Dear Parent-Toddler 2 families,
We now have four Parent-Toddler class meetings under our belts, and we’d say it seems to be going pretty well! It has been such a pleasure to have all of you with us and to begin the process of getting to know your kiddos. We appreciate your (and especially your child’s) patience as we have worked on learning and remembering names (“Hi Astrid! I mean Sloane! I mean… Astrid?”), fine tuning our schedule, navigating teacher absences, and getting settled into this year’s program. Our Monday mornings together have really been a lovely way to start each week.
We wonder how things are feeling on your end? Any new situation, particularly your child’s first school experience, can involve a lot of big emotions (for all parties involved!) We want to assure you that no matter what, there is no right or wrong way for you and your child to be doing the Parent-Toddler class. The most important thing is that your child feels safe and supported in our classroom, and with that you are all doing a remarkable job.
Here are some common Tots scenarios that we have observed in Parent-Toddler groups from years gone by, that may feel familiar to you as well:
My child is unsettled during the group time and makes a lot of noise during the story!
My child got upset when another child took a toy that they wanted, or felt reluctant to share something that another child wanted to use.
My child doesn’t seem completely engaged in any one play area but moves quickly from one activity to the next without really “settling into” anything.
My child only wants to be close to me and doesn’t seem interested in connecting with the teachers or the other children.
It was our week to bring snack and we completely forgot!!!
As teachers with a few years of Parent-Toddler class under our belts, we want to reassure you that these are completely normal, expected experiences. Our hope for you is that you will not feel too much pressure for your child or for yourselves, as individual parents and as a larger family/care unit, to do things the “right” way at Parent-Toddler class. In fact, you don’t need to worry because you already are doing it the right way! The point of this class is for your child to get a glimpse into what school is all about, in a comfortable and low-stakes environment, i.e. a short day in which they are not expected to separate from their parent or familiar caregiver. This is a brand new experience, and a BIG one, and all we are expecting from your child is for them to take it all in and begin discovering what it is that they really enjoy about school - the things that they really connect with. This takes practice, and it takes trial and error! At times it can seem messy and it is not always cute. Even when school is fun, it can also feel overwhelming, and we are always conscious of the fact that your child is taking a fantastic leap of faith in taking all of this on. Letting your child lead the way, offering comfort and encouragement, and maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor in a small, noisy, sometimes slightly chaotic classroom - those are the “right” ways to do Parent-Toddler class, and you all are absolutely doing it. We see the work you’re putting in, and we thank you.
As the school year goes on, your child will continue to provide you and us with information on how they are processing this experience. Parent-Teacher conferences are not a part of Parent-Toddler class, but we always welcome you to reach out to us if you have any questions about your child’s experience at school. Conversations in the classroom or the gym are generally very quick by necessity, but please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email if you have any more specific questions about your child’s experience.
Just a reminder that Park West Coop will be closed next Monday, October 10, to observe Indigenous People’s Day. Our next class meeting will be Monday, October 17. We look forward to seeing you!
Warmly,
Byl and Kristin
