Nolan had his first day of preschool today. The first day that I would give him a hug and say, "I'll be back soon!" and leave the classroom. I was worried about separation anxiety. I was worried about communication issues. I was worried about other children potentially pulling on his hearing aids.
For all my worries, the day went so smoothly, there isn't really anything to write about. The other kids weren't interested in his aids at all. Separation went like this:
Me: I'll see you later, Nolan!
Nolan: See later, Mom!
No tears, no angst, not even a pouty little lip. Just a happy little boy who was baking a pretend cake with his teacher.
His hearing in noise is questionable at best, but the teachers are so caring and do everything they can to minimize background noise. Nolan's articulation differences are apparent sometimes, as he tends to have some distorted vowels and strange consonants- the other kids shouted out "COW!" during story time and Nolan shouted out "Dah!" (his word for cow). For the most part, however, he fit right into the class.
When I picked him up, he was eating goldfish crackers and a pretzel. Mouth full of gummy food, he offered me one, "Here go, Mom."
Today was an absolute success. I am thrilled that he is not the youngest in the class, and that the staff (I think there were about 5 staff members in the room) was so caring and helpful with my little boy. I absolutely love this program and I can see Nolan growing in many ways through this next year!
10 comments:
What a wonderful goodbye for a mom worried about leaving her toddler the first day of school! That has to make you feel good inside and that much easier dropping him off knowing he feels so comfortable in the setting there. Now for some down time for mom while the boys are in school. I can't wait to hear all about Nolan's school days as the year progresses!
Sounds like he had a great time! Extra helpful teachers are a big plus too! I can't wait to hear about his progress this year!
Great! Sounds like he's in an excellent environment. You might want to look into getting an FM system if he's having a lot of trouble with hearing in noise. In future years, you could get the school district to provide one, but for now it might be worth purchasing a personal one. (Good for restaurants, too.) They're not cheap, though. A soundfield is a cheaper option, but really only appropriate for mild losses. Ask Michelle Dube for advice.
Fun!
And he was eating when you went to get him. Cool!
Julie
PS We got an FM of our own. Children's Hospital helped with the funding.
It would probably be REALLY helpful. Tate's has different settings. We set it so that he still hears all the ambient noise, but the teacher (or whoever is using the mic) is piped right into his ear.
Just a though.
Good job Mom! Sounds like you are raising a confident little boy who loves to learn! On top of that, it does make it better knowing they are loved at school! So glad all went well.
Congrats on his 1st step into the world of education.I felt the same anxiety thorough out the 1st month , so I can understand.I am sure he will do well and it will be grt to know about his progress. the nolanisms are really funny.
YAY!!! It sounds like he is doing great!!
Yes, I agree with the comment about looking into getting an FM system. Both Jared and Allison use one and it has made a world of difference.
Yeah! So happy all went well.
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