Zoe: Leader of the Pack

Today was Zoe's parent-teacher conference and it went very well. Zoe is very much loved in the daycare center. The overall consensus on Zoe is that she is "a leader" (they call her the "leader of the pack" because all the kids follow her around and do what she says), "very independent," and "dramatic."

Here is Zoe's "report card:"

Self-Help
Zoe can serve herself and pour her own milk. She uses the potty with very little adult assistance. She can dress herself (coat, underpants, pants) with little adult assistance. We are working on shoes and socks. She is VERY independent!

Emotional Development
Zoe has her own drop-off routine in the morning. She likes to take her time coming into the classroom but once she is in, she immediately sits down for breakfast and starts talking to her friends and teachers.

Social Development
Zoe is working towards more cooperative play. She plays very well with Harry and other children close in age to her. She sometimes gets frustrated with the smaller children who aren't talking as much yet because they can't communicate with her as quickly and easily. Zoe loves to explore new things with other children and often encourages other children to be more adventurous. She will take turns with adult guidance. She uses her words well to assert herself, though she still occasionally uses body language if she is especially upset or frustrated.

Cognitive Development
Zoe loves to play pretend (she likes to pretend she is "going to get bagels"). She matches colors and shapes perfectly. She loves to give the baby dolls baths. Zoe can move obstacles out of her way when she is riding tricycles. More recently, she was able to figure out magnet wands and magnets all by herself.

Language Development
Zoe is a real chatterbox! She talks about everything! She sings all the time - she often leads the class in songtime. She easily understands complex directions. She is very responsive to other children's requests (i.e. Harry says "My nose is running" and Zoe gets him a tissue). Zoe has a fantastic memory and is starting to learn her ABCs in sign language (she asked her teacher Michelle to teach her).

Physical Development
Zoe is VERY active! She gets the other children moving (i.e. "Let's run, everybody!") She can pedal a tricycle with no problem and likes to push the younger children in strollers and carts. She uses paint brushes, crayons, pens and pencils with great ease and is starting to learn to use scissors.

Zoe is developing nicely in all areas!