Dear Teacher

"I kiss you and kiss you,

With arms round my own,

Ah, how shall I miss you,

When, dear, you have grown."

-- William Butler Yeats

Kensington, age 6
Second Week of Kindergarten

Dear Teacher,

Thank you for the opportunity to write to you about our daughter, Kensington.  She is so excited to be in your class this year.  Going to kindergarten is something she has looked forward to her whole little life!  We have waited an extra year for her to start because we sensed that she wasn't quite ready, having turned five the week before school began last year.

She has been at home with mom (attending a private preschool three times a week for half-days), so she does feel a bit nervous about starting, too.  She is a special, well-loved child in our home, and we think you will really enjoy having her in your class.

The first thing you will notice about Kensington is that she may seem shy or stand-offish when you talk to her.  This doesn't mean she doesn't like you.  She acts this way when she receives unwanted attention or is in the spotlight, or when she is receiving attention of which she has no control.  After she warms up a little, you'll find that she will be one of your happiest, most outgoing students.  She has a ready smile (dimples and cross bite included), an eagerness to learn, and she is a natural leader.  Her contagious laugh will win you over, and you will forget she was ever the quiet one.

She catches on quickly and lives wholly in the present, enjoying the people around her and whatever life is bringing at the moment.  She will take everything in, especially if her "love languages" are met.  She needs physical affection, little gifts and tokens of appreciation, and positive words of affirmation.

The best learning environment for her is a nurturing one.  She responds best to praise and encouragement, and she is motivated best when rewarded with "treasures."  When threatened with criticism, she shuts down pretty quickly because she is a pleaser and wants you to appreciate her efforts.  You will find that she is a quiet nurturer and a first-responder to those who need help.  She is happiest when she feels needed, and she has a lot to give.

Please help her to stay away from what our kids call "Sassy Girls."  She adapts well to the people around her, including the kids who might not be so nice, so we hope she can retain the good we try to teach her.  She can be a picky eater as well, and she has somewhat of a sweet tooth, which we are trying to curb at home, so please limit the amount of sweet treats she receives in class.

Please take good care of her.  The seven hours you have her at school is more than the six hours we get with her at home when she's not sleeping.  How quickly these years go by . . .

With gratitude,

Kensington's Mom and Dad