At Ease
Spencer's new teacher invited us to come a day early so Spencer could spend some one-on-one time with her in the classroom to ease his fears. Her thoughtfulness speaks volumes about her. We went in and she let us hang out as long as we wanted. Spencer found a math center he enjoyed and she sat down and chatted casually with him. I wandered about to see what she had in store for them and was impressed by her imagination.

She had made little placemats to teach them how to set a table and serve food. Next to the table was a small tray of pretend breakfast food, and the table was set properly as an example. Over in the corner was a pair of binoculars built into a plush beaver mask. They will use that to observe nature from their window. She had also converted her grandmother's luggage into a "Bag About Me" which she will send home with a different child each day to fill with the child's favorite things to share with his class.

When we left, Spencer asked, "Can we go back, Mommy?"

I think his teacher's small gesture has just taken the stress out of the first day of school. Spencer knows where he is going, he likes his teacher and I am confident he is in good hands. I am at ease.