“I wanted to make a good first impression so I held my crazy in.”
“What?” I asked Catelyn.
“You know – I can get a little nuts. But I went out of my way to stay calm today to make a good impression on my new teacher.”
“Oh,” I said, “Well, good job then. Do you like your teacher?”
“Yep! He is just like my teacher from last year. I feel comfortable with him.”
“Good! How were friends?”
“Good!” Catelyn answered and galloped away.
The kids went back to school this week. One by one I took their picture and put them on a bus. One by one they all eventually came home.
I didn’t get any “Greats!” when I asked about school, but I didn’t get any “Stinks!” either – so hey, I’ll take it!
From Bobby I get “Good” when I ask any school related questions. From Catelyn I get the above. Status report – it is the end of the first week and she says she still has harnessed her “crazy.” Which is good.
The school did a lot to help put Catelyn and Declan in supportive environments to help them with their specific needs and goals. Catelyn’s teacher and friends were thought out. Declan’s teacher is the same as last year – and good news – he got his same 1/1 aid again as well. Perfect!
His teacher was kind to send a photo of Declan at his first lunch.
And Catelyn has the lunch right after him. So Declan is THRILLED that Catelyn says hi to him and gives him a hug everyday when he is leaving the lunch room.
And on the playground, he said he found some boys from his class last year and played with them.
A couple of days this week, the heat and humidity were out of control, so recess had to be brought inside. Declan felt this was “LAME.” But I am happy with it – it was sickly hot out and while inside he made this nice thing for his family.
I would just like to point out – someone is first…..Love my little guy too!
So far, only one problem with socializing that I can figure out. Declan made a new friend he enjoyed the first couple of days. Then during indoor recess on the third day his new friend said that the circle Declan was drawing wasn’t very big. Which made Declan mad as he felt it was huge. He came home and a few hours later I learned the scowl he was wearing was because he didn’t like his new friend anymore. They could no longer be friends.
I encouraged him to try again. I think he can work it out.
I feed the kids dinner and before I get them out the door to their different sports practices my little guy gets his trampoline and drags it around the house to find a place to bounce and listen to music on his device. Again, meeting a sensory need and his kind of play. He does this for about thirty minutes every afternoon and will come back again later in the evening for another round of bouncing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWoobsu-G3g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irG3a2c750Y
In short – really great first week. Getting into a nice routine (which I love). So far, so good on the school/social front. Maybe have a couple bumps here and there in the year ahead but I think things are going to be A-OK.
Yay!
Yay 😁 x
🙂
At least Declan has been getting decent exercise in at home with all his bouncing! Sounds like his big brother and sister made it through the week safely, too. What more could you ask for?
I know, it’s great! And he is getting a lot of exercise in with all that bouncing. And his food is limited, he can only eat at lunch time – so that is good for his health too! Great week 🙂
So glad to hear about such a positive start to the year.
Thank you!
Whew! There are always going to be some problems that come up at school. And in life… It’s good to know that the supports are there and things seem to be going smoothly. Good for Cate trying to do her best!! So awesome!!! I just let my “crazy” all hang out😂 of course, I’m 50 and can get away with it😜
Hahaha!! Yes!! 🙂
It’s funny. It’s the same school in the same building with many of the same personnel and yet every school year has its own flavor…
Yeah, you’re right!