Letter from a first-time Kindergarten mama

On the eve of Emme's Kindergarten open house, I started to think about what I would share with Emme's new teacher if I could. Obviously, she will get to know her well over the next year, and I imagine that I will have the chance to share some tidbits, but given the chance to share more...

Dear Mrs. Penner,

I imagine that you received the “basics” on my first born when you learned that she was going to be in your class this year—name, age, where she went to preschool, etc. However, as I anticipate her transition into Sheridan Elementary, I thought that perhaps I’d share a few more things about Miss Emme…

She knows the rules and isn’t afraid to follow them (99% of the time). She loves to play school—as long as she’s the teacher. She likes learning new things. She doesn’t like to make mistakes. She swims an awesome freestyle. She loves Husker football. She loves shoes—the more bling, the better. She believes in the Tooth Fairy, Disney Princesses, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. She makes her baby sister Eastyn’s face light up when she walks in the room. Her favorite way to wear her hair is in a “whole pony.” She is smart. She insists on picking out her own clothes. She smiles when she asks why her little sister Sutton always wants to copy her—because she already knows the answer. She is proud that her sister wants to be like her. She loves Taylor Swift and Justin Beaver. She is logical and practical (for a five-year-old). She loves peanut butter and honey sandwiches. She is thoughtful. She prefers things her way and on her terms. She loves markers, paint, sidewalk chalk and anything having to do with doing “projects.” She is competitive. Even when you think she’s not listening, she absolutely is and she’ll likely prove it to you hours or even days later. Her favorite princess is Jasmine. She loves books. She can be sensitive and cautious and sometimes quiet and shy. She can be silly and loud and has a strong will. She loves to help. She might act like she doesn’t care, but she really does. She loves art—drawing, coloring, cutting, gluing, etc. She likes to cuddle. She is slow to open up, but when she does, she is all in.

Thank you in advance for the time that you will spend teaching, nurturing and molding my oldest little. Enjoy her. Appreciate her. Engage her. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,
Amber Antholz, A first-time Kindergarten mama