First Day of School

I volunteered today in pre-k.  This was the first day of school.  I was surprised that there was only one child who burst into tears.  His mother literally shoved him in the door and ran....guess she knew what was coming.  The afternoon class has 14 boys and 5 girls.  Really top heavy with little boys.  But the little girls look like they can hold their own with the boys.

There was one little boy cute as a button.  His is quite small which may indicate that he is a young 4 year old perhaps.  He came in smiling from ear to ear but about 30 minutes later he saw the little boy who has autism trying to leave the class.  The other teacher was at the door trying to redirect him when the little red head decided he would try and leave as well.  This lead into a full blown temper tantrum.  He screamed, hit, spit, knocked chairs over and threw himself a big fit.  All the time it was going on you could see that he was testing every adult in the room.  My daughter got him over to the rug and made him sit down.  She told him when he was "ready" he could join the other kids and play.  He proceeded to scream and hit and jump up and she would immediately put him back on the rug.  She knew she was being tested and she was prepared to win the war.  This went on for at least 45 minutes but she never gave in and finally "he broke".  Once the battle was over he went on and had a good afternoon.

Now, for me, I was just slap jawed at this whole scene.  I knew that wasn't new behavior for this kid and I can't imagine a 4 year old spitting and hitting an adult.  His mom didn't seem surprised when she was told about the rough start to the day.  I guess this goes on at home as well.

By the time the day was over you could have poured me into the car.  I was exhausted!  Just think, they have 9 more months to go.  Teachers....I don't know how you do it!  God bless every one of you!