Smooth transitions for the youngsters

It's been a great summer at Kiddie City on East 200th Street. We had visits from G Wiz, ponies and other animal friends, and Euclid Beach Park Now representatives sharing memories of "the good 'ol days." The older children have traveled on foot or by bus to great locations like Gateway Retirement Community, Memphis Kiddie Park and the Natural History Museum in University Circle. Now it's time for many transitions - from a carefree, warm summer to a busy, crisp fall and from a familiar prekindergarten classroom to a new school with new faces. Our teachers have been working hard to help our children prepare for this moment in hopes that their transition to this new chapter in their lives is as seamless as possible.

Miss Sue, their lead teacher, informally interviewed students as they prepared to depart their familiar surroundings. We knew that we were in for a treat when one student said, "I don't like to answer these questions." When asked if they were glad that they had attended preschool, Sanela said "Yes, ‘cause I liked it here" and Aleia responded, "I can do so many great things and I had great teachers." Jamel surprised us, however, when he responded, "No, there were too many blocks." He had the ability to make many choices during the day that helped him begin to define his interests and building does not seem to be one of them.

Even though the calendar, the train, and penguins were highlighted as favorite subjects covered in their class, washing hands to get rid of germs and dirt was mentioned by several children as an important life skill learned. We hope that all the children gained Sanela's important learned social skill - "How to play with my friends."

In asking the children their thoughts about kindergarten and if they are ready, Aleia says she's a little scared but "I'm ready to go." We hope that Malachi's kindergarten teacher is happy when he walks into the classroom ready and with the promise that "I'm not going to act bad." Earnie, Trey, Gianna, and Jamel put the "cool" in kindergarten and are excited for this new, fun experience. Jenna already knows that "you get to do homework" as she prepares to gain knowledge in so many ways.

Some of the adults at Kiddie City will be going through a little separation anxiety as well. We've had many of these sixteen graduates in our center since they were infants and their families have been a part of our Kiddie City family. We know that we have done our best to prepare our students to continue their lifelong love of learning and have the assurance that more children will be transitioning from other classes to take their places. May all Euclid students and teachers have smooth transitions to a great year of learning!