Hoping the Rain Stays Away-We're Going Back in May-TR started

[ladybugmom]

I think Becky's suggestions are wonderful! It made me wish she had been my children's kindergarten teacher.

Awww!! Thanks Jackie!! That is so sweet of you to say!!

 

[MaryAz]

Oh the poor thing, she definitely sounds stressed. K is hard, it's a bit young for playdates and they are all trying to figure out where they fit and lunch in particular seems to be a landmine all of its own. One cool thing Eric's gifted teacher did in 2nd was to talk to parents about peer match ups, basically gently suggesting that xx kid or yy kid might be a good one to try to reach out for and schedule playdates as the gifted kids can have a harder time establishing those relationships on their own. I was really really lucky (or he was) that in K he latched onto our neighbor across the street and they migrated over to hi-cap together and are still best buds, it is a huge blessing and has helped a ton) I know a lot of parents really appreciated that, maybe you could see if there is a classmate that might be a good one to encourage a friendship with and invite over? It can be hard on them if classmates all went to pre-K together and are already a "group" that they aren't part of. Girls seem worse according to my friends, which really isn't surprising! I know Evan would chat and goof alot to get attention in K, it was his way of trying to "look cool" and thus attract friends. Not exactly the same thing but...

I would suggest you actually try to meet with the cluster teacher for 1st and even the self contained teacher for 2nd. They are generally not only used to, but trained to deal with the little fish/big pond issue. They are also often open to prospective parents meeting with them. Eric is very much a perfectionist and we had many a K meltdown before we understood the depth of it. A dinner comes to mind, we were out for mexican, the kids had the kids menu's and were coloring. Eric wanted to write "Happy Halloween". He had a complete and utter meltdown because we wouldn't tell him how Halloween was spelled and he wanted it to be right and refused to try for fear it would be wrong.

While it isn't for everyone I do think Eric's teachers since he switched have been far better equipped to deal with his particular needs. He is an absolute perfectionist, which is not uncommon with these kids and I think honestly, being more of a peer now is far better than him "knowing" he was ahead of others in his class....at the end of first it brought out a, um, lack of humbleness shall we say that was most unattractive and has now gone away.
On the flip side I know other children that did test in and their parents chose to keep them at our homeschool for the social aspect and respecting the childs wishes. With 3 kids in mainstream and one in the high-cap all I can say is in the primary grades the difference between the two is, sadly, mindboggling.

That said I would NOT move him up a grade. Though he only misses the cutoff by a whopping 5 days and is doing work 1-2 grade levels higher than his own, his maturity is barely at his correct grade. Which again, can be common in some gifted kids but by no means all. I'm sure being the baby of our 4 kids doesn't help!

Eric's test was similar except it was 4 out of 7 at 97% and of those one had to be a math and one had to be an english. He did not hit 4 out of 7, he hit 3 and was very close on the 2 others. So we appealed and he got in.

It was definitely the best thing we ever did but at the time, originally, we were not going to appeal. Eric really really wanted it, so we did. I took the minimum route on the appeal (writing a letter) but others actually went and got independent IQ tests and such. I'm glad I listened to him and Avery is lucky you are listening to her. I know when we were in your spot (and it was his K teacher that pointed us to where he really was at, we just thought he was stubborn!) I did a lot of research, a lot of talking to other parents. Listen to your heart and to Avery and you will be fine.

We do do playdates but they are more in a group setting. Her best buddy moved up to Wash right before Christmas. They were a great match intelectually but socially the friend was very immature. I am going to approach a few people and see if we can set something up. I called the school today to find out who the cluster teacher was. they said it may change next year. I will observe both programs. A also has perfectionist traits. It has lessened. She also would get very upset if we would not tell her how to spell something correctly. Since they journal at school she has lightened up. Some of her spelling is sooo cute! I just want to make the right choice. I think as much info as I can gather I will and then go from there. Thanks again!

 

[racefanof88]

hope everything goes well Monday with your parent/teacher conference. I know how stressful it is when we are worried about our kids. Keep us updated on how it all works out. I know you will choose and do what is best for A and the rest of your family. Here is a to let you know I will be thinking about you.

 

[KathyRN137]

I just realized that you've got a pre-trippie going!

Yikes! I've got a lot of catching up to do!!


Kathy

 

[MHTeacher]

I did not think that at all. Just offering your experience. I totally agree. I just don't want her talking to get in the way of someone else's learning.
I think BC looks great. We hope to stay there someday when the girls are a little older. We are at the Poly-thanks to the 40% off code. I am really excited!!

I understand...I definitely wouldn't want Rachel's talking to disrupt anyone's learning. I got to experience her talking first hand, two years ago, when I was her sixth grade teacher! .....I had to call her down for talking several times!

Well, I don't know about BC, never stayed there. We were at Yacht Club, next door, and really enjoyed the location. I can't imagine that there'd be that big of a difference between the two. I many even do a split stay between BC and the Cont. I like to try out different resorts.

We stayed at the Poly for last year's May vacation, and I will miss it this year. It's just that magical resort for me---feels like Disney to me everytime!

 

[MaryAz]

hope everything goes well Monday with your parent/teacher conference. I know how stressful it is when we are worried about our kids. Keep us updated on how it all works out. I know you will choose and do what is best for A and the rest of your family. Here is a to let you know I will be thinking about you.

Thansk so much Dana. I actually have an update. Still waiting for your Dr news.

 

[MaryAz]

I just realized that you've got a pre-trippie going!

Yikes! I've got a lot of catching up to do!!


Kathy

Hiya Kathy
I'm sorry I don't have links. Iusually do my updates in purple if that helps. Thanks for joining in.

 

[MaryAz]

I understand...I definitely wouldn't want Rachel's talking to disrupt anyone's learning. I got to experience her talking first hand, two years ago, when I was her sixth grade teacher! .....I had to call her down for talking several times!

Well, I don't know about BC, never stayed there. We were at Yacht Club, next door, and really enjoyed the location. I can't imagine that there'd be that big of a difference between the two. I many even do a split stay between BC and the Cont. I like to try out different resorts.

We stayed at the Poly for last year's May vacation, and I will miss it this year. It's just that magical resort for me---feels like Disney to me everytime!

Oops, you did say YC. That pool at BC looks amazing! I would also like to check out as many resorts as possible! Poly looks so nice!

 

[MaryAz]

Thanks again for all your posts. They meant a lot to me.

I sent an email to Ms G last night. She called this am. Such a sweet lady! A's paperwork is all set for the testing. She talked with the honors teacher and she reccomended AR (acelerated reader) or Raz Kids. Since the first graders are doing Raz we are going with that. It is an online reading program she can do both at school and at home. She is also revamping centers for A and C (the other girl) They will read their chapter books in the library and do little packets on each chapter they read. The packets aim to both be fun and test their comprehension. They will still do the literacy game and poem reading and illustrating. I am glad she will still have the social interaction of centers.
I also spoke to her about the talking. She said that it is at centers and calendar. Ms G gave an example of her reading a new book to them and A fidgeting and or whispering. At home when she is reading she can also not sit still. Always playing with something-hair-clothes etc. I will encourage her to work to pay attention during "teaching" times. I think is also an age thing. So far she has got all green notes this week. So ice cream tonight if its another green day. I am very excited about the changes. I appreciate the teacher being willing to work with her. She told me how much she likes A and how happy she seems in school. Which is good to hear. She also told me how cute Avery always looks I am very encouraged.

4 MONTHS TO GO

 

[Charlefours]

I am so happy the teacher was opened about discussing things with you!! To me, that's a good sign. I hope the little adjustments that have/are going to be made are a good one for A.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Mary just checking in !! In less than 2 weeks I will be there Getting close to the single digit dance

 

[SoonerGirl]

It sounds like you had a very productive meeting! That's wonderful that the teacher is willing to work with you and Avery. I hope everything continues to go well!

 

[MeMom]

Thanks again for all your posts. They meant a lot to me.


I also spoke to her about the talking. She said that it is at centers and calendar. Ms G gave an example of her reading a new book to them and A fidgeting and or whispering. At home when she is reading she can also not sit still. Always playing with something-hair-clothes etc. I will encourage her to work to pay attention during "teaching" times. I think is also an age thing. So far she has got all green notes this week. So ice cream tonight if its another green day. I am very excited about the changes. I appreciate the teacher being willing to work with her. She told me how much she likes A and how happy she seems in school. Which is good to hear. She also told me how cute Avery always looks I am very encouraged.

4 MONTHS TO GO

Sounds like you are feeling much better about things.
You are so, so blessed to have those two awesome little girls. If talking is the worst thing you are dealing with, you have got it made! Have a great time eating your ice cream and give those two sweet babies some extra special hugs just to let them know how wonderful we think they are.

And congratulations on the FOUR MONTHS celebration!

 

[ladybugmom]

4 months!!! Whoo hoo!!!

So glad that your talk with Avery's teacher was productive!! It sounds like she will be making some necessary changes to challenge her!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am glad that Avery's teacher called and was so positive! Hoping there was ice cream tonight!

 

[racefanof88]

I'm so glad to hear that everything is working out at school for A. I know that will make things much better for her and for you.


WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO 4 MONTHS

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks again for all your posts. They meant a lot to me.

I sent an email to Ms G last night. She called this am. Such a sweet lady! A's paperwork is all set for the testing. She talked with the honors teacher and she reccomended AR (acelerated reader) or Raz Kids. Since the first graders are doing Raz we are going with that. It is an online reading program she can do both at school and at home. She is also revamping centers for A and C (the other girl) They will read their chapter books in the library and do little packets on each chapter they read. The packets aim to both be fun and test their comprehension. They will still do the literacy game and poem reading and illustrating. I am glad she will still have the social interaction of centers.
I also spoke to her about the talking. She said that it is at centers and calendar. Ms G gave an example of her reading a new book to them and A fidgeting and or whispering. At home when she is reading she can also not sit still. Always playing with something-hair-clothes etc. I will encourage her to work to pay attention during "teaching" times. I think is also an age thing. So far she has got all green notes this week. So ice cream tonight if its another green day. I am very excited about the changes. I appreciate the teacher being willing to work with her. She told me how much she likes A and how happy she seems in school. Which is good to hear. She also told me how cute Avery always looks I am very encouraged.

4 MONTHS TO GO

Great update!

 

[MaryAz]

I am so happy the teacher was opened about discussing things with you!! To me, that's a good sign. I hope the little adjustments that have/are going to be made are a good one for A.

Thanks. I was happy to hear from her. A has already checked out the reading program online.

 

[MaryAz]

Hi Mary just checking in !! In less than 2 weeks I will be there Getting close to the single digit dance

Hiya Rosie, you are getting so close! I'm jealous of all your meets!

 

[MaryAz]

It sounds like you had a very productive meeting! That's wonderful that the teacher is willing to work with you and Avery. I hope everything continues to go well!

Ms G was so excited to show me all the stuff she had put together when I dropped A off. It was very productive.