Conference and Report Cards!

When your children enter preschool or kindergarten, you lovingly place them in the hands of another adult. Another someone to love and guide them, to help them be their best selves. This is a big step for all moms, but especially stay-at-home moms who have been the sole care provider for years. You fear the worst, but hope for the best as you nudge them along into their school! 

Isaac started this year at Mount Olivet preschool and is doing so well! He loves school and is learning to trust and respond to another adult. He's building social skills and learning how to be a respectful listener and friend. He's learning new hobbies and has already had 2 performances on stage! Most importantly, he is having a great time!! Last week, I had conferences with his teacher and, of course, left feeling so proud. His teacher had great things to say about Isaac- he's able to show empathy to his school friends, has awesome fine motor skills, has a great attention span, and is a bright and kind boy. Of course I knew all of these things already :) Some things, however, only become clear when your child is in a group setting. For example, how they play with others, where in the room they like to play, when they join in and why they sit back. His teacher told me that Isaac is an observer, often watching and sitting back before joining in. As his teacher said, "he soaks it all in." Sometimes he likes to get a good grasp of the situation before joining in, and sometimes he just enjoys watching others play! Also, she told me that he is respectful and answers appropriately in circle. Yay Isaac!

Alexander got his first school report card last week as well. His teachers left comments and I spent some time telling Alexander what nice things they said. I think it can be really meaningful for a child to hear praise come from their teachers. (Some educators and child psychologists believe praise is a motivator-killer, but I believe if done in the right fashion it is the opposite!). Most importantly to me, though, is that Alexander feels comfortable and confident in school. So far this year has been great! Even when his best friend was gone a whole week, he had good days at school playing with new friends. We continue to work at home on reading with Alexander, which is coming along swimmingly. He loves doing homework for fun as well, often creating his own activities and projects! I swear, I don't pressure him to do it :). 

Alexander's first spelling quiz!