spynotes ::
  September 13, 2006
Buenas Dias

Scene: Harriet�s kitchen at dinnertime.

AJ: I�m learning some Spanish at school.
Harriet: You are?
AJ: Well, sometimes my teacher talks to some of the kids in Spanish.
Harriet: What are you learning?
AJ: �Cierra la boca.�

* * * * *

It�s the middle of AJ�s first 5-day week of kindergarten and the information that�s trickling down to us suggests that the classroom is still in a certain amount of chaos. Of course, I find it hard to imagine how 23 5-6 year-olds plus one teacher equals anything but chaos, even on the best of days. Still, they seem to actually be doing assignments now, although the work looks less advanced that what he was doing in preschool last year, which was already too easy for him. His penmanship�s improving, though.

AJ�s still having a great time. He loves the newness, he loves that there are rules to follow and that he knows how to do a good job � in that respect, there is order in the classroom. The disorder seems to be due to some students not being totally ready for the classroom experience.

Still, as you all know, I�ve been concerned about keeping AJ interested in school. This year, since he�s only in school for a couple of hours a day, I�m not too worried about the lack of challenging work. But next year it will become more of an issue when he starts going full time.

So last night I emailed the gifted teacher, as had been suggested to me last spring by the school�s social worker at AJ�s preschool testing. I heard back from her by 8 a.m. this morning. Apparently, AJ�s teacher has already talked to her about him and she�s already working on getting him work for his level, to begin once the class has settled into its routines. I was stunned, in a very good way. Hooray for proactive schools! I�m still planning on making an appointment with the gifted teacher, though, to get more information about what lies ahead. I can use all the help I can get.

AJ�s school is also offering a weekly Spanish class once a week after school starting next month. We�ve signed AJ up for it and he�s very excited about it. Hopefully he�ll be learning something besides �Cierra la boca!�

11 people said it like they meant it

 
:: last :: next :: random :: newest :: archives ::
:: :: profile :: notes :: g-book :: email ::
::rings/links :: 100 things :: design :: host ::

(c) 2003-2007 harri3tspy

<< chicago blogs >>