Berkeley has officially graduated from the Purple Room at EPH Preschool. Having him graduate helped me look back at where he was when he started preschool and see how much being in this setting with wonderful teachers and children has helped him grow. When Berkeley started at EPH 1 1/2 years ago he was quiet, struggled in large groups, had major problems with sensory issues (hated loud sounds, hated having things on his hands, wouldn't try new food, etc.) Being in the preschool setting Berkeley had gained tremendous confidence. He loves to be in a classroom setting and does well in big groups. He loves to chat and tell stories to all his friends and everyone in his class things he is super funny. Berkeley is still shy in front of people he doesn't know, but once your his friend, he will not stop talking to you!
Berkeley has also come so far with his sensory issues, he no longer struggles when his class gets loud, he can deal with it and it doesn't even phase him any longer. While he doesn't love to paint, he has participated in painting projects and even done some finger painting, work with markers and glue.
He has also gained a lot of confidence from going to the playground so often that now he will jump off structures and enjoys swinging high.
Berkeley's fine motor skills have improved as well! He can know cut with scissors, know how to hold a pencil, write his name and all his letters.
Berkeley is the star of his classroom when it comes to dealing with strong feelings. When kids in his class get upset he is good at walking them through the calm down steps. When he is taught something, he has a gift to learn it and apply it. He helps kids to smell the flowers and blow out the bubbles (I love it that he uses this technique at home as well) and then think about how to solve the problem.
He has been good to tell his friend, "Please stop that, I do not like it." He says it like a robot, and its not the most sincere sounding, but he knows when to say it.
It was nice to recognize all the ways Berkeley has grown, and celebrate at this little graduation.
During the year college students worked with his class each week reading and teaching the kids different things. The program was called Jumpstart. Berke's jumpstart Buddy Jack showed up for his graduation which was ADORABLE!!
Our little family, we are so proud of this little man.
Travis and Auntie G came to Berkeley's graduation to show support as well, it was so sweet to have people there to show how proud they were of him.
Berkeley and his girlfriend Jayda. He is obsessed with her and tells me all the time how she is his best friend and she is really pretty. She really is super cute and full of personality. It is kinda sad that all the kids in his class are going to different schools throughout Somerville.
Here is Berkeley's pal Julia, they have the same area at nap time. She teaches Berke about Lala Paloosy dolls and he teaches her about Star Wars and Angry Birds. They get along really well.
Berkeley has 3 teachers int he purple room and then the director of the preschool is also very involved. They are all wonderful with the children and we couldn't ask for better teachers for this little guy!
Mrs. Shelly
Ms. Sheri (Director)
Mr. John
Mrs. Yolanda
It is sad to move on from preschool, as he has gone here for the past year 5 days a week all day long. These people have become such a huge part of his life and it just seems odd to move on. We are grateful for the time we had at EPH as it was absolutely a wonderful experience.
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