Conferences

We had school conferences yesterday. First was David’s. He’s doing very well. His reading is a little behind, but mostly because he needs to really learn the -ed and -ing endings. He is having a few behavioral issues right now. We’re seeing it at home too. The only thing I can think of is growth spurt. He always reverts to worse behaviors during growth spurt time. Then she briefly touched on the fact that this is David’s 3rd and final year in her class. Where does time go?

Daniel’s conference was next. I was concerned about this one. I wasn’t sure whether his teacher cared that he was repeating kindergarten and already knew everything on the homework sheets. Turns out Daniel is one of five who are repeating. She is very conscious of making everything new and interesting for them. She also has time for them to be challenged in class. They are split by ability and they do work according to skill. Daniel takes great pride in being a role model for the students that can’t do as much. She loves having him in class.

And finally I had Celia’s conference. This was the first time I got to meet her teacher. I went in not thinking the best of her, and left thinking she seems nice. Gee, could it be influenced by the fact that she kept raving over Celia’s beauty and her hair? Then she told me how wonderful the book was that Celia read to the class. (Celia took in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and asked if the class could read it. The teacher allowed Celia to read it to the class.) She said the class was quieter while Celia read than while she (the teacher) reads. She commented on Celia’s grades leveling out. Thinking that Celia just needed to settle in. I confessed that I put Celia back on Strattera (her ADD med) since her class work was suffering. And you should see her report card! All A’s with one B in science. All her behavioral marks are O’s. Previous years her report cards would have a good mix of O’s, S’s and N’s. She always had difficulties finishing work in the time allotted and difficulties working with others. Now the teacher has to assign partners because there are about six girls who always want to be paired with Celia. And her final assessment: she thinks Celia should be tested for gifted. I’ve always agreed, but it seems like while off her meds, the other teachers didn’t agree. I intend to write a letter formally requesting testing for gifted next week.

Yes, I still exist…

Well, here it is January of 2008.  Wherever does the time go?  I decided to just post a quick update.  The kids are doing well in school.  I had to call Celia’s teacher and tell him that she wants more work.  He said he’d be happy to oblige, and that her only issue in school is her wandering mind.  I empathized.  At home I can tell her to put her shoes in the basket.  She’ll walk to the bathroom, come back, and say, “What did you want me to do?”  And the shoe basket is just inside our door!!!  David is doing well.  He is beginning to read.  He can read books containing sight words and words in the -an and -at families.  His autistic brain predisposes him to excel at sight words.  Daniel doesn’t show what he knows, and I was beginning to worry that he wouldn’t know anything when he began Kindergarten next fall.  Then the other day he sat down, flipped through a book and named all 26 letters.  He has also shown that he knows quite a few of the letter sounds.  He hides his knowledge so well, I wasn’t sure he knew his ABC’s!  What a relief to find out that all this time he has been absorbing what I’ve been teaching.  And Henry, though 2, also has begun recognizing a lot of letters and some sounds.  His speech is a bit delayed, but I have begun more concentrated “therapy” into our day.  He has shown some improvements just in the last few weeks.  As for me, I’ve finished a few knitting projects.  I hope to post some photos soon.  I’ve also begun a college application to a 2-year program.  With 3 of my 4 kiddos in school in Fall of 2008, I think it would be a good time for me to get a degree.  Well, that’s about all for now.  Perhaps I’ll get to write again soon…

I’ve survived!

Well, I put my kiddos on the bus this morning. Amazingly I didn’t even cry. I was proud at David as he breezed past the first seat. The one he was supposed to sit in. And sat with a little boy from our neighborhood whom we don’t know. Celia pouted. She wanted to follow the plan. Sit together in the first seat. It was an issue again in the afternoon. But they survived. David’s book says that he did well. That was from his Learning Support teacher. Nothing from his Kindergarten teacher. Celia was thrilled to announce that there were no tests and her teacher had no reason to yell at her. There was one boy, however, who kept talking. Oh, and at 12:30, I indulged the hyper-vigilant side of me and called the school nurse. David was supposed to get his Risperdal at 12:10, after recess. I got hold of the nurse. She put me on hold for about 5 minutes. When she came back, she apologized and said that it had been a busy day. She also added that David was now on his way to her office. She said that everyone forgot. Once again, being hyper-vigilant has paid off. So in your face, Dr. Collins!

Never thought I’d do it

This morning at 9 AM, I met with the principal of the local public elementary school.  Yes, I know.  Gasp.  I was considering public school.

But, a lot has been going on lately.  The move from TX.  Leaving Amanda and her family.  Moving in with my dad.  And my marriage separation.  Things have not been as honky-dory as I wish.  Believe it or not, I am stressed.  My dad and I get along.  Most of the time.  A couple times he stepped over the line with my kids.  He quite clearly disagreed with my rules, and was rude.  We quarreled.  Then of course, while we weren’t talking to each other, he stepped in dog poop.  Yes, my dog pooped in his bathroom.  And it wasn’t the first time.

It didn’t help that I’ve been off my Celexa for far too long.  I was easily upset.  But with everything going on.  Maybe everyone is right.  Maybe homeschooling it just too much.

And when I called PA Cyber, they informed me that open enrollment ended July 31st.  But I was more than welcome to put her on the wait list and see if she was accepted.  Now, does that make much sense?  It takes 10 days for enrollment to be completed.  And this is a CYBER school.  Not an in person school.  Even if they count the first day of school as August 27th, shouldn’t the last day of open enrollment be August 17th?

Anyway…  My choices were to either go and fill out my affidavit and paper work to homeschool the kids, or to enroll them in public school.  With all the things going on at home, the thought of paperwork and reporting on my homeschooling just seemed like too much.  But at least I do have The Weaver Volume 1.  And I figured I could round it out with the second half of A Beka’s Language Arts and Math from last year.  After all we only finished half.  And it was ahead of what they did in the public school.  And I think if I was in Texas I would do it.

But I’m not.

The principal met with David.  She talked with us.  She said that she thinks David would do well in AM Kindergarten, then leave for his services in the special education room.  He would have lunch, recess, phys ed, music, computer lab, and art with the all day Kindergarten kids.  He’ll get library time with an aide with him.  Between you and me, if she had said anything else, I would have left and been completely justified in homeschooling.  But as it is, maybe it’s for the best.  Maybe.  If the little ones benefit, and David does well, and Celia grows and overcomes some fears, then it will be worth it.

Celia remained adamantly against school.  She also wanted NOTHING to do with the bus.  She was still moping when the principal asked how David will handle the bus.  Remember, there are no seatbelts aboard.  She said that the first few rows are reserved for kindergarteners.  She also said that Celia and David will be riding together to and from school.  Celia perked up.  Then the principal asked if I thought Celia would be interested in sitting with David on the bus.  She overheard and jumped up.  Celia informed her that she most definitely wanted to sit with David.

Things were looking up.

From there I took Celia and David to Wal-Mart.  David picked out a Spiderman 3 backpack–trimmed in blue of course.  A blue lunch bag.  A blue sandwich box.  A Spiderman 3 folder.  A Spiderman 3 thermos.  Celia still has a pink backpack in excellent condition.  She picked out a  pink heart lunch bag.  A pink sandwich box.  A hot pink polka-dot folder.  A pink floral thermos.  Since she’s going into second grade, she also got a pink pencil box, and ten floral pencils.  David needed new sneakers.  He tried on a bunch and settled on a nice black and white pair.

Needless to say, they’re officially excited about the start of school.

A whole new world

In Texas, people like to think that they live in the best state in the Union.  But, I don’t think that statement can be any more true than, “This is the best dog breed, and everyone should own one of these…”  There is something for everyone.  We are not all happy with the same things.  If we were, this world would be boring.  Instead, “variety is the spice of life.”

Before moving to Pennsylvania, I was told that PA homeschoolers receive a free computer.  Free computer sounds pretty good.  In TX, I was the teacher and administrator of my own home-school.  No reporting.  That’s pretty good too.  Well, now I am in PA.  I have to fill out affidavits and  supply proof of residency and vaccination records for my children.  Not too bad, I guess.  David is autistic, so I have to have a certified special education person sign off that my homeschool is sufficient for his special needs.  That’s a bit much.  BUT now I’ve come down to the nitty gritty.  In PA there are cyber charter schools.  Free public school in your own home.  That’s why the free computer.  Also free printer/scanner/fax.  Also reimbursement for internet provider.  Not bad at all.  So, I can choose a curriculum from their somewhat limited list, and enroll my daughter for 2nd grade.  And rather than wondering how I am going to afford the curriculum I want, I can work with the curriculum offered, teach my daughter while being guided via the internet, and supplement it if need be like I would any normal school year.

I would also think this option would help other parents feel less intimidated by homeschooling.  If I were a parent who wanted to give it a try, I would feel more like it’s a no lose situation.  Why not give it a try?  It doesn’t cost anything more than a typical public school.

Checkups

On Friday Celia and David saw the Pediatric Developmental Specialist in Lubbock for the last time.  When the nurse, Jesus (Hay-Zeus), called our name to go back, Celia was in the bathroom.  David and Daniel rushed to Jesus and I walked toward the door and told him we were waiting on her.  The door closed.  I could hear Jesus tell them that we had to wait for mom.  But I couldn’t see what was happening.

Celia emerged and we joined Jesus and the boys.  Henry was buckled into his stroller, so he was no problem at all.  Jesus immediately said that when he told them they were waiting on me, David stopped and waited.  He said he was impressed at how well David is doing.  I was beaming with pride.

After weighing and measuring the kids, we were taken back to an examination room.  Luckily we didn’t wait too long.

The doctor came in and began with David.  Celia stood right next to me, and couldn’t stop trying to interject information about her own life.  I tried listening to her in hopes that she would calm down, but to no avail.  Finally I said to her that the doctor was focusing on David right now and she would have her chance soon.  The noise in the room from the three boys was deafening.  I’m amazed the doctor and I could talk at all!  But we did.

She asked how school was going for David.  I said we’ve taken a time out because of the move.  But he has a great interest in learning to read, and in all areas he’s progressing.  He’s been coloring and writing more.  His speech is improving.  He knows the phonics sounds to most of the letters.  He is recognizing bigger, smaller, same, and different.  And he’s answering questions better.  Then the doctor asked where David is receiving therapy.  I answered that I’ve been doing it all myself.  (Services in this area aren’t worth the battle with the insurance company!)  But all in all, the Risperdal and Strattera seem to be doing well with David’s ASD.

Finally time for Celia.  She asked about school.  I said she finished the year well and is excited about homeschooling.  But we’ve taken time off because of the move.  The doctor asked if there were any academic concerns.  I said no.  Celia makes very good grades.  And I told her that her first grade teacher never told me until I asked her, but her attention improved at the end of the year, and Celia left her seat less often.  (I had no idea she was having a hard time staying seated!!!)  So, the Strattera is helping Celia.

During the entire visit, in the background, David and Daniel both wanted the Larry Boy stuffed toy.  I ended up having to set the timer on my phone for 5 minutes and make them trade.  The arguing and fighting ended.  As soon as the timer beeped (which was really annoying in the small room) you would hear, “Here you go…” and then Larry Boy would trade hands.  No head locks.  No scratching.  No punching.  Just sharing.

The doctor seemed very pleased with what she saw and heard from Celia and David.  I was very happy myself.

Method to My Madness

Lately I’ve been asked a lot of questions about autism, or therapy, or signing to my children, or eating or sleeping habits of special needs kids… And the list goes on. I’ve been trying to tackle the issues that people seem to want to know about. The result is a combination of chronological journaling and random posts about past major issues.

But what I really want, is for my blog to minister to people’s needs. Whether the need be completely superficial and just wanting to know what size knitting needle I used on Celia’s top, or if someone wants to know more intimate details, like just how many lipsticks David has completely wasted.

So, dear public, I am here to welcome questions. I want to raise knowledge and understanding of autism and other disorders. I want to help people that are also beginning this journey. I can offer empathy and also a long list of books to read!

Monday is Celia’s favorite day

Celia began school this morning bright and early. I wasn’t ready. She began by bringing me a math curriculum book and telling me to give her ten pages to do. I said we’d start with two. I chose the first page from chapter 9 and from chapter 10. Money and time. Something I don’t think they did this year in public school. The first 8 chapters were unbelievably easy. This was a book they sent home from school with the kids. I guess to keep them remembering their math over the summer. But chapter 1 begins with writing the numbers and counting. This is for kids preparing to enter second grade. Give me a break.

So, after Celia did both sides of the worksheets, she wanted more work. Since I wasn’t ready for school today, I had to rummage to find the next sheets in the A Beka curriculum I had used before. It is labeled 1st grade, but it is new material and harder than what she had at public school. Part of her one sheet was filling in statements. She wrote: My favorite day of the week is Monday. She showed it to me and explained that Monday was her favorite because Mom and Monday both start with M, and one week she and I had a special day just the two of us and it was on a Monday.

The next part of school was baking a banana cake. She read the recipe, and retrieved the ingredients. She also had to find the proper measuring cups and spoons. She counted it all out. Before I added the egg, she got a small taste of it. She did a great job. I really didn’t have to correct her much at all. (I had to show her that the recipe called for 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar, and not just 1/4. The “and” was implied.)

While the cake baked, we played Number Rings (a Discovery Toys) game. Then we finished our novel about Amelia Erhart: First Lady of Flight. It is listed as Juvenile Fiction. As I read, I instructed Celia to draw a picture of her favorite part of the book. Her picture was of Amelia landing on Gardner Island (incidentally, that was not something discussed in the book). After finishing it, I decided to go on the internet and look for more information. I had never known so much about her before. Celia was sad to learn that she had died. She liked to think that she landed on Gardner Island instead of Howland Island and survived. Thing is, no matter what happened, she did die. In 1940, a man found a tall, thin, white woman’s skeleton under a tree on Gardner Island. Nearby was a shoe circa 1930’s that matched the type of shoes seen in photos of Amelia from her round the world trip. Also found was a man’s shoe (presumably her navigator’s). Celia then said she wanted to change her picture. She didn’t like to think of her crashing after that.

After lunch we all got to sample the cake. Delicious!

Then Celia was free. She chose to play on the computer.

And it was David’s turn for school. He did lesson 4 in reading (Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons). And then wrote “s”, “a”, and “m”. He couldn’t do an “s” without hand-over-hand help. He attempted an “a” for the first time. And “m” wasn’t even part of school today, but he did it just because he wanted to! And there are some good m’s in there! Then he told me about the picture in his Little Critter reading workbook (ISBN 1577685997BT), and then drew pictures hand-over-hand of Sonic the hedgehog, Shadow, and Knuckles. Math (ISBN 1577685091BT) was putting 4 pictures in order from smallest to biggest. I had him cut them out–and his final cut was 95% on the line!!! Then I put glue stick on a piece of construction paper and let him place them in order. He did great. We had to talk about which was bigger, Litter Critter’s cat or dog, but he was correct with the cricket and the mouse without any help at all.

I was so proud of how great both of them did with school today! It left me feeling elated!