Hi! It's been forever.. I know. But school has started... not just for the kids, but for me too! I've now been at my new job for an entire week. What can I say? I'm tired...that's what I can say! Whew! It's tough! Definitely going to take some adjustments. But I do have some things to say before I go collapse and take a nap...
I attended an Early Literacy workshop last week. This was an amazing experience and totally out of my comfort zone. I learned SO much and now I want to be a teacher... ha ha! Stop laughing! I could do it... Anyway, I came home and quizzed Leah. I couldn't help it.. there was all this research and things that she should know by 1st grade and I had to know if she was on target. Of course she was right where she needs to be. I also learned what the optimal learning environment is for a small child. This brought me to a new revelation. Leah had the perfect Kindergarten experience. Now, I know I've gushed about it before, but now I have scientific research to back me up! It was amazing. All of those projects that I didn't understand why Mrs. Niedrach did (not that I have doubted that they had a purpose)... now I know exactly why they are done. Incredible! I wish I had this information last year and I could have been more appreciative and involved at home. Sigh.. hindsight is 20/20.
The children started school on Friday. Everyone seems to have had a good day. Leah was super nervous that morning. She said repeatedly that her stomach "felt funny". I have not seen her like that since she was about 3 years old. It was a little upsetting for me because I couldn't take her to school and I felt so bad that I wouldn't be there for her. Welcome to full time employment. Christian and Brady also had a good day, although Christian says that his nose started bleeding at school. He says it happens when he's "nervous". Really? It did bleed that morning before he left, so maybe. It's just funny to think that these children are nervous. They are usually so outgoing and happy. Brady didn't seem nervous at all. I hope he enjoys 6th grade more than he did 5th grade.
Well, that's all for now. I must go nap. I'm super tired today. I'll leave you with back to school pictures! All the children picked out their own back to school outfits. Very nice. I can already tell that Leah is going to have some wild taste.
My big girl is in First Grade! Here she is showing off her new backpack...
All three posing for a first day of school picture!
2 comments:
Did you think we were just having fun laughing and singing and dancing in Kindergarten all year? I just snuck in all the learnin' like a vitamin covered in candy! Only when you study education do you know words like "learning environment". We just called it "Rockin' K".
Leah came in for a tooth pull and wasn't even scared. The next day she asked me why I left her tooth and I said; "I thought you wanted it. And you're welcome for the money!" She just giggled, silly girl. can't she just come back to Kindergarten and be my helper?
I want to be an aide in your class now! I'm so excited about learning...ha ha! What a great moment it was to confirm to myself, "hey, my daughter had that". She was so lucky. Thanks so much for everything you did!
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