Jonathan finally finally FINALLY slept a decent stretch of sleep straight for the first time in his young life last night. He went down at 7:30... I got up at midnight to go to the bathroom and he hadn't been up yet. Checked on him. Still breathing. (LOL) I woke up again at 3a.m (apparently I am trained), checked on the older boys and Jonathan again. Still breathing. Back to bed... Tom got up for the morning at 5 and J woke up shortly thereafter, had some milk and went back to sleep until 7.
Please oh PLEASE let this be the first night of a permanent situation. It has been a VERY long time since I have slept for a full night.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Frindle...
Ben's class is reading this book, 'Frindle' by Andrew Clements. I'd never heard of it until Ben started talking about it a week or two ago. He LOVES this book. He tried to get it out of the library at school the other day, but it turns out they aren't allowed to check out a book they are reading as a class. I really wanted to read it because he is so into it, so I ordered it from Amazon.
Ben dropped it like a hot potato when I handed it to him and says he will not TOUCH it until they finish it at school. How cute is that? That's my little rule follower for you.
It didn't stop me from picking it up a little while ago and reading it over to cover; and ohgosh, this book is FANTASTIC.
The ending totally caught me off guard and, I have to confess, made me cry. (also gave me some things to ponder about the current school year... optimist that I am.)
Anyway, good read for your first or second grader if you want to check it out!!
Ben dropped it like a hot potato when I handed it to him and says he will not TOUCH it until they finish it at school. How cute is that? That's my little rule follower for you.
It didn't stop me from picking it up a little while ago and reading it over to cover; and ohgosh, this book is FANTASTIC.
The ending totally caught me off guard and, I have to confess, made me cry. (also gave me some things to ponder about the current school year... optimist that I am.)
Anyway, good read for your first or second grader if you want to check it out!!
Enjoy it While it Lasts....
So... preschool.
It's funny having a second child go through preschool while the first child has moved on to the real deal. It makes preschool a COMPLETELY different experience from a mom's perspective. Some of the difference is positive. Some isn't. But it has been on my mind lately.
Honestly? It's realllly hard to put aside the "been there, done that" mentality. I'm pretty good about doing this with other parts of the kids' lives so far. But the thing is, when the oldest child has moved on actual school, you suddenly see preschool for what it is and that's, well... PREschool. It's fun. It's play. It's preparation for real school. But, for the most part, they are there to have fun in a comfortable, loving place.... and, let's be honest here.... to have something to occupy them for somewhere between 2-1/2 and 6 hours a couple days a week. I'm SURE I'll feel the same way about elementary school when I have a child in middle school... but for now, it is what it is.
I remember actually STRESSING OUT about Ben's preschool conference when he was three. Can't say I thought much about Simon's conference last year... though I remember I was worried about his temper and wanted his teacher's thoughts on that. I'm confident that one way or another he'll come out on the other side of preschool knowing his letters, numbers and colors and some adorable songs with hand motions. He'll also understand that there are times for sitting and listening and times for waiting his turn, that he doesn't have to get along with everyone but that he does have to be kind and keep his hands to himself.... and that school is not a place for weapons, even the custom-built Lego variety. All of this will probably still only somewhat prepare him for the full-on assault to five-year-old sensibilities that is the reality of full-day kindergarten, which I'm sure will be a huge adjustment any way you slice it.
I had an eye-opening moment last night when I realized I had felt immense relief that I only had to get a child ready for preschool this morning since the public schools are closed for the Jewish holiday. Preschool -- it's just RELAXED... the whole environment, the whole routine. I'm not sure you can fully appreciate this until you've experienced elementary school with your child. For instance, I know Simon won't get in trouble if we forgets something and if we do, I can just run it up there anyway without some kind of official signing in at the office rigamarole.. He won't HAVE to do the art project if he'd rather build with blocks or dress up as Batman. He won't come home with grades on his papers or "please sign here" stamped anywhere.
If I want, I can go a little early to pick-up time and watch him run around on the playground or walk down and wander around the classroom. They don't so much welcome that in public elementary school. It was an ease-in process though, so I didn't notice it happening until I turned around and really looked back. In kindergarten, I was able to come in once a month and sit in the classroom while I cut and glued things for the teacher. In first grade, I went up once a month and made copies, did reading with kids one-on-one and sometimes got to sit in on classroom stuff while I worked on a project. Second grade? Honestly, I have only a vague idea of what goes on all day, I have NO idea who any of Ben's friends are. I have never seen his class together. There is nothing to help with in the classroom. And I never get to see him in action. I'll have to wait for American Education week and I'll get ONE morning to see what goes down when he is away from home.
I guess all this to say.... those of you with just preschool-aged kids now.... PLEASE appreciate everything about preschool while it lasts. Someone said this to a group of us at a preschool board meeting when Ben was four and I kind of laughed, thinking nothing would really change. Let me tell you. It changes a WHOLE lot.
Not sure if this post even makes any sense, or if it's just rambling. Just something that has been on my mind the last few days. :)
It's funny having a second child go through preschool while the first child has moved on to the real deal. It makes preschool a COMPLETELY different experience from a mom's perspective. Some of the difference is positive. Some isn't. But it has been on my mind lately.
Honestly? It's realllly hard to put aside the "been there, done that" mentality. I'm pretty good about doing this with other parts of the kids' lives so far. But the thing is, when the oldest child has moved on actual school, you suddenly see preschool for what it is and that's, well... PREschool. It's fun. It's play. It's preparation for real school. But, for the most part, they are there to have fun in a comfortable, loving place.... and, let's be honest here.... to have something to occupy them for somewhere between 2-1/2 and 6 hours a couple days a week. I'm SURE I'll feel the same way about elementary school when I have a child in middle school... but for now, it is what it is.
I remember actually STRESSING OUT about Ben's preschool conference when he was three. Can't say I thought much about Simon's conference last year... though I remember I was worried about his temper and wanted his teacher's thoughts on that. I'm confident that one way or another he'll come out on the other side of preschool knowing his letters, numbers and colors and some adorable songs with hand motions. He'll also understand that there are times for sitting and listening and times for waiting his turn, that he doesn't have to get along with everyone but that he does have to be kind and keep his hands to himself.... and that school is not a place for weapons, even the custom-built Lego variety. All of this will probably still only somewhat prepare him for the full-on assault to five-year-old sensibilities that is the reality of full-day kindergarten, which I'm sure will be a huge adjustment any way you slice it.
I had an eye-opening moment last night when I realized I had felt immense relief that I only had to get a child ready for preschool this morning since the public schools are closed for the Jewish holiday. Preschool -- it's just RELAXED... the whole environment, the whole routine. I'm not sure you can fully appreciate this until you've experienced elementary school with your child. For instance, I know Simon won't get in trouble if we forgets something and if we do, I can just run it up there anyway without some kind of official signing in at the office rigamarole.. He won't HAVE to do the art project if he'd rather build with blocks or dress up as Batman. He won't come home with grades on his papers or "please sign here" stamped anywhere.
If I want, I can go a little early to pick-up time and watch him run around on the playground or walk down and wander around the classroom. They don't so much welcome that in public elementary school. It was an ease-in process though, so I didn't notice it happening until I turned around and really looked back. In kindergarten, I was able to come in once a month and sit in the classroom while I cut and glued things for the teacher. In first grade, I went up once a month and made copies, did reading with kids one-on-one and sometimes got to sit in on classroom stuff while I worked on a project. Second grade? Honestly, I have only a vague idea of what goes on all day, I have NO idea who any of Ben's friends are. I have never seen his class together. There is nothing to help with in the classroom. And I never get to see him in action. I'll have to wait for American Education week and I'll get ONE morning to see what goes down when he is away from home.
I guess all this to say.... those of you with just preschool-aged kids now.... PLEASE appreciate everything about preschool while it lasts. Someone said this to a group of us at a preschool board meeting when Ben was four and I kind of laughed, thinking nothing would really change. Let me tell you. It changes a WHOLE lot.
Not sure if this post even makes any sense, or if it's just rambling. Just something that has been on my mind the last few days. :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Super Tuesday...
Both boys had good days at school today. Actually, neither of them have yet to say they've had a BAD day. But today was a happy one all around.
Simon came home with the "Personality Bag". This made me laugh because his cousin just got the "All About Me Box" in HER class this week too. So it's all about the Graff kids at preschool this week. NO idea what he'll put in it, but suffice to say, I'm sure it will be interesting. We'll have to work on this tomorrow. He also has a big poster about himself to fill out and color. :)
Ben got some cool books from library time and brought home a fantastic first math test. (though I had to rag on him a little because the four things he got marked off for were really careless mistakes) It WOULD be fridge-worthy, but the teacher wanted it signed and sent back for some reason. (probably for the aforementioned careless mistakes) He also told me he'll need a new chapter book to read at independent reading time very soon. He's blown through three already this year. She has insisted they bring chapter books, which thrills me to pieces, because it forces him to read something other than The Bakugan Handbook and The Pokemon Handbook, which is what he HAD been taking in for reading time. He has pulled chapter books off his shelves that have been gathering dust for years. The most recent was a Magic Treehouse book and he loves it!
Jonathan and I spent some wonderful time together this afternoon in the playroom. He is so cute and fun to hang out with these days. :)
So YAY for good days....
Oh, but BOO for the resurgence of the stinkbugs. They are EVERYwhere!!!! I caught Jonathan trying to eat one this afternoon too. Gag.
Simon came home with the "Personality Bag". This made me laugh because his cousin just got the "All About Me Box" in HER class this week too. So it's all about the Graff kids at preschool this week. NO idea what he'll put in it, but suffice to say, I'm sure it will be interesting. We'll have to work on this tomorrow. He also has a big poster about himself to fill out and color. :)
Ben got some cool books from library time and brought home a fantastic first math test. (though I had to rag on him a little because the four things he got marked off for were really careless mistakes) It WOULD be fridge-worthy, but the teacher wanted it signed and sent back for some reason. (probably for the aforementioned careless mistakes) He also told me he'll need a new chapter book to read at independent reading time very soon. He's blown through three already this year. She has insisted they bring chapter books, which thrills me to pieces, because it forces him to read something other than The Bakugan Handbook and The Pokemon Handbook, which is what he HAD been taking in for reading time. He has pulled chapter books off his shelves that have been gathering dust for years. The most recent was a Magic Treehouse book and he loves it!
Jonathan and I spent some wonderful time together this afternoon in the playroom. He is so cute and fun to hang out with these days. :)
So YAY for good days....
Oh, but BOO for the resurgence of the stinkbugs. They are EVERYwhere!!!! I caught Jonathan trying to eat one this afternoon too. Gag.
Getting My Act Together....
Okay, so this preschool year is working out MUCH better than last year. I actually know what's going on... for now.
Simon went to school today with permission slip and money in hand for the upcoming farm field trip.
I am on orange Playdough making duty for October and I think I may ACTUALLY remember to make it tomorrow and take it to school on Thursday so the teacher has it for Monday's class.
I also just filled out a Scholastic order form and have it by the door ready to go back to school when I pick Simon up this afternoon.
OH and bonus, I'm actually on the room mom's email list this year. WOW. Somehow she left me off off EVERY. SINGLE. EMAIL. last year, which did not help with me being completely out of the loop, which I already was anyway because of the whole just-had-a-baby-when-school-started craziness.
I wonder what it will be like when it's just Jonathan in that school and I have no other kids to drag with me at pickup and dropoff? I've NEVER known what that's like because when Ben was there, I had Simon already too! It seems like it will be so blissfully easy!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Wow....
I was perusing my blog archives just now looking for my monthday post from when Ben was 13 months. I ran across this post that stopped me in my tracks. Did I see the future, or what?
"Friday, April 22, 2005
Forever Labeled...
All this talk about baby personality types is interesting and all... Obviously, I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think so. And my child is definitely QUITE spirited, as they say. But he's not "bad." I worry often that this is the label he's going to get as he gets older, simply because he's adventerous and full of energy. I realize it's going to be a ton of work to raise this little boy... it will require strict boundaries and an amazing amount of patience and consistency on our part. But I'm sure he's still going to to go school and get in trouble for getting up in the middle of lessons, or running when he should be walking... and who knows what else. I hope his future teachers are able to see him for who he is and bring out the best in him. I just have these visions of him constantly being in the time-out chair in school because the teachers don't know what to do with him.
I'm probably just paranoid and thinking too far ahead... but I worry about these things. It was kind of set off today because I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone. She mentioned that HER friend, who has met Benjamin and me two or three times said "she has no idea how I do it and she would go crazy if she had a child like Ben."
Wow. That hurt a little. You have no idea how you would handle an adorable, curious, smart, fun little one-year-old?
Yeah, I do a lot of running around and I can't have anything glass in my house within his reach... but he's not BAD. He's not a menace to society... to our cats maybe, but not to society. I wouldn't trade him for the world. I do pray every day that he is not duplicated, because then I really MIGHT go insane. ;) But I wouldn't change anything about my "spirited" little guy..."
"Friday, April 22, 2005
Forever Labeled...
All this talk about baby personality types is interesting and all... Obviously, I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think so. And my child is definitely QUITE spirited, as they say. But he's not "bad." I worry often that this is the label he's going to get as he gets older, simply because he's adventerous and full of energy. I realize it's going to be a ton of work to raise this little boy... it will require strict boundaries and an amazing amount of patience and consistency on our part. But I'm sure he's still going to to go school and get in trouble for getting up in the middle of lessons, or running when he should be walking... and who knows what else. I hope his future teachers are able to see him for who he is and bring out the best in him. I just have these visions of him constantly being in the time-out chair in school because the teachers don't know what to do with him.
I'm probably just paranoid and thinking too far ahead... but I worry about these things. It was kind of set off today because I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone. She mentioned that HER friend, who has met Benjamin and me two or three times said "she has no idea how I do it and she would go crazy if she had a child like Ben."
Wow. That hurt a little. You have no idea how you would handle an adorable, curious, smart, fun little one-year-old?
Yeah, I do a lot of running around and I can't have anything glass in my house within his reach... but he's not BAD. He's not a menace to society... to our cats maybe, but not to society. I wouldn't trade him for the world. I do pray every day that he is not duplicated, because then I really MIGHT go insane. ;) But I wouldn't change anything about my "spirited" little guy..."
Jonathan is 13 Months Old!
Dear Jonathan,
Today you are 13 months old.
Let's see... what's new? Honestly, it's kind of the same old stuff around here. You wake up. You wreak havoc. You go to bed.
You are getting to be pretty fun. Your personality remains joyful and carefree. You laugh a lot. You smile a lot. You also screech a lot. That, I could live without. When we are out, I have to remember to always keep something within arms reach that I can stuff in your mouth if need be. A binky, a sippy cup, a snack. The screeching... it's ear piercing and when you do it, entire aisles of shoppers will turn and look at us. Generally, I do not get the feeling are looking because they think it is cute or endearing either. Gah.
You still aren't talking much, still holding fast to your few "words" that include "Hello" and "Kitty" (so I suppose you could initiate a conversation now about that particular Japanese animated fad) . You do understand EVERYTHING we say though and can even follow directions like going to get a diaper or putting something in the trash. Love this stage. (because of the cuteness factor, not because of the potential for upping the labor force around here)
As far as new things you can do? Well, you sure do try your darndest to jump. I think this is, by far, one of my favorite things to watch a baby attempt to master. The squat to stand without your feet leaving the ground just cracks me up. :) But you do try so hard.
You can run, though I wish you wouldn't. More often than not, it ends with you landing flat on your face. The fact that you are a boy is not the ONLY reason Grace is not your middle name. ;) Luckily, you are a tough little thing and rarely do you cry when you fall. You've even managed to skin your elbows and knees pretty well without me even noticing until bathtime because you just don't get upset! This is a nice feature from your older brothers. I'm going to go ahead and call it an upgrade.
The sleeping, however, is NOT an upgrade. We finally bit the bullet and have stopped offering you a drink in the middle of the night. (better late than never) You get a bottle before bed and then nothing else until morning. You wake up a couple times, but now all you need is a quick reassurance (no picking you up any more either) and you are back to sleep. You slept a six-hour stretch last night which, I believe, may very well be the longest stretch of sleep you have ever had. I'm hoping this means we are on our way to some decent, full nights of sleep in the VERY near future. That sure would be nice.
School has gotten you on a really nice schedule with napping... usually 9:30 and 1:30. They aren't long, but I'll take what I can get. I've given up on hoping for the full afternoon of snoozing I used to get from other babies who shall remain nameless.
Bottles... yeah. Those are still around. Your brothers were both completely done with those by a year, just like the doctors recommend. You? I've been kind of lazy about the whole thing. We're working on it though and now you just get the one before your nap and before bed. Hoping to nix the nap one next and then the bedtime one... 14 months is the goal, so prepare yourself. ;)
Teeth! You have six! The two front middle ones just pushed their way through a couple days ago. You are a slowwwwwww teeth-getter! Nothing like dragging this process out as long as humanly possible! Your lack of chompers doesn't stop you from eating anything and everything though. One of your favorite things to gnaw on is a whole bagel!!!
Also on the agenda this month is to teach you how to go down the stairs backwards. The day I no longer have to gasp when you toddle near a flight of stairs or rush to the basement door to make sure your brothers remembered to close it will be a good one.
All in all you are a joy, even though you wear my patience thin and give me grey hair. You have rounded out our little family just perfectly. :) And yes... you are the baby for good... so live it up, my friend.
Love,
Mommy. :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
It's a Boy Thing...
Feeding the big boys in the morning reminds me of a video game where you have to keep throwing things at monsters until they run away or disappear. Basically, I just keep throwing waffles, milk and juice at them until they decide they are full and leave the table to go pursue other interests. It amazes me how much Ben can put away... sometimes the kid eats five waffles at a sitting!!!! Also, no matter how many or few each boy eats, it never fails that I ALWAYS end up with one leftover waffle in the toaster. GR.
Milestone... of Sorts...
What's that? No tv until two? Yeah. Sorry. I'm a rebel.
Just this moment, I managed to attract Jonathan's attention with an on-demand episode of Sesame Street. Usually he's much too busy to pay attention to what's on television... not to mention, it's hardly ever on in our house anymore. THere's no time. And when it is, it's the big boys watching an episode of Bakugan or Clone Wars, which frankly isn't all that interesting to a one-year-old who would much rather be pulling everything out of all the kitchen drawers or dismantling the fireplace.
It would just be nice to be able to put Mr. Wild Child on pause for 15-20 minutes once in awhile. Even if it just means he's sitting in my lap and we're watching it together. A few minutes of not having to chase him and rescue him from certain death would be refreshing and sanity saving.
Besides, Ben was already doing a dead-on Count impersonation at this age and Simon could already say "Elmo". We are way behind! ;)
Just this moment, I managed to attract Jonathan's attention with an on-demand episode of Sesame Street. Usually he's much too busy to pay attention to what's on television... not to mention, it's hardly ever on in our house anymore. THere's no time. And when it is, it's the big boys watching an episode of Bakugan or Clone Wars, which frankly isn't all that interesting to a one-year-old who would much rather be pulling everything out of all the kitchen drawers or dismantling the fireplace.
It would just be nice to be able to put Mr. Wild Child on pause for 15-20 minutes once in awhile. Even if it just means he's sitting in my lap and we're watching it together. A few minutes of not having to chase him and rescue him from certain death would be refreshing and sanity saving.
Besides, Ben was already doing a dead-on Count impersonation at this age and Simon could already say "Elmo". We are way behind! ;)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Eh.. Nevermind.
I hate having a passworded blog. It's annoying. Sorry about that.
Still not sure if today was just a weird coincidence or what. But honestly, I've decided, who cares.
To Ben's teacher if you did somehow find my blog (most likely thanks to some chatty mom in this lovely small town or perhaps some who likes you at Greenwood), please know all I want is for my kid to have a good year and come out on the other end still liking school and having learned a lot. I'm not sure why you decided right off the bat that you needed to put me in my place... but here's the deal. I want to like you. I want my kid to like you. I just want a good year and a peaceful year. That's all I want.
Really. That's all.
In other news... Ben liked seeing the good stuff on his papers today and he grinned when he saw me showing them to Tom. It was a good night at our house. :) He also thinks he did well on his math test... I made him repeat after me this morning before he got out of the car that he would read all the directions and check his work. Here's hoping he did!
Still not sure if today was just a weird coincidence or what. But honestly, I've decided, who cares.
To Ben's teacher if you did somehow find my blog (most likely thanks to some chatty mom in this lovely small town or perhaps some who likes you at Greenwood), please know all I want is for my kid to have a good year and come out on the other end still liking school and having learned a lot. I'm not sure why you decided right off the bat that you needed to put me in my place... but here's the deal. I want to like you. I want my kid to like you. I just want a good year and a peaceful year. That's all I want.
Really. That's all.
In other news... Ben liked seeing the good stuff on his papers today and he grinned when he saw me showing them to Tom. It was a good night at our house. :) He also thinks he did well on his math test... I made him repeat after me this morning before he got out of the car that he would read all the directions and check his work. Here's hoping he did!
All RIght... Spill it...
Who shared my blog address with Ben's teacher? I'm kinda NOT kidding... is this weird or what?
Don't be surprised if this blog goes invite only again SOON! You can reach me on FB or erinspring at gmail dot com for an invite if I overlook you or don't have your email address!
Seriously. WEIRD. TOO weird.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Burning Mad.
I am STEAMING about yet another incident with Ben's teacher. Truly. She's just MEAN.
I just went and vacuumed the entire upstairs to try to clear my mind, but it didn't work. I will explain more later when I see how this particular incident ultimately turns out... but suffice to say, if the rest of the year is going to go like this, I am honestly getting to the point where homeschooling for the rest of the year ALMOST seems like a viable option. I can see how people get to that point now...
I just went and vacuumed the entire upstairs to try to clear my mind, but it didn't work. I will explain more later when I see how this particular incident ultimately turns out... but suffice to say, if the rest of the year is going to go like this, I am honestly getting to the point where homeschooling for the rest of the year ALMOST seems like a viable option. I can see how people get to that point now...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Halloween is Coming...
... there have been MONTHS of discussion and angst over what costumes everyone will wear this year.
If I had MY way, Ben would be Prince Charming. (I found the most adorable costume two years ago and eye it up every year) Simon would be a magician complete with rabbit to pull out of a hat and a drawn on mustache.
However, sadly, I do NOT have my way with anyone but the baby as far as costumes are concerned. So this year we have a Bakugan guy (who sort of looks like a red dude with dragon wings) for Ben and Simon is a red Samurai Power Ranger. Seriously, HOW are the Power Rangers even still around?
(sigh)
At least, there's still Jonathan. NO Idea what to make him though. He won't wear hats at all, so it can't be anything that involves any kind of head gear. hrm...
If I had MY way, Ben would be Prince Charming. (I found the most adorable costume two years ago and eye it up every year) Simon would be a magician complete with rabbit to pull out of a hat and a drawn on mustache.
However, sadly, I do NOT have my way with anyone but the baby as far as costumes are concerned. So this year we have a Bakugan guy (who sort of looks like a red dude with dragon wings) for Ben and Simon is a red Samurai Power Ranger. Seriously, HOW are the Power Rangers even still around?
(sigh)
At least, there's still Jonathan. NO Idea what to make him though. He won't wear hats at all, so it can't be anything that involves any kind of head gear. hrm...
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
And Our Second Grade Mascot is....
Mr. Sarcastically Happy Pencil! (see exhibit A below)
Mr. Sarcastically Happy Pencil has visited our home probably three times so far this year. School has only been in session for 2-1/2 weeks. I'm thinking I may as well just get him some guest towels and a comfy place to sleep because he seems to be here to stay. Also, perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but after my initial exchanges with the teacher, I'm thinking she probably takes some amount of joy in sending Mr. SHP home with Ben.
Fact is, the kid needs to learn how to follow directions. So, I really have no leg to stand on. Annnnyway...
So I told Ben we are going to play a quiet little game at home. Every time Mr. SHP comes home on a paper, the teacher scores a point. Every time he follows directions the right way the first time and avoids bringing home Mr. SHP, WE get a point. I'm even going to make a scoreboard. He seemed pretty into this idea. He likes his teacher more than I do, but he still likes the idea of winning. ;) Win-Win? Right? ;)
Exhibit A
Mr. Sarcastically Happy Pencil has visited our home probably three times so far this year. School has only been in session for 2-1/2 weeks. I'm thinking I may as well just get him some guest towels and a comfy place to sleep because he seems to be here to stay. Also, perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but after my initial exchanges with the teacher, I'm thinking she probably takes some amount of joy in sending Mr. SHP home with Ben.
Fact is, the kid needs to learn how to follow directions. So, I really have no leg to stand on. Annnnyway...
So I told Ben we are going to play a quiet little game at home. Every time Mr. SHP comes home on a paper, the teacher scores a point. Every time he follows directions the right way the first time and avoids bringing home Mr. SHP, WE get a point. I'm even going to make a scoreboard. He seemed pretty into this idea. He likes his teacher more than I do, but he still likes the idea of winning. ;) Win-Win? Right? ;)
Exhibit A
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Simon's First Soccer Practice
Our little middle dude had his first soccer practice/game this morning. I'm not sure what to call it really since it's clinic and this particular clinic was absolute mayhem. Small field and 140 four-year-olds spread out among something like 12 teams. It was kind of insane.
Simon took it SO seriously though. Man alive... if he actually learns some technique and can remember which direction to kick the ball, he will be a force to be reckoned with. He is pretty competitive, we are finding! I guess that's a good place to channel his angry streak... into competitiveness.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is this little girl on his team (who is the coach's daughter). I honestly don't know what these parents were thinking signing this child up for a team sport. She was terrified of the whole situation. Clearly it was way too overwhelming for her and she didn't understand or want to understand what was going on. She just kept bursting into tears and screaming for daddy in the middle of the field, which was pretty distracting for a bunch of already distracted four-year-olds. She especially freaked out when another kid would come by and steal the ball or if she had to kick it to another kid who was supposed to "block the goal" or whatever. Simon was on the receiving end of this a few times. I do not think it helped reinforce our "girls are cool." mantra we've been working so hard to drill into him lately. NOT good.
Anyway, he had a great time, chaotic though it was and can't wait to go back next week. He is especially thrilled with his blue jersey with the number 9 on it. :)
We are just glad he didn't get put on the pink team. He dislikes the color pink more than he dislikes girls, I think. Yes, they actually made one of the team jersey colors pink. Interesting, I thought, given that the soccer clinic is dominated by little boys. Not that little boys can't wear pink but... really? I'm wondering how the kids took it.... they were too far away to hear. LOL.
Simon took it SO seriously though. Man alive... if he actually learns some technique and can remember which direction to kick the ball, he will be a force to be reckoned with. He is pretty competitive, we are finding! I guess that's a good place to channel his angry streak... into competitiveness.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is this little girl on his team (who is the coach's daughter). I honestly don't know what these parents were thinking signing this child up for a team sport. She was terrified of the whole situation. Clearly it was way too overwhelming for her and she didn't understand or want to understand what was going on. She just kept bursting into tears and screaming for daddy in the middle of the field, which was pretty distracting for a bunch of already distracted four-year-olds. She especially freaked out when another kid would come by and steal the ball or if she had to kick it to another kid who was supposed to "block the goal" or whatever. Simon was on the receiving end of this a few times. I do not think it helped reinforce our "girls are cool." mantra we've been working so hard to drill into him lately. NOT good.
Anyway, he had a great time, chaotic though it was and can't wait to go back next week. He is especially thrilled with his blue jersey with the number 9 on it. :)
We are just glad he didn't get put on the pink team. He dislikes the color pink more than he dislikes girls, I think. Yes, they actually made one of the team jersey colors pink. Interesting, I thought, given that the soccer clinic is dominated by little boys. Not that little boys can't wear pink but... really? I'm wondering how the kids took it.... they were too far away to hear. LOL.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Three-fer Update...
An update on all three of the "baby" humans at once. (my blog is quickly becoming a giant misnomer seeing as only 1/3 of the offspring in this house are babies... there's also the fact that there are multiple "baby humans" But, I digress...)
Ben:
Ben is still loving school in his own way. This is to say, he feels the need to whine about having to go every morning and drag his feet on the way out the door just make my life a little more difficult. Then I know he goes off and has a great day because he comes home totally happy. He told me once recently that he's been going to school for six hours a day for the past seven years and that he's had enough. And this is the child I think is my math nut? Hrm. Maybe I need to reexamine this.
He's still into bugs, but it's a fading passion. Also into Pokemon and Bakugan. Claims to not like Star Wars at the moment, which is amusing because I'm sure in three months, we'll enter Star Wars Obsession Part 12. I'll enjoy the break while I can.
Simon:
Two days into all day preschool and loves it. Still tells everyone he is six and we go with it. I actually forget how old he is sometimes. He's such a funny kid. I'm kind of at a loss for what to do with him sometimes though during the day. I offer any number of projects, crafts, activities, science experiments, etc and sometimes he'll humor me for ten minutes or so and after that, he just wants to do his own thing. I guess this is good, in a way... but I feel like I should be doing more with him. Another reason to be thankful for the two days he spends at school... he's getting a little more stimulation than he otherwise would. We've been making some progress on his "angry act" through some role-playing... astonishingly, it seems to be working. Why didn't I think of this sooner?
Jonathan:
This baby is a holy terror on two feet. For real. I spend my days still rescuing him from himself and our various electronics from HIM. To add to the fun, now I get to chase him all over the preschool at Simon's dropoff and pickup all over the elementary school lobby at Ben's pickup. GOOD TIMES. I have to give him one thing, he is happy. And never tired. Never. Ever. Tired. I think he may be nearly ready to go to one nap a day. The problem is that *I'M* not quite ready for that. I REALLY need the down time after the whirlwind school dropoffs in the morning and then another nice round of downtime in the afternoon to get dinner ready, pick up a little and play with Simon (when he'll let me). How long until THIS one can start preschool? Can I get him in early? Like maybe this year? I swear he's ready! He's getting his two top teeth finally and it's wreaking all kinds of havoc on our sleep. I just bought 42 more binkies, (give or take 36) so hopefully he can start finding them himself in the middle of the night.
So that's life in a nutshell with the little dudes these days. There's really no time to rest. I've been making more of an effort to blog though... so hopefully i will never forget how "fun" this season of life was!!! HA!
Ben:
Ben is still loving school in his own way. This is to say, he feels the need to whine about having to go every morning and drag his feet on the way out the door just make my life a little more difficult. Then I know he goes off and has a great day because he comes home totally happy. He told me once recently that he's been going to school for six hours a day for the past seven years and that he's had enough. And this is the child I think is my math nut? Hrm. Maybe I need to reexamine this.
He's still into bugs, but it's a fading passion. Also into Pokemon and Bakugan. Claims to not like Star Wars at the moment, which is amusing because I'm sure in three months, we'll enter Star Wars Obsession Part 12. I'll enjoy the break while I can.
Simon:
Two days into all day preschool and loves it. Still tells everyone he is six and we go with it. I actually forget how old he is sometimes. He's such a funny kid. I'm kind of at a loss for what to do with him sometimes though during the day. I offer any number of projects, crafts, activities, science experiments, etc and sometimes he'll humor me for ten minutes or so and after that, he just wants to do his own thing. I guess this is good, in a way... but I feel like I should be doing more with him. Another reason to be thankful for the two days he spends at school... he's getting a little more stimulation than he otherwise would. We've been making some progress on his "angry act" through some role-playing... astonishingly, it seems to be working. Why didn't I think of this sooner?
Jonathan:
This baby is a holy terror on two feet. For real. I spend my days still rescuing him from himself and our various electronics from HIM. To add to the fun, now I get to chase him all over the preschool at Simon's dropoff and pickup all over the elementary school lobby at Ben's pickup. GOOD TIMES. I have to give him one thing, he is happy. And never tired. Never. Ever. Tired. I think he may be nearly ready to go to one nap a day. The problem is that *I'M* not quite ready for that. I REALLY need the down time after the whirlwind school dropoffs in the morning and then another nice round of downtime in the afternoon to get dinner ready, pick up a little and play with Simon (when he'll let me). How long until THIS one can start preschool? Can I get him in early? Like maybe this year? I swear he's ready! He's getting his two top teeth finally and it's wreaking all kinds of havoc on our sleep. I just bought 42 more binkies, (give or take 36) so hopefully he can start finding them himself in the middle of the night.
So that's life in a nutshell with the little dudes these days. There's really no time to rest. I've been making more of an effort to blog though... so hopefully i will never forget how "fun" this season of life was!!! HA!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Getting into a Routine....
AH. It is SO good to have a routine back now that school has started! I seriously NEED routine in my life to function.
Slowly putting together my new routine now that I have two days where I only have the baby at home. So far, all I have down pat is that Thursdays are laundry day and Wednesdays are Peapod order day. (Saturday morning delivery)
Trying to figure out the best way to work some kind of cleaning routine in there. I think what might work best is to make a list of what has to get done in a given week and just hit whatever I can whenever I can. I tried separating it all out by tasks/rooms/days, but I just have so much trouble sticking with that because of various things that come up.
What kind of routine do you have?
Slowly putting together my new routine now that I have two days where I only have the baby at home. So far, all I have down pat is that Thursdays are laundry day and Wednesdays are Peapod order day. (Saturday morning delivery)
Trying to figure out the best way to work some kind of cleaning routine in there. I think what might work best is to make a list of what has to get done in a given week and just hit whatever I can whenever I can. I tried separating it all out by tasks/rooms/days, but I just have so much trouble sticking with that because of various things that come up.
What kind of routine do you have?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I Don't Know What Went On...
...at preschool yesterday, but suddenly, today Simon has decided that he is going to learn to read. Today.
He has spent a solid hour now as determined as ever on Starfall playing with the readalongs and sounding out words. He also explained to me that some words are just little words put together. They clearly got right down to business yesterday, I guess!!!
I kinda think they should be charging more for tuition than they do if they have this child this excited about reading on his own!
He has spent a solid hour now as determined as ever on Starfall playing with the readalongs and sounding out words. He also explained to me that some words are just little words put together. They clearly got right down to business yesterday, I guess!!!
I kinda think they should be charging more for tuition than they do if they have this child this excited about reading on his own!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
One-Year Well Visit...
Jonathan had his one-year well visit this morning. Somehow, for the second time in a row, I screwed up the day and took him a week early. I double checked when I got home and sure enough, there was the appointment... on the 20th. Oops. Oh well, they squeezed us in and forgave me for my mental incompetence.
All is normal and well and just hunky dory third-childish.. He got four shots slept most of the afternoon.
As for height and weight, which I was super curious about because he hasn't been measured since he was nine months (won't sit or stand still long enough for me to to do it)-- he was 21 pounds, 12 ounces and 29-1/2 inches tall. The pediatrician said he's growing consistently (he gave me a vague "somewhere near the 25th percentile" stat) and that "he's definitely part of the family." which I gathered is code for "this is gonna be another small one."(not sure what that makes Simon then... but anyway....)
All in all, a good visit. I was sad for him about all those shots... but he took it well. He is definitely afraid of the nurse now though. Comes running and quite literally leaps into my arms and throws his arms around my neck like one of those capuchin monkeys when she comes into the room. LOL!
All is normal and well and just hunky dory third-childish.. He got four shots slept most of the afternoon.
As for height and weight, which I was super curious about because he hasn't been measured since he was nine months (won't sit or stand still long enough for me to to do it)-- he was 21 pounds, 12 ounces and 29-1/2 inches tall. The pediatrician said he's growing consistently (he gave me a vague "somewhere near the 25th percentile" stat) and that "he's definitely part of the family." which I gathered is code for "this is gonna be another small one."(not sure what that makes Simon then... but anyway....)
All in all, a good visit. I was sad for him about all those shots... but he took it well. He is definitely afraid of the nurse now though. Comes running and quite literally leaps into my arms and throws his arms around my neck like one of those capuchin monkeys when she comes into the room. LOL!
First Day...
He couldn't wait to get there... mostly because he was excited to play with Quinn all day. Whatever works!
ETA: He had a fantabulous day! Was happy as a clam when I picked him up and Ms. K looked at Beth and I like we were crazy when we asked how they were. She said they were all great! In fact, she said her class was the only group without screamers today... so she said she was happy their classroom is kind of off away from the rest of the classrooms. LOL. So all went well and I'm so happy. Turns out letting him be in the class with his buddy may have been the best decision I could have made! Wish he'd had Quinn with him last year!! :o) YAY! YAY! YAY!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Drawing with Simon....
Me: I am drawing a picture of Simon playing soccer.
Simon: I am going to draw stick wars.
Me: That sounds like fun! What's stick wars?
Simon: It's where the stick guy squeezes the other stick guy until all the juice pops out of him.
Simon: I am going to draw stick wars.
Me: That sounds like fun! What's stick wars?
Simon: It's where the stick guy squeezes the other stick guy until all the juice pops out of him.
Monday...
Monday is back. How does that keep happening?
I've resolved that this is going to be a much better week than last. First off, the weather looks much happier. Also? I opened the door this morning and it felt a bit fall'ish. I know that this time of year that fallishness quickly deteriorates throughout the day into weather that tricked you into wearing jeans when you should have worn shorts... but for the MOMENT, it's fallish.
I made a decision yesterday to leave the school thing alone for awhile. I emailed Ben's teacher and canceled the conference. a) we had no one to watch the boys so we could go and b) I decided it's too soon in the year for her to really know him and too soon in the year for us to really know her and the weeks between now and the regularly scheduled first-quarter conference will do us ALL some good for observing and thinking c) Ben is happy and content with school for now. It's amazing what a weekend of thinking about something can do to change your outlook. So I sent her a very positive, upbeat email explaining my thoughts and that I appreciated her continuing to observe him and encourage him to work to his potential. You catch more flies with honey and all that... I'd really rather be on good terms with her, if at all possible, than be adversarial all year. That's just not natural for me. Plus, if he has to relearn second-grade math, it will only serve to make him that much more awesome at third-grade math, no? As for the focusing stuff she keeps bringing up... we are not pursuing anything right now. After talking with TONS of people about it, I really don't think there is any reason to pursue it. He's doing well. He's learning. So he taps his pencil and wiggles? Not really thinking this is a reason to drag my son to the pediatrician, at least not this year.
Now, onward to Simon, who starts full-day, two-days-a-week preschool tomorrow. Praying SO hard for a great year for him. We have had many bedtime chats about being kind to girls despite their seemingly unforgivable offenses of wearing pink all the time and wanting to dress up as princesses. "You don't have to play with them, but you do have to be kind and respectful."
I will consider a week with no emails from any of my kids' teachers a good week, frankly.
I might start the little guy in his Gymboree class on Thursday. It will be SO nice to have two entire days to concentrate on just him. How fun!
So YAY for Monday and a new week. :) I have high hopes for good things this week. Hope it pans out! ;)
I've resolved that this is going to be a much better week than last. First off, the weather looks much happier. Also? I opened the door this morning and it felt a bit fall'ish. I know that this time of year that fallishness quickly deteriorates throughout the day into weather that tricked you into wearing jeans when you should have worn shorts... but for the MOMENT, it's fallish.
I made a decision yesterday to leave the school thing alone for awhile. I emailed Ben's teacher and canceled the conference. a) we had no one to watch the boys so we could go and b) I decided it's too soon in the year for her to really know him and too soon in the year for us to really know her and the weeks between now and the regularly scheduled first-quarter conference will do us ALL some good for observing and thinking c) Ben is happy and content with school for now. It's amazing what a weekend of thinking about something can do to change your outlook. So I sent her a very positive, upbeat email explaining my thoughts and that I appreciated her continuing to observe him and encourage him to work to his potential. You catch more flies with honey and all that... I'd really rather be on good terms with her, if at all possible, than be adversarial all year. That's just not natural for me. Plus, if he has to relearn second-grade math, it will only serve to make him that much more awesome at third-grade math, no? As for the focusing stuff she keeps bringing up... we are not pursuing anything right now. After talking with TONS of people about it, I really don't think there is any reason to pursue it. He's doing well. He's learning. So he taps his pencil and wiggles? Not really thinking this is a reason to drag my son to the pediatrician, at least not this year.
Now, onward to Simon, who starts full-day, two-days-a-week preschool tomorrow. Praying SO hard for a great year for him. We have had many bedtime chats about being kind to girls despite their seemingly unforgivable offenses of wearing pink all the time and wanting to dress up as princesses. "You don't have to play with them, but you do have to be kind and respectful."
I will consider a week with no emails from any of my kids' teachers a good week, frankly.
I might start the little guy in his Gymboree class on Thursday. It will be SO nice to have two entire days to concentrate on just him. How fun!
So YAY for Monday and a new week. :) I have high hopes for good things this week. Hope it pans out! ;)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Filed Under Things I Always Want to Remember...
Whenever I get up with the baby in the middle of the night, I always wander to the older boys' rooms to go check on them, make sure they are covered up, lights are off etc. Ben often stays up reading or playing his DS and will fall asleep in all kinds of contorted positions and with the lights on. Simon sometimes doesn't land on the pillow when he finally passes out. So I just like to go sort of put them where they belong.
Three out of the last five nights I have done this, I have gone in Ben's room and found the lights on and his bed empty. It always startles me for a moment until I wake up enough to realize where he is...
... and then I head through the shared bathroom and open Simon's door and find them sleeping toe to toe in the bottom bunk, or even completely sprawled across each other with a pile of books and Pokemon cards surrounding them.
(heart melt)
Three out of the last five nights I have done this, I have gone in Ben's room and found the lights on and his bed empty. It always startles me for a moment until I wake up enough to realize where he is...
... and then I head through the shared bathroom and open Simon's door and find them sleeping toe to toe in the bottom bunk, or even completely sprawled across each other with a pile of books and Pokemon cards surrounding them.
(heart melt)
Friday, September 09, 2011
Stream of Consciousness Rant....
UGH. This Ben school thing is taking over my life...
Thankfully, I have the most wonderful friends and family who are actually INSIDE the system and have given me great advice and encouragement. I also have talked a lot with Ben's first-grade teacher who has been nothing but sympathetic and supportive and God bless her for reading and replying to something like 25 e-mails from me in the last seven days. I swear, I'm the most annoying person EVER.
It's just that this new teacher has gotten into my head. I vacillate between wanting to march up to that classroom and just tell her how it's going to be or just get him out of there all together and between thinking maybe she sees something I don't, knows better than me and I should just give in listen to her. Maybe I'm overestimating his math ability. Maybe his organizational skills ARE going to get int he way of his learning... ugh ugh ugh. But then again, I have reassurance from a good friend who is a math teacher in the same county that I am not, in fact, overestimating Ben's math skills.
It's still REALLY REALLY hard not to let this teacher get to me.... especially when I'm so anti-conflict and am used to only respecting teachers and everything they have to say about my children. It's hard to go from that to questioning that authority and experience. I just find it SO difficult to believe that two teachers from previous years can have such a different opinion about my child from this one. SOMEone is wrong. And given this teacher's thoughts on what's best for second graders which I had to listen to at BTS night, I'm thinking it's her... NOT the K and 1st grade teachers. I'd like to think that if one of THEM had told me Ben would benefit from less of a math challenge so he could work on his work habits and organization, that I would have taken it well because I respected them and KNEW they had his best interests at heart. This teacher, I'm getting the feeling, just doesn't feel like dealing with a kid who needs a few extra reminders once in awhile.
My math teacher friend gave me a request to make of her that she knew would probably result in a conference being set up. I took her advice and sure enough, received a one-line, terse email this morning requesting we meet next Friday morning.
I'm so ready to do battle... but then again, I've never had to do this before and I don't know what to expect. UGH.
Thankfully, I have the most wonderful friends and family who are actually INSIDE the system and have given me great advice and encouragement. I also have talked a lot with Ben's first-grade teacher who has been nothing but sympathetic and supportive and God bless her for reading and replying to something like 25 e-mails from me in the last seven days. I swear, I'm the most annoying person EVER.
It's just that this new teacher has gotten into my head. I vacillate between wanting to march up to that classroom and just tell her how it's going to be or just get him out of there all together and between thinking maybe she sees something I don't, knows better than me and I should just give in listen to her. Maybe I'm overestimating his math ability. Maybe his organizational skills ARE going to get int he way of his learning... ugh ugh ugh. But then again, I have reassurance from a good friend who is a math teacher in the same county that I am not, in fact, overestimating Ben's math skills.
It's still REALLY REALLY hard not to let this teacher get to me.... especially when I'm so anti-conflict and am used to only respecting teachers and everything they have to say about my children. It's hard to go from that to questioning that authority and experience. I just find it SO difficult to believe that two teachers from previous years can have such a different opinion about my child from this one. SOMEone is wrong. And given this teacher's thoughts on what's best for second graders which I had to listen to at BTS night, I'm thinking it's her... NOT the K and 1st grade teachers. I'd like to think that if one of THEM had told me Ben would benefit from less of a math challenge so he could work on his work habits and organization, that I would have taken it well because I respected them and KNEW they had his best interests at heart. This teacher, I'm getting the feeling, just doesn't feel like dealing with a kid who needs a few extra reminders once in awhile.
My math teacher friend gave me a request to make of her that she knew would probably result in a conference being set up. I took her advice and sure enough, received a one-line, terse email this morning requesting we meet next Friday morning.
I'm so ready to do battle... but then again, I've never had to do this before and I don't know what to expect. UGH.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Preschool Open House...
Simon's preschool open house was this morning. He's the big man on campus this year, being in the 4s class and all. ;)
As has been pretty par for the course of Simon's preschool career thus far for various reasons, he got the shaft today when his teacher was the one who couldn't be there. (her father got sick, so truly, I understand but it stinks just the same)
:( He didn't seem fazed by it in the least though and ran off with his friends Quinn and David to play in the classroom while I filled out his emergency card.
We went to go say hi to his teacher from last year and he hid behind me and wouldn't speak. He's told me he's sad he doesn't have her this year... he did love her very much. He was supposed to have her again but we were convinced by the office administrator to switch because they like the kids to have different teachers every year. I also suspect they didn't want him in a class with his cousin, but no one will ever actually say that to me. Ah well. He's got his buddy and he's happy. I just hope he behaves himself and is nice to the three little girls in his class because at the moment he "doesn't like girls or princesses and hates the color pink!!!!!"
I've got school worries across the board this year!!! Can't wait to see what fun Jonathan brings to the mix when HE starts in the 2s class next year. LOL.
As has been pretty par for the course of Simon's preschool career thus far for various reasons, he got the shaft today when his teacher was the one who couldn't be there. (her father got sick, so truly, I understand but it stinks just the same)
:( He didn't seem fazed by it in the least though and ran off with his friends Quinn and David to play in the classroom while I filled out his emergency card.
We went to go say hi to his teacher from last year and he hid behind me and wouldn't speak. He's told me he's sad he doesn't have her this year... he did love her very much. He was supposed to have her again but we were convinced by the office administrator to switch because they like the kids to have different teachers every year. I also suspect they didn't want him in a class with his cousin, but no one will ever actually say that to me. Ah well. He's got his buddy and he's happy. I just hope he behaves himself and is nice to the three little girls in his class because at the moment he "doesn't like girls or princesses and hates the color pink!!!!!"
I've got school worries across the board this year!!! Can't wait to see what fun Jonathan brings to the mix when HE starts in the 2s class next year. LOL.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
End of the Road...
I think I just pumped for the last time. I only got an ounce this morning, so yeah, I'm pretty sure it's time to end it now. ;)
It's very weird and freeing, I must say!
What will I do with all my free time?!
It's very weird and freeing, I must say!
What will I do with all my free time?!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
First "Week" of School...
The first three days of the new school are now behind us. It's a huge relief to know he has all the big stuff out of the way. He knows the routines, how to get around, how the bus system works there, where the bathrooms are, etc.
I've been pretty SHOCKED, actually, to find that my child for whom the glass is ALWAYS half empty, has only had positive things to say about his new school for the most part. That's amazing and wonderful!
He likes his teacher, though honestly, I'm a little on the fence at the moment, but that deserves a post of its own when I am finished stewing about it and after I meet her again at back to school night. The short story? She is SUPER strict (okay with me) and seems to have VERY high expectations. (also okay with me). What's NOT okay with me is the rather negative email I got about Ben on the THIRD DAY OF SCHOOL. Not only that, I also found out yesterday that he does not get any respite from her as he was also placed with her for math. BUT, if he likes her, she has kept the negativity between us for now and must be being a little more gentle and kind with him and I have to give her credit for that. Anyway, we'll see how this plays out.
But overall, the school itself is fantastic. He loves it and came home happy three days running. So I'd say the first week was a success! :)
I've been pretty SHOCKED, actually, to find that my child for whom the glass is ALWAYS half empty, has only had positive things to say about his new school for the most part. That's amazing and wonderful!
He likes his teacher, though honestly, I'm a little on the fence at the moment, but that deserves a post of its own when I am finished stewing about it and after I meet her again at back to school night. The short story? She is SUPER strict (okay with me) and seems to have VERY high expectations. (also okay with me). What's NOT okay with me is the rather negative email I got about Ben on the THIRD DAY OF SCHOOL. Not only that, I also found out yesterday that he does not get any respite from her as he was also placed with her for math. BUT, if he likes her, she has kept the negativity between us for now and must be being a little more gentle and kind with him and I have to give her credit for that. Anyway, we'll see how this plays out.
But overall, the school itself is fantastic. He loves it and came home happy three days running. So I'd say the first week was a success! :)
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Ben's Favorite Things About His New School....
Home from the first day...
Well, the day seemed to go well. He found some old friends and made some new ones and wasn't upset when he came home. He was his usual "first week of school" wiped out though, which meant I didn't get much info out of him before he went all nonverbal on me before dinner. He was chatty again by bedtime though and here's what I learned.
1) 1) The bell sounds like an airplane "ding" which he thinks is genius because they are the Jacksonville Jets, after all.
2) They have water coolers in the hallways JUST LIKE WE HAVE AT HOME (huh. imagine that!) instead of water fountains and there are cups shaped like cones.
3) HIs friend Charles from basketball is in his class AND was assigned to be his buddy.
4) His teacher collects cool "ancient things". (I think he means antiques) and brought in an "ancient" milk bottle to show them. LOL.
5) There is an entrance just for second graders.
6) The lunch tables are round. (but the cafeteria just JUST as loud as PGE) ;)
7) He has gym twice a week AGAIN!!! (God was smiling down upon this child)
He also told me they were quizzed on their address and phone number, which, oops... I really hadn't gotten around to teaching him yet. He was pretty annoyed about that. But, we practiced it a couple times last night and he's got it now. Poor kid!
They took a math quiz, which he said was "all just addition and subtraction, no multiplication or anything." I know they are working on math class placement this week, so hopefully, he ends up where they are doing something other than addition and subtraction. He had SUCH a fantastic year with math last year... his teacher had them doing all kinds of challenging things and he really enjoyed it, being much more enthusiastic about math than language arts and all. I had been pleasantly surprised because in Kindergarten, there was nothing in place to challenge the math-lovers, but they would pull kids who were really advanced readers for extra work with the reading specialist ... it irked me to no end. But last year was great.... I just hope it continues, for his sake!
Overall, it sounds like it was a great day. The biggest negative was the 40-minute bus ride home. If there were sidewalks, I could WALK him to school and the bus takes 40 minutes? That's insane. Not only that, it's not like he's riding with friends... by the time the bus gets to our house, he's the only one riding. Sad. So I filled out the pickup form to send in today and I'll be picking him up more days than not. The only exception will be if one of the younger boys is sick or something.
Anyway.. we're off to day 2. Here's hoping the positive stuff continues!!! :) He has library today with our friend who is the new librarian. (I love that at each of his schools, there has been someone we knew to kind of keep an eye on him for me) I think he's going to love library this year! :)
Well, the day seemed to go well. He found some old friends and made some new ones and wasn't upset when he came home. He was his usual "first week of school" wiped out though, which meant I didn't get much info out of him before he went all nonverbal on me before dinner. He was chatty again by bedtime though and here's what I learned.
1) 1) The bell sounds like an airplane "ding" which he thinks is genius because they are the Jacksonville Jets, after all.
2) They have water coolers in the hallways JUST LIKE WE HAVE AT HOME (huh. imagine that!) instead of water fountains and there are cups shaped like cones.
3) HIs friend Charles from basketball is in his class AND was assigned to be his buddy.
4) His teacher collects cool "ancient things". (I think he means antiques) and brought in an "ancient" milk bottle to show them. LOL.
5) There is an entrance just for second graders.
6) The lunch tables are round. (but the cafeteria just JUST as loud as PGE) ;)
7) He has gym twice a week AGAIN!!! (God was smiling down upon this child)
He also told me they were quizzed on their address and phone number, which, oops... I really hadn't gotten around to teaching him yet. He was pretty annoyed about that. But, we practiced it a couple times last night and he's got it now. Poor kid!
They took a math quiz, which he said was "all just addition and subtraction, no multiplication or anything." I know they are working on math class placement this week, so hopefully, he ends up where they are doing something other than addition and subtraction. He had SUCH a fantastic year with math last year... his teacher had them doing all kinds of challenging things and he really enjoyed it, being much more enthusiastic about math than language arts and all. I had been pleasantly surprised because in Kindergarten, there was nothing in place to challenge the math-lovers, but they would pull kids who were really advanced readers for extra work with the reading specialist ... it irked me to no end. But last year was great.... I just hope it continues, for his sake!
Overall, it sounds like it was a great day. The biggest negative was the 40-minute bus ride home. If there were sidewalks, I could WALK him to school and the bus takes 40 minutes? That's insane. Not only that, it's not like he's riding with friends... by the time the bus gets to our house, he's the only one riding. Sad. So I filled out the pickup form to send in today and I'll be picking him up more days than not. The only exception will be if one of the younger boys is sick or something.
Anyway.. we're off to day 2. Here's hoping the positive stuff continues!!! :) He has library today with our friend who is the new librarian. (I love that at each of his schools, there has been someone we knew to kind of keep an eye on him for me) I think he's going to love library this year! :)