Just Hang Loose

(coming soon!)

What happens when a small-town Iowa preshool teacher takes meticulous notes for thirty years on the antics of her beloved students? You get a humorous look into the mind of a four year old that will make you smile and cringe at the same time.

Spend some time in the classroom with Averil Merritt, Eric's preschool teacher, at the River City Pre-School in Mason City, Iowa. Who learned more about life at this school—Averil or her students? You'll find your own childlike sense of wonder renewed by reading this book to find out! You'll also learn what Eric first wanted to be when he grew up. (We're still waiting to find out what he decided.)

  • October 19:

    I gather all the children together on the rug just before we open the curtain and remark that most of the children do not seem very happy today. I wonder out loud what we do to help them feel better.

    "Be nice to them," Nancy says.

    I comment that she has a good idea and ask what actions we can take to be nice.

    "Don't hit, kick, or spit!" Nancy answers.

    "But we can spit on Nancy's mom's car!" Shannon adds.

  • February 3:

    I am reading to Larissa.

    "The little boy picked up his fish pole," I read.

    Larissa interrupts me. "Say this: fish-ing pole."

    I repeat each syllable after her.

    "Now say it again," Larissa says. "FISHING POLE."

    She enunciates very clearly.

    I repeat the words.

    "There now, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

  • September 14:

    Chris is riding the tractor following Tony on the crane.

    "You don't have to follow me," Tony tells him.

    "Yes, I do," Chris responds. "I'm your friend, remember?"

    "Oh, yeah."

  • March 17:

    Carisa takes Andrew by the arm and leads him to the cupboard.

    "Let's get busy together," she tells him.

    Andrew pulls his arm away, but he agrees to use the peg set with her.

    "Look at who I'm playing with!" Carisa announces, smiling at me.

    "What's his name again?"

  • November 3:

    Jackie takes Christin by the hand.

    "Let's go jump in the lake!"

  • May 12:

    Jenny eats an apple at snack time, and when she is finished she stands behind her chair and peeks around it on the right side and then the left.

    "Kiss my grits!" she says suddenly.

    Mrs. G. asks her who says that.

    "My grandpa and grandma," Jenny replies.

We can't wait to "hang loose" with you right here in River City! —Averil, Kelly, and Eric