Thursday, April 01, 2010

Appreciating Preschool Years

Yohan graduated from preschool last Friday (March 26). I'm so proud of my son for earning three awards on graduation day. He received three medals namely Word Smart (English), Nature Smart (Science) and Academic Excellence. My husband and I took turns going up the stage to give Yohan his awards. It was a heartwarming experience.


Preschool is a fun and memorable part of a child’s early years. As a parent, I appreciate how preschool has helped my son learn new things, build confidence and harness his strengths as an individual. Preschool is also a great start for early academic milestones.
  • Social Skills – My son is an only child and preschool gave him a chance to socialize with other kids. I witnessed how he learned to overcome his shyness. He learned how fun it is to play and interact with other kids.
  • Self-Confidence - He gradually abandoned his timid self and became more sure of himself. I still remember how he enjoyed talking in front of the class about his favorite pet during Show and Tell day.
  • Problem Solving - There are many preschool activities that let students think for themselves. This motivates preschoolers to solve problems and overcome challenges independently.
  • Arts and Crafts - Yohan enjoys making art projects in school. He is always excited to show it to us when his he gets to bring home his work. He loves to draw at home. I always make it a point to buy bulk paper for his drawing inspirations. Even my husband and I enjoy conceptualizing costumes for Yohan's school activities.
  • Math Basics - My son appreciates learning numbers the fun way.  Preschool has interesting ways of teaching addition, subtraction, time telling and fractions.
  • Reading Books – Thanks to preschool my son is becoming a little bookworm. Every student has a ‘reading passport’ in class. It encourages parents to read to their children at least once a week. The parent records the title of the book on the ‘reading passport’ and the child also brings the book to class to share with classmates. I read to Yohan every night and I invest in books for him. The school also has regular Reading Festivals that the kids enjoy tremendously.
  • Creativity - Preschool allows my son to express his creativity in a lot of ways both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Music & Rhythm – Song and dance numbers by preschoolers during special events are worth watching.
  • Listening – Young kids often have short attention span so preschool teachers incorporate fun activities with lessons to encourage participation and listening skills.
  • Exploration -  Preschool is not confined inside the four walls of the classroom. Field trips give the kids a chance to explore new places and learn new things.
  • Independence - The Preschool Camp gave my son a taste of independence. I admit it wasn't easy on my part to let him go but I'm glad I did because Yohan had a terrific time with his classmates and teachers. It was a learning experience for both of us.
  • Writing – At the beginning, his unsteady hands slowly learned to write the alphabet. Now he can write sentences and even a short story.
There are many more great things that make Preschool memorable for kids and parents. These memories will live on and bring smiles to our faces.

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20 comments:

  1. congratulations!

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  2. congratulations to both wonder child and adoring parents.

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  3. How great - really - and now wonder you're proud!

    Congrats, all the way from Norway :-)

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  4. wow congratulations to Yohan and to you and Jules ,of course. Soon he will be in gradeschool!

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  5. Congratulations Yohan - Rachel you and Jules must be so proud!! Enjoy your weekend and Happy Easter.

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  6. Ang galing! My son might not yet go to school this year but I'm positive next year he will ...

    congrats

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  7. Congratulations to Yohan!

    Such a clever boy which I'm sure he inherited from his proud parents :)

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  8. Congratulations to Yohan!

    I agree with you about attending preschool. I was a preschooler too and I'm glad my parents sent me to one.

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  9. Congratulations to Yohan! You and your hubby must be raising him so beautifully.

    Happy Easter!

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  10. Warm congratulations are in order!
    And happy Easter as well to you and your family, Rachel :D

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  11. Congratulations to Yohan and to the best supporting parents! Gosh, he has learned a lot!

    keep up the good work Yohan!

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  12. congratulations to yohan and to you and his daddy. you sure are his inspiration.

    let me say this again after looking at the photo, he just looks so rachel (boy version).

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  13. blog hopping today. congratulations to Yohan and i wish him to keep reaping rainbows along the way.

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  14. Congratulations to Yohan and also to you and J! :)

    kelan ang dinner sa inyo? hahaha!

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  15. wow! daming awards. congratulations yohan and of course to you rachel & hubby.

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  16. Congrats to Yohan !
    And of course to you and your husband!

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  17. congratulations to yohan. ang laki na niya.

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  18. Awwww, how sweet he is! :) Congratulations Yohan!! You and Jules must be so proud of your adorable son! Have a happy day! Hugs!

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  19. you got to be proud of Yohan. and in turn, he has much to be proud of his loving parents. :D

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  20. You should be so proud of him!

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