As I mentioned, I didn't want to push Ava into the Mrs. Barb's class, but wanted her to go when she was ready. I mentioned to Ava that she might be able to learn to read like her buddy Matthew (who is 6) more quickly if she went into Mrs. Barb's class. She enjoys trying to sound things out, so I thought this might get the point across. Her current class was sometimes combined with an even younger class, too, so I felt like Ava could really benefit from moving up to the 4-5 year-old class. Again, I didn't want to pressure her at all, so this was the only time I mentioned it.
In that same brief conversation, I told her that we could make a treat to celebrate going into the new classroom, whenever she was ready. Without any prompting, the next morning at school, she asked (on her own) if she could go into Mrs. Barb's classroom (on 05/11). Later in the week, Ava and I went shopping for cupcake supplies and then made them on Thursday night. She really enjoyed decorating them! We took them into school on Friday 05/14. They were a big hit with everyone at school. This is the picture from the Betty Crocker Web site. We used different colored cones, too.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/surprise-cupcake-cones/cfa34a11-41ca-4259-9df1-95b62631f81a?WT.mc_id=taf_recipe_BC
Mrs. Barb pulled me aside when I went to pick-up Ava on Monday (5/17), before I got Ava. She said "I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of how Ava is growing up. She is such a sweet girl. She listens so well and follows instructions, and she has only been in my class a few days. I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of her."
She said that Ava cleaned up without being asked to clean up, and another time she sat down on the mat because she knew it was time, when Mrs. Barb asked everyone. (I guess it took other kids a few times to follow directions.) Mrs. Barb says she reached into the treasure box and reached past the standard stickers, to give Ava a more substantial reward because she felt she deserved it.
What makes me even more happy is that Mrs. Barb told me she had pulled Ava aside earlier in the day, to let Ava personally know how proud she was of her. I am so proud of Ava, and let her know this, as well. She is so thoughtful and caring. I love that she does this on her own, and not because she is prompted in any way. She is certainly growing up. I love to see her embracing her responsibilities, and owning the process "of growing up". Such a big girl!
Peace, love and sweetness,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
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