He cried so hard the first days of school I was afraid he
would make himself sick. I found him
friends, held his hand and rubbed his back.
We took walks, found amazing toys to play with and still he’d burst into
tears. Mom said he’d never really been
away from her, but I wondered if it was more.
In October Mrs. M. worked with him every morning for 15
minutes, or for whatever time was left after washing his face and hands. Sometimes one wipe would do, many times it
took more.
In November he still couldn’t identify his name when
surrounded by 2 other very different names.
I keep trying to help him learn more.
December, Jingle Bells, is sung with the letters of his name
MANY times each day. Finally, he can
identify his name, and say the letters in his name, five letters, no more.
Starting in January I had Mrs. M work alone with him for 45
minutes each day. When she was out for a
day, he was NOT happy! Now he can write
his name, if the a and u aren't reversed I will still celebrate it more.
We had a team meeting in January and we agreed some testing
should be done but the psychologist is so so over worked. It has been months! Now he knows 1 and 2. Next 1,2,3, finally he recognizes 1-6, on a
good day even more (once).
The testing began. Oh no, he’s out sick. Wait another week or maybe even more!
Will all his gains
keep him for qualifying for extra help? Almost,
but today he qualifies for special education.
He will have a small group, a teacher who will guard his needs. Most of all he won’t spend most of the day
being asked to do things that are so hard for him. No tears, no more!
And his teacher?
Well, she feels like she opened the BEST gift ever, for him! For now he will get MORE help.
That is such a struggle. I am glad for this little boy that he won't be so frustrated anymore. It sounds like the right move and I am glad that you were able to get him some help.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a struggle. I am glad for this little boy that he won't be so frustrated anymore. It sounds like the right move and I am glad that you were able to get him some help.
ReplyDeleteThank heaven this little guy has a teacher who is such an advocate! He sounds like he will really benefit from the smaller group and from extra support.
ReplyDeleteThose early year strugglers are very precious and also very difficult. I'm so happy that he will get some needed extra help. xo
ReplyDeleteQuite the journey for you both! Teaching is not always easy because in the midst of this little guys needs are a group of others needing attention, too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you were able to do this for him. Wish all districts would do the same for all the kids in need of more.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you were able to do this for him. Wish all districts would do the same for all the kids in need of more.
ReplyDeleteSo relieved to hear that he'll keep getting help. I recently had a similar situation for a boy who obviously needed extra services, and the powers that be were reluctant to test him. Maybe they didn't think I was a good source of recommendation, or maybe they're just too busy. I stayed on it for two years and just last week it was determined that yes, he definitely needs extra services. Such a relief. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteSo relieved to hear that he'll keep getting help. I recently had a similar situation for a boy who obviously needed extra services, and the powers that be were reluctant to test him. Maybe they didn't think I was a good source of recommendation, or maybe they're just too busy. I stayed on it for two years and just last week it was determined that yes, he definitely needs extra services. Such a relief. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteLove the line where the teacher will "guard his needs." Such import in that idea. You are a strong advocate--glad he is going to be served!
ReplyDeleteI love the advocacy that has occured for this child!!!
ReplyDelete