I've debated blogging about Ian's school year. He loves school and as a typical boy he likes recess, gym, music, and art. He is a boys boy. I'm not making any excuses because I know my son. I know he is wiggly and can be loud (he is my son after all), but he is also kind, smart and knowledgeable about sharks (a great life skill).
In my eyes, he has had a rough start. He has been in the quiet room too many times (my opinion) for a kindergartner. He has been saying, "I don't know what's wrong with me?" a lot. When we talk about it, he always says he is doing things "wrong". I have spend many minutes assuring that how he is doing it is not wrong, just different.
I'm the one with the problem. I am a teacher, a special ed. teacher, so I know when kids are struggling they need help. I'm the one who provides the help....
A couple of days ago, we got a letter saying that he would be in a reading group 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes to help him with literacy skills - naming letters, matching letters and sounds and other literacy "stuff". This is not news to me. I knew that he wasn't ready for that part of kindergarten, but it makes me sad. I didn't think he was that far behind....
I have sat "on the other side of the table" for many years talking with parents regarding the areas of need for their child need. It is so different being the parent, especially when no one has talked to you. When all of the information you have received came in a letter.
How do I become the advocate for my child that I coach other parents to be for their child or that I do for their children?
I know that Ian needs this. I have to try not to feel guilty that I didn't "teach" him enough before he started school. And maybe that's it. I feel guilty for not spending the time on those skills with him. It will get better. He is a smart resilient kid.
4 comments:
You made sure that he had lots of other skills before starting school, you can not do it all. Some kids need the teacher(not a parent) to teach them that stuff. Ian is SO SMART!! You have done a GREAT job with both your kids. Do not worry. That said I know I would feel the same... and you would say the same to me and mean it.
Big hug coming your way.
The wonderful thing is as a teacher you know that your child's teacher really does want what is best for him:) I have the loud child and is has been an effort to keep her from being labeled a "troublemaker" by the rookie 2nd grade teacher...I was in total support of the teacher for most of the year, because that's what I believe is my job but then you know, I had about enough and thought - go back to school, 2nd graders are loud!:) Good luck!
Oh, I wish they would have called you instead of a letter. :(
Please don't feel guilty about the letters...zoe was right...some kids learn so much better from someone else.
"I don't know what's wrong with me?" Aw, that made me sad. Give that kid a hug for me. He will be just fine with all of your love and a little extra help with letters. :) xo
Thanks.
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