First Day of Preschool

Today was Claire's first day of preschool.  We have been trying to prepare her for a few weeks now.  We checked out several books from the library and have been talking to her about what she will do and who her teachers are.  Last week, she and I had the opportunity to visit her classroom and meet her teachers--Ms. Nancy and Ms. DeLee.  Claire was hesitant when we visited and wanted to be held for awhile but then was fine to play with the toys.  Her class has seven girls and three boys.  The room is set up with different play/center areas including a playhouse, kitchen, reading area, table for snack time, and area for cars and trucks.

Claire seemed pretty excited about going to preschool.  Last night, she talked and sang to herself for an hour and a half before falling asleep.  This morning, she was also extra excited.  While I was fixing breakfast, she was singing "Oh How I Love Preschool...Because it's the first day" to the tune of "Oh How I Love Jesus."  We took a few pictures on the front steps before heading to her school.  It's about a 7 minute drive and starts at 9:30.

She was excited and happily walked from the car to her classroom and then got a little frightened at the door.  Ms. DeLee quickly offered some comforting words (not sure if they were for me or for Claire...), picked Claire up and disappeared into the classroom.  I waited with James for a few minutes and she had calmed down right away.  Preschool was only two hours today but will normally be three.  When I went to pick her up, she and several children were reading books with Ms. DeLee.  Claire ran my way saying "MMMMMOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYY!"  She got a little tote bag that she will take each day (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and a t-shirt.

Since we've been home, I've been asking all kinds of questions.  I'm just dying to know every little detail, but that's hard to get from a two-year old!  Here's what I've learned so far:

• She got to go to the indoor playground today.  They hold onto a rope with a ring for each child when they walk outside of her room.  Claire held onto a red ring today.  She rode on a merry-go-round in the playroom area.
• They sat at a table and had apples and cheerios with water for her snack.
• They had a circle time.  Ms. Nancy read "Brown Bear Brown Bear" and a story about a crocodile. 
• Claire played with trucks and blocks.

It seems like it was a good day!  She said yes when I asked if she wants to go back again.