Hey all,
My DS, who is nearly 18 mo, will be starting in Montessori Toddler program next month (18m - 36m classroom). It's a 5 days per week, mornings only session - same as his sister who is in the Primary program (& is thriving - this school is a blessing)!
We've visited the toddler classroom, met the teacher, DS has met the teacher, he's excited about it, his sister is excited about it, his dad is excited about it.
They will start him off 1 hr each day, gradually increasing the time as the teacher feels he's ready for it. It took DD about 6 weeks of adjustment time - until she was completely comfortable with the whole process, and she was 3.5 yrs. old. But she'd never been away from me previous to that. She LOVES it now.
DS has a very different temperment; a bit more outgoing/independent. He's already speaking 2-3 word sentences, understands all you say to him, quite independent player. But I don't want him to feel on Day 1 that I'm just "dropping him off with a stranger" - know what I mean? He's usually quite good at separating - no problems going with DH, MIL, or nanny (she's been caring for my children p/t while I WAH since DS was 4mo), but they are the only people who have ever cared for him, aside from me, so this is a new situation - new place AND new person. Any ideas for how better to prep for the transition? We're planning in the days before he starts, to make quick "hellos" to the teacher & her classroom, so he is newly familiar with her face & classroom. Anything else we can do?
How did your 18mo first day of school go? What should I plan for? How can I make it the best experience possible?
Thanks in advance!
My DS, who is nearly 18 mo, will be starting in Montessori Toddler program next month (18m - 36m classroom). It's a 5 days per week, mornings only session - same as his sister who is in the Primary program (& is thriving - this school is a blessing)!
We've visited the toddler classroom, met the teacher, DS has met the teacher, he's excited about it, his sister is excited about it, his dad is excited about it.
They will start him off 1 hr each day, gradually increasing the time as the teacher feels he's ready for it. It took DD about 6 weeks of adjustment time - until she was completely comfortable with the whole process, and she was 3.5 yrs. old. But she'd never been away from me previous to that. She LOVES it now.
DS has a very different temperment; a bit more outgoing/independent. He's already speaking 2-3 word sentences, understands all you say to him, quite independent player. But I don't want him to feel on Day 1 that I'm just "dropping him off with a stranger" - know what I mean? He's usually quite good at separating - no problems going with DH, MIL, or nanny (she's been caring for my children p/t while I WAH since DS was 4mo), but they are the only people who have ever cared for him, aside from me, so this is a new situation - new place AND new person. Any ideas for how better to prep for the transition? We're planning in the days before he starts, to make quick "hellos" to the teacher & her classroom, so he is newly familiar with her face & classroom. Anything else we can do?
How did your 18mo first day of school go? What should I plan for? How can I make it the best experience possible?
Thanks in advance!
