is so excited about school and can be seen at any moment with her backpack on her back, walking around the house, sometimes even with her napmat over her shoulder. It's pretty funny. My favorite thing has been how much she has treasured the note from her sweet teacher. After we read it to her when it came yesterday, she took it right out of my hands, put it in her backpack, and has carried it around ever since. I didn't expect her to understand "school" at this age, and it has been so much fun to watch her become a "big girl".

Kendyll, on the other hand, is an old pro at the school thing. She is VERY excited about school and has also enjoyed reading and re-reading her cool letter from Mrs. Kristen, as well as peeking into her new very cute classroom....UPSTAIRS! (This has been the coolest thing of all to Kendyll.) I look forward to how much she will grow and change in the four year old class this year and feel fortunate that my daughter will learn so much before formal "school" even starts. Sunshine School's four year old program is SO good and prepares them so well for Kindergarten (which I can't believe is next year!). Mrs. Kristen, we are so thankful that Kendyll has you for a teacher, and we know it will be a great year!

Now, just a few more days for these two girls to wait!

12 comments:

Jenni said...

My friend Heather Holt's (she's married to Chad Holt - did you know him at ACU?) little boy Henry is in Sunshine School -- maybe he's in Carlie's class! He just turned two.

Jenni said...

At least I think Henry is in Sunshine School.....my memory kinda comes and goes these days....

mcjacobsjournal said...

Jenni, yes! Henry is in Carlie's class and was last year too. He is the SWEETEST little boy and it has been fun to get to see Heather at least at "pick up" time! :) So, it looks like your memory is still good!!

Cassie said...

That doesn't look like Carlie is getting much sleep on the mat:) She might just take after her big sister!

Love you guys and can't wait to see you Sunday.

Lisa Renee said...

We started our "teacher" days today. You are so lucky to have one of my best friends as your director, Krista!!! I am jealous. I also teach the threes at our "Bright Horizons" at Greenlawn. Such a fun age isn't it?! I was up with excitement last night and am looking forward to routine again. Hey, that is THE CUTEST nap mat I have EVER seen..........did you make it? Where can I get one for my sweet Olivia?

mcjacobsjournal said...

Lisa, I didn't even know you were friends with Krista! We do have great directors. :) I have been the same way about starting back to school. Once work week hits, I am up late, up early, and working at night just getting ready for my little kiddos. It's an exciting time of year!

And, yes, I did make Carlie's nap mat...a couple of years ago for Kendyll, actually. Back then, I was making them, but I have given it up now. It's TOO HARD! :) But, I have seen quite a few cute ones online. I'm hoping this one lasts me for both kids!

Erica said...

I am excited about school starting myself. You are such a sweet teacher..I am sure you will have a super year. Carlie looks so cute on the nap mat. I wish I was just half as talented as you when it comes to sewing and just about everything else when I think about it. Love ya!

Kristen OQ said...

I am so excited that your sweet Kendyll is going to be in my class at school this year! We are going to have so much fun, and I am looking forward to seeing in person how sweet I already know she is (mostly from your blog!). Only a few more days left until Monday -- I have lots to do still catching up from vacation!

Anonymous said...

We found a daycare for Noah and when they mentioned sleeping on a nap mat I laughed. Can you picture him sleeping on a nap mat? I'm not even going to "practice" with him. Both Matt and I said, "I am so glad I'm not going to have to deal with that." Aren't we every teachers dream parents?!

Unknown said...

I love preschool so much-especially now that I have a child in Kindergarten. I think it prepared him so well for it and it has been a great transition. My two-year-old is so happy about his year at "big school" and has his Spiderman backpack packed with all the essentials- Mr. Potato Head, Buzz Lightyear, and a blanket.

elizabeth said...

We started MDO last week. Sadly, ME is one of two girls who won't take a nap on her napmap! She and her friend are taken to another room. The teacher said that she kept saying, "Tatum! LAY DOWN!" I wish she had taken her own advise!

Laura Scott said...

I Hope you are having a great first week of Sunshine School! I also hope Carlie is making good use of her precious nap mat you made. Have a great day!
Laura