Porter finished his year of preschool and is ready for his kindergarten debut in the fall! I got kind of teary on his last day of school when I saw what awards he took home: "biggest helper" for always being willing to help everyone and the "really sticking to to it award" for sticking it out even when he was frustrated by certain concepts (once when he was frustrated he couldn't cut using a pair of scissors, he used the scissors to snip off a chunk of his hair). His teacher said he's really worked hard this year on listening and managing his emotions.
Porter's ABCs
Porter can be a challenge. He's super stubborn and the more you push him to do something, the more he digs his heels in and will refuse. When he's frustrated he'll usually lash out by calling other people names and he's super territorial, even adding new friends into the mix can bring out a mean streak if he feels like his friendships are being threatened by the new kids. He has mischievous streak and gets some wild ideas (like peeing into an empty water bottle and then flinging the liquid around as he and his friend jumped on a trampoline. Yep, that really happened).
It's easy for Porter to get labeled as the trouble-maker or class clown (he also loves the attention he gets from the other kids for his silly and naughty behavior). I've had other moms tell me that I have my hands full with Porter or that they don't know how I handle him. I know they aren't saying it to intentionally hurt my feelings (it is true after all), but I can't help but get defensive of my son. I want so badly for people to SEE HIM as I do. Yes, he's all of those things, but he's also so sweet and can be so thoughtful and kind. He's curious about everything is always asking where things come from or what things are made of. Porter is my project kid...give him a job to do and he's so happy and content. Even if it's picking up sticks in the yard, he thrives on having a job to do. He loves to snuggle and will come sit by me and just want hugs.
His teacher, Miss Sheri, was so great to see the positive characteristics in Porter and that made all the difference in preschool. He had some rough patches for sure, but she still loved him and he knew that. That's why those awards he got on his last day of school mean the world to me. And to him too. He was SO PROUD of himself!
Preschool in Review
September: First day of school with his broken collar bone
October: He dressed up as Batman for Halloween, but took his costume off 5 minutes later. He told everyone he was "black man"
November: Green Eggs and Ham day at school
December: Gingerbread houses, Santa and problem solving by building a tower with cups
February: Happy 5th Birthday! A boy and his dog (Honey's Dog, Lady) on a winter hike. Painting at Honey's house, and sorting candy at the Valentine's Day party. Crazy hair day (but this was right after Porter had cut his own hair so I buzzed it. He didn't really have any hair to do anything "crazy", but he still wanted his picture taken)
April: He went antler shed hunting with dad and found some treasures. He made his own Easter egg basket out a milk carton and painted it at school.
May: Class Campout Day. Love the photo of Porter with his friend Daniel. This was a love/hate friendship that eventually turned into all love.
To end the school year, Miss Sheri hosted a carnival for the kids. There were bounce houses and games, balloon animals, and face painting.
Congratulations Porter on a great school year!
