Update

Excitement is in the air, as the lions have started their 1st semester of preschool. The kids love the new school and are adjusting well to the routine of a preschool classroom. At first, things were a bit chaotic, but as with most things here, the kids have done a wonderful job of adapting to something new. The students are already showing improvements in certain areas. After one week, most of the students could answer the question, what is your name? They have also learned the Bible verse Matthew 19:14 Jesus said “Let the little children come to me.”

Teacher comment: Chrislande loves coming to school. She asks me every day if she can come to school and play with the babies (dolls). She is a nurturer at heart and loves to take care of the dolls, feed them, dress them, and change their diapers. If she decides to do another activity, she always brings her babies with her. Chrislande is very intelligent and a great problem solver. She sees patterns and does well with puzzles. Chrislande enjoys learning new things and does well paying attention and participating during circle time. She prefers to things on her own and rarely asks for help. One of Chrislande’s favorite phrases at school is, “Ka fe” (I can do it). Chrislande follows directions well at school and is a huge help when it is time to clean up.

The lions really enjoyed the performance that Clowns Without Borders gave to us on August 13. In their first experience with clowns, they were fascinated and often overjoyed. They especially enjoyed getting to talk to the clowns after the performance. The lions have also started having PE once a week on Fridays. They love the opportunity to get some of their extra energy out, and they have plenty of extra energy. One of their favorite activities during PE is to do the duck walk. They especially like it whenever an adult demonstrates it for them, quacks included.
Chrislande definitely radiates joy. When you are around her, it is hard not to smile. She has an energetic and boisterous attitude that is contagious. You can often find her giggling at things that others hadn’t thought about, but the giggles usually spread. She loves to get her photo taken and often asks if we can take her photo if she got her hair done or is wearing pretty clothes. During the photo session, she will put on her best smile, but through her teeth ask when she will get to have a treat, demonstrating her ability to multitask and think ahead:)
One of the things that we love about Chrislande is that she is very independent. She knows what she likes and she enjoys doing things herself. She often enjoys figuring things out rather than simply being shown how to do them. At times, this can lead to her resisting help when she needs it. However, she is not prone to complaining if things don’t go her way. She seems to be able to roll with whatever comes her way. You rarely see her dwell on something if she doesn’t get her way. Rather, she is off finding out what is next.
The Lions love the fact that they get to take the most walks. Although we discourage it, the lions love to march past the other rooms on the way to their walk and let them know that they are going on a walk. At times, they will even sing “Zandolits pa mache, Zandolits pa mache,” which means alligator don’t get to walk. They will sing this as they do a little dance past the other kids. It drives the other kids crazy, which is why we discourage it. However, it is extremely cute. When they are on their walk, the kids love to yell “moto” when they see one is approaching. They also like to say hello to the people in the village and animals in the field. Chrislande takes a leadership role on walks. She is fearless to be the first to do most things, as long as dogs are not involved. She especially loves to try to talk to people from a distance. It doesn’t hurt that she has a fairly strong vocal capacity.

Play Therapy Update
This may be your first time hearing about child centered play therapy, if so I do encourage all the parents to do a little research to get a better grasp. Child Centered play therapy is scheduled each week for a child to play in the playroom for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time the child plays with what they want the way they want too. Play therapy is set up to facilitate expression of emotion, decision making skills, increased confidence, self esteem, and healthy relationships. Many of the children have been through traumatic situations that have in some way effected their development. Play therapy can help improve development for these children. I am including a brief summary of your child’s progress so far in therapy.
Chrislande varies in her excitement for play therapy. She seems unsure of the process and this therapist. Chrislande is very organized in her play. She seems independent and confident in her decisions. Chrislande has trouble expressing emotions freely. She has little interaction with this therapist unless she needs help with something. Chrislande rarely forgets to put a toy away and is helpful. Chrislande’s goals are: 1) build healthy relationships 2) express emotions freely 3) improve self esteem





As of September 1, 2009:
Weigh: 29 lbs
Height: 39 1/2 inches