Friday, August 27, 2010

Kindergarten, Try #2

School starts on Monday for my boys. The summer went by too fast, as usual.

Brian's regular ed teacher has been amazing at scheduling a bunch of times for us to come in before school started for Brian to get acclimated to the new school and new room.

Throughout our visits I was told by his teacher, the principal, an ed tech, and the speech therapist how well Brian was doing. They were all amazed at his gains over the summer. Here, I didn't really think there was a huge gain, but I also am with him every day. Sometimes you don't notice the small gradual changes unless you are away for a while.

Hearing everyone tell me this made me feel extremely proud. I have been working hard this summer. We started a Handwriting Without Tears program and did some TouchMath. I made social stories and games to work on answering questions. We did a lot of outings. We played games using sight words. We used a calendar regularly. We read books over and over again. I sat through a lot of tantrums.
But most of all I never give up on him and I believe with every fiber of my being that he can learn anything, if I just find the right way to teach it.

Last year wasn't the greatest education-wise and I'm hoping it won't be a repeat of that. We have a new ed tech, new special ed teacher, and continuing with our private SLP & OT out of school. I am hoping these changes will make a difference.

Back to school, here we come.

5 comments:

Lynn said...

Good luck! Sounds like you worked your ass off this summer. It will pay off I'm sure. Audrey started on Wednesday. Who knows how it's going since I don't exactly get alot of information out of her. I need to be obnoxious and get an observation on the calendar pronto. I hope all goes well next week!

Kathy said...

You sure have done your "homework" preparing for Monday. I hope it is a good week.

Dani G said...

Good luck next week!!

It's so important that we have good, open relationships with our kids' therapists/teachers so that we can hear stories about their progress. You're so right: it's really hard for us to see the progress because we're with them constantly. Sounds like the summer was very good for you guys. Keep up the momentum!!

Christina said...

It must be so great knowing that all of the hard work you did shows! I hope he has a great year!

Dani G said...

Good luck next week!!

It's so important that we have good, open relationships with our kids' therapists/teachers so that we can hear stories about their progress. You're so right: it's really hard for us to see the progress because we're with them constantly. Sounds like the summer was very good for you guys. Keep up the momentum!!