Lab School - separation anxiety

From Ms. Christine -

Here's an update of how Holland's day was at Lab School:

Holland had a tough time with the separation this morning, crying about 10 minutes before Natalie was able to help him engage in using some trikes and Radio Flyers (not sure if this was a wagon or trike).  Since Cindy was away all day yesterday, that was probably what made it harder for him to say goodbye.  Although it can be distressing to observe, the hard separation is actually a normal sign of healthy attachment (especially initially in a new situation and when a child has been without their parent for a little while).  He prefers his parent and wants to be with them because that bond is the strongest.  Of course, it should get easier as he builds trust with the new environment and the new people, and as he develops his own emotional control and coping skills.

Holland had a good time reading books and going down the slide outside.  Rosalinda said he may have some dirt on his legs from doing so.  I'll be sure to check when he gets a bath tonight.  He again liked the pop up toy inside and played a lot with the kitchen.  There was even a time when most of the kids were interested in playing at the kitchen together and did some pretend play with each other.  He played with play-doh, but had a hard time keeping it at the table, with frequent reminders and redirection.  Snack was peaches and crackers.  He ate only a bite of peach, but ate many crackers.  He had a nice diaper change, and even pointed to the stairs that pull out and to climb up (with a little help).  He did some drawing with large chubby crayons and now I realize that Rosalinda was saying "art," not "heart."  As I looked at the marks, it looks like Holland is starting to move a little past the initial relationship with crayons (or line tools) of just noticing the cause and effect of the tool.  He had several kinds of marks that were repeated on his paper, which indicates an intentionality of hand movements to try to make similar marks.