Who Asked Us? Preschool Laid a Foundation

Nap time. Snack time. Free time. Silent time. There are many "times" in preschool that I remember adoringly. Looking back on my early years in this world, I can see that my years in preschool were essential to my personal development.

I went to a public preschool in Alameda called The ABC School. My parents had always been sure I was headed to preschool, as my sister had gone as well. However, for me, walking to ABC school with my mom was a scary experience in the beginning. I had never been too far away from my parents before, and it was hard for me to accept a new life with strangers. Strangers who would make me do bizarre things like sleep during the day, sing about twinkling stars and little lambs and memorize 26 different squiggly figures each with their own sound.

Before my years in preschool, I had never been very social with anyone outside of my family. The group activities at school forced me to become closer with some of my peers. It helped me develop some of the early social skills I would need in grade school. I honestly believe that because of preschool, it was easier for me to make friends in kindergarten. I became much more comfortable with interacting with new people, as my mom recalls how much I would freely converse with people around me. The shyness that I had before ABC school was forever lost to freeze tag and show and tell. I think children need this experience to gain their individuality and learn to make it on their own in the unfamiliar confines of a classroom.

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