Down in the Dumps

Do you ever just get down in the dumps? I am definitely feeling very down. I am not good with change and there are a few changes on the horizon that I am not looking forward to. I especially hate change when it is something I have no control over. I'm being vague and that's stupid. The change is that Mrs. Lamb (Parker's preschool teacher) is leaving the co-op. I have really grown to appreciate her and her teaching style so much. When he first started there, I thought she should focus on academics more and try to get them to start reading, writing and arithmetic. You know, give them a head start on kindergarten. It didn't take very long for me to see that she is giving them a huge head start on kindergarten--she gives them the important skills like sitting still, following directions, routines, etc. that make it possible for them to be totally ready to learn when they hit school. It doesn't matter if a child knows how to read if he can't sit quietly at group time. It doesn't matter if he can count to 100 if he can't stand in line without touching other kids. Mrs. Lamb holds a master's degree in early childhood education, but she teaches like someone who has learned from experience--not textbooks. I am so sad that Jack will not have the same opportunity to learn from her as Parker has. If ever there were a child who could use Mrs. Lamb's brand of strict-but-caring teaching, it's Jack. I'm sure that whomever is chosen to replace her will be highly qualified and capable, but she will never be a Mrs. Lamb because I don't believe there are too many of her kind left out there. I always told people that she reminded me of teachers when I was a kid. They weren't usually affectionate. I don't remember any ever getting down and playing with us. They had high expectations for behavior and learning. I was so hoping that the co-op board would at least be open to finding a replacement who is more focused on basic learning skills than academics, but that doesn't seem to be the direction they are headed. I am anxious to see how this all plays out. Maybe I will be thrilled with the new teacher. I hope so, for Jack's sake.