Gavin and Darren both started school off on the right foot yesterday. As I have often heard Darren say, "I was able to be myself and that is kinda scary." Both of them were able to be themselves in their respective classes and I think that they had a good time.
First we will start with Gavin since I know that is who you are waiting to hear about anyway. We arrived early to give him a chance to get acquainted slowly. It worked out well because he was the first child to arrive. He headed straight across the room when we got there like he owned the place. I had to call him back to me to take off his gloves and sunglasses. Then I left because he was obviously fine (well at least he thought I left!). I did what all perfectly protective mothers would do...I went into the spy room and listened and watch over his entire day.
While in the spyroom, I met the other moms. This was their second semester with the program so they weren't quite so anxious as I. They all watched for a few minutes and took their leave. I stayed. Do you have any idea how long 3 hours can be sitting in a dark room listening and watching everyone else having fun? Anyway, I have no intention of doing that again, but I digress. I was supposed to be talking about Gavin right?
When the kids first arrived they sat down with their "Big Friends" (the therapist assigned to them) and worked on coloring and tracing the letter of the day...this time the letter "A". Next they had circle story time. They sat in their own chairs (they had their names on the back) and listened to the story of the week, "The Snowy Day". And they talked about and learned to spot the letter of the day.
Then it was time for play centers. The children had to find their handprint on a center to see where they were supposed to be. Gavin quickly spotted his own name. I think he was excited because he was in the dramatic play area! He got to sweep and use a dust pan, to cook and put away groceries, and to take pictures with a big camera!
After center time, they had individual therapy. Since Gavin's "Big Friend" had two students he was able to play during this time and on Wednesday he will get his turn at individual therapy. The next item of the day was snack. Gavin liked snack and they gave the kids lots of choices. They had to verbalize their choices in order to get snack and to ask for more.
Art came next and they all made snowmen out of paper plates and cotton balls. Gavin did fine until he was done and then he got a bit frustrated because he couldn't the strings of his art apron untied. He tried everything he could think of and finally gave up before someone noticed his struggle and came to help.
The next 10 to 15 minutes was gross motor time. The kids went for a walk and then came back and danced to some fun music. The day was winding to a close for them so that sat back down in their circle and sang songs, read the story, and talked about their day. Then they put up their chairs and were able to draw something special out of the treasure box.
That was Gavin's morning in a nut shell. He said he didn't have fun, but did agree that he wanted to go back. That's good because he will be going back tomorrow morning. I think this program is going to be excellent for him.
Don't worry I haven't forgotten Darren's part of the story. He had a long day too. He left the house yesterday morning around 6:30 a.m. for work and got home just after 10 p.m. His classes start at 6 pm and run until 10 pm. He said that he really enjoyed getting to know everyone and learning more about what is expected of him. He said that after this class he knows why he is going back to school and is energized about doing this for himself. He wants to do it not for work or for anyone else. He is doing it to accomplish something for himself. He has set some high goals and is determined to reach them and graduate this program with honors. That is about all he told me about it except that they will be doing potluck next week and he volunteered to bring dessert. So guess who will be baking for 23 this weekend!
Anyway, I am glad that both my boys were able to be themselves and kick off the school year on a good note. I am sure that you will be hearing more over the next few weeks and months. Don't forget to keep cheering for them! |
Thank you. You are kind and sweet with your words. I appreciate your push. Gavin and I both have a long road ahead of us. We'll take it one day at a time.
dare