Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Preschool Drop Out...The Whole Story

George hated preschool this year. He didn't like his school or his teacher and it was always a struggle to get him to go. Right before Christmas I finally admitted to myself that it wasn't worth the battle (George still has two full years before he starts kindergarten so I didn't feel that sticking out the year was vital to his preparation). However, before I told him he could be done with school for a while I wanted to dig deeper and try to figure out why he didn't like school because he loved it last year (different school). BTW, I made the decision to let him quit only after meeting with the director and his teacher several times. We tried a couple of different things that seemed to work but at home George kept insisting that he didn't want to go. George and I had several conversations about why he didn't like school but the most revealing one went like this:

Me: Why don't you like your school?
George: I don't like it.
Me: Did you like your school last year?
George: Yes! I want to go to that school with Daphne, Zane, and Scarlet.
Me: They don't go to that school any more.
George: I want to go to their school.
Me: You have to be six to go to Daphne's school.
George: Then I'll go to Zane's school.
Me: You have to be four to go to Zane's school.
George: Then I'll go to Scarlet's school.
Me: Scarlet chose not to go to school this year. She is taking a dance class instead.
George: I want to take dance with Scarlet.
Me: I don't know if you can go to her dance class.
George: Then she can come to my dance class.
Me: What about your friends in Miss S******'s class?
George: I don't like them.

As it turns out George was able to join Scarlet's dance class and the preschool let us out without a penalty. This is the conversation I had with George once all of the arrangements were made:

Me: George, I need to talk to you.
George: Okay.
Me: I just found out that you can be in Scarlet's dance class.
George: WHAT! You got to be kidding me.
Me: Are you excited?
George: YES!
Me: Now listen...This means you won't be able to go to Miss S*******'s class any more.
George: Oh.
Me: Does that make you sad?
George: No. It makes me SO HAPPY!

I have plans to put George in the same preschool class as Scarlet next year which I hope helps him adjust.

12 comments:

Brooke said...

At least he's happy!

Lydia said...

I love the "You got to be kidding me!" statement. I love how our kids pick up our jargon.

La said...

Letty Lou Lou and Georgie Porgie two peas in a pod. I can't wait until recital time. It will be great to see those two up on stage.

Tyra said...

Thank goodness for great cousins. I love that they are such great friends!! I can't wait to see their recital as they are both such hams and feed off each other. That poor dance teacher she doesn't know what she is getting into.

Jane said...

So cute, what a lucky boy to have a cousin he loves so much. I say, let him dance away, what a cute sight!

Krystal said...

hey I found your blog sight off other family members sites. Hope thats okay. Check out mine if you want. I'm new to the blogging world.

Lindsay said...

Gotta love George! He knows what he wants!

Maryann said...

That's so funny!! What a cutie. I swear, your boys are ADORABLE!

Andrea and Chuck said...

Amy I never had my kids go to preschool till the year before kindergarten and I think they are all pretty well adjusted.

Unknown said...

Haha George...I seriously can't wait for his recital. I'll be there with bells on!

natalie said...

That is SOOOOO cute.

nicole said...

i love this kid...i love his determination...his sense of humor...and i love the way he adores his little cousins!


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