Before and After - A 2 Year Old's Journey (Caterpillar Class)
Let's take a look at some examples of what a child can typically do when they begin the CATERPILLAR CLASS and how their skills grow by the time they are ready to graduate to the next level.
| An incoming CATERPILLAR | A graduating CATERPILLAR |
|---|---|
| I get sad when separating from Mommy and Daddy in the morning. | I'm happy coming to school. |
| I can't express myself very well using words. | I use English to communicate with my friends and teachers. |
| I need help putting on and taking off my shoes. | I can put on and take off shoes by myself. |
| I need help setting up lunch and feeding myself. | I can use a spoon and fork, and clean up after myself. |
| I need help carrying and unpacking my bag. | I can put my things where they belong and carry my bag myself. |
| I only want to do what I want to do. | I can follow my teacher's instructions. |
For new students, It is normal to experience some separation anxiety and get a little sad in the morning when they are dropped off at school. This is a normal part of a child's development. After coming to school for a month or so, children learn that coming to school is enjoyable because they can learn new things from their teachers and make new friends. After a few weeks, most children can't wait to come to school!
Upon first entering the CATERPILLAR CLASS, most children usually have very little English-speaking ability. This is especially true for Japanese families and other families where English is not the language used at home.
After being immersed in an English-speaking classroom, soon many CATERPILLAR CLASS students are eager to speak English with their teachers and friends. They learn new English vocabulary to make simple sentences and to answer simple questions. This gives them the tools and opportunities to experience English with confidence and joy.
At such a young age, most children who first start in the CATERPILLAR CLASS are not accustomed to doing things on their own. They're very reliant on their teacher for help. However, they gain independence and enjoy doing tasks on their own. Over time, they learn what is expected of them, not only at school, but also in many areas outside of school. For example, they learn basic practices to tend to their own needs. This includes, but is not limited to, putting on and taking off shoes, preparing for lunch and feeding one's self, carrying one's own bag, and asking for help.
Over the course of the school year it is AMAZING to see how much our students change. When they start they often lack a lot of basic skills they will need to be successful at school. But by the end of the year they become EXPERTS in many skills and are ready for the challenges of the next level.
Quiz:
What is the most common reason 2 year olds pull off their own shoes?
- Defiance
- It's fun!!
- The shoe doesn't fit properly
- They were trained to
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