David's doing great in 3rd grade

Avatar for googolplex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
David's doing great in 3rd grade
3
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 1:55am

About David: Today was the third day of school, and there have been ZERO problems. We've gotten to school on time each day(often a problem in past), he's contributing thoughtful comments in class discussions, he's getting along well. The teacher says she enjoys having conversations with him. She says, "He and I are on the same wavelength, I think." He's made some weird noises a bit, but the teacher handled it in a good-natured way, and he stopped. She already says she thinks he's going to be an engineer when he grows up, which is pretty much the same conclusion we came to ourselves after knowing him for a couple of days!

The "doing so well" has carried over into our after-school time, too, with the exception of one big episode yesterday (related to the possibility of lost Lego mini-figures.) He was VERY sweet to the little toddler who lives nearby, and was patiently trying to teach her how to use a pull-back-and-go car.

He even held up perfectly well during the trip to the developmental pediatrician (routine check-up), despite being in the car with his neurotic-city-driver mother for an hour each way. I got lost TWICE, and couldn't find a safe place to turn around or even stop. It was awful for me. David did fine. LOL!

I hope it continues for a while. (Of course, as long as he continues to really need special supports, I'd like that to be evident to the teachers. KWIM?)

And yes, I know not to get complacent. Last year started out excellent, too, and then suddenly after Winter Break, problems galore. Mostly I'm happy that his teacher is so fond of him. :)

Evelyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 9:36am

That is really great that it is starting out great. First, if he had troubles last year and it is documented I doubt they will try to pull back his supports too quickly. If they do you tell them that he is doing so well because he has the proper supports and bring in any evidence of when he hasn't done well. Tell them what they are doing is WORKING!

Particularly when changing schools it is easy for staff to forget or become complacent when they think a child is doing just fine because they are having the right supports. We just really have to remind them and insist on keeping what is working.

Had this problem with Cait in 4th grade. She moved to our school here after quite a rough patch previously. The RSP teacher made a comment was I sure that Cait needed this much support, that she needed an IEP. I told her what I told you. The next year in 5th grade, cait really began to struggle and this same RSP teacher recomended referring Cait for a 1:1 aide. I reminded her of her comments a year before and told her to remember in the future that because a child is doing well doesn't mean they don't have needs. You have just found the right supports and placement for that for that time in thier lives.

Renee

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 10:13am

I am glad things are going well.

Sometimes just having the right teacher for your child can make so much of a difference.
I can tell when Josh had good years because of the teacher. We know now screamers no good.
Teachers who use the funny money bribes no good, though getting candy works. Teachers who are firm and yet loving excellent! Male teacher good.

This year he will be in inclusion class and have 3 teachers. The special ed teacher, and the 2 regular ones. we will see what happens.

Rina

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 11:11am

Great news! And ditto to what Renee said. :)

Samantha

Samantha