Katie started back to school on August 23rd. She is in second grade this year, which means a new school building and all new teachers and therapists. So far, so good! She's done really well with the transition so far and is already learning her way around the new school.
She has a male support educator this year, which is different for Katie--she's never had a male teacher or therapist before. He's great! There are five kids in his classroom, counting Katie. He believes in teaching the kids to do as much for themselves independently as they can. He already has Katie doing things that she never did in first grade last year, like following the end-of-lunchtime routine independently, opening doors for herself, etc. She bounces back and forth between his classroom and a mainstream classroom during the day, with an interpreter and a paraprofessional to assist her.
It still feels a little weird taking her to a new school and seeing all the new faces after being at her old school for the past four years. I think it's taking Arlin and me longer to adjust than it has Katie! Maybe she could teach us a few things about transitioning!
I'll try to update more often now that we're finally getting back in the swing of things around here.
Katie's new schoolIt's only about 5 minutes from our house, so we take her in the mornings and she rides the bus home (with an aide) in the afternoons. I love seeing her face light up when the bus pulls up and we're waiting for her!
Dressed up for the first day of school(Outfit courtesy of Nanny Carpenter)
Walking home from the bus on the first dayShe loves for me to meet her at the bus and walk home with her. One day last week, I couldn't be there, and she refused to hold hands with Arlin and walk home with him. She made her aide walk home with her instead! She's a hoot sometimes!
Second day of schoolStill smiling!
Looking at books in the car on the way to school
5 comments:
Les, I'm so glad Katie is adjusting well to her new school! Also having a man this year, when all she had was women had to be a heck of a change for her. I know things have to run smoother when Katies day runs smooth.....AGREE?
Love, Janie
I love reading about how Katie is doing. We are so proud of her! And on a side note, will be writing back to your email when I have more than a few mins on the computer. :)
Oh, Katie! I love reading about you following new routines and doing things more independently than you did last year! I also think it's funny that you wouldn't walk home with your Daddy! I hope he thought it was funny, too!
Leslie, I completely understand about how much harder transition seems to be on us than our kids. I think we bear all the anxiety of a pending transition for so long that our bodies and minds can be completely worn out with worry before it even occurs. Then our girls just go with the flow and we have this letdown of pent up emotions to cope with! I am so glad that (for the most part...?) things are going well.
Big hugs to all three of you!
I'm glad she's liking the new school and it sounds like she has a great new teacher!
Leslie we both seem to be through similar phases with new schools and transitions...I have to say how resilient our kids are...Katie looked very pretty first day back, i wish we didn't have to wear school uniform in the UK so boring !!
Amélie has settled in amazingly well and it's not focused on medical such a refreshing time...at last
I know what you mean about facebook blogs etc with 4 kids working 70 hours per week I have very little free time these days and feel so out of touch with my extended charge family :(
glad your all well
much love the Channies xx
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