First Day of School, Year 2
Greetings to every one.
Today was Xavier's first day back to school. This year, he is a Turtle. It is a little different this year than last, in part, I think, due to different teachers. Also, this year, Xavier goes twice a week, for four hours each day.
Last Thursday, Rebecca took Xavier in to meet his new teachers: Miss Karen and Miss Andrea. Later that evening, I went to the "kids-free" orientation. It's a different room this year, a different animal (turtle), and different lessons.
Xavier will have a gym class on Tuesdays this year. The new gym instructor is a lot of fun and should give the kiddos a run for their (parents') money. On Thursdays, Xavier has a music class which we are equally excited for him to experience as he is both highly active and loves music.
It took Xavier a few minutes to get used to the idea of being dropped off, but he was soon exploring the room. (this room has a child-sized bathroom attached as many of his class mates are working on or have been potty-trained).
Emphasis this year includes manners, listening, following directions, taking turns and sharing, communication. Also, continuing with letters, introducing numbers and colors, working on fine and gross motor skills.
One of the hard things Xavier will have to rise to as he is evaluated "speaks clearly and is easily understood 50% or more of the time." He is several months behind in his speech. We have learned that this is a severe impediment in getting him into a preschool/kindergarten class; it may delay him a year. (we are still seeing Miss Robin, Xavier's speech therapist; Xavier is doing well, and works hard the whole hour with Miss Robin. He really wants to speak. We have been pushing him at home also with flash cards and making him use words to express his wants)
Most of the other evaluation points Xavier has in the bag. The list is much longer this year, but Xavier is already ahead of much of it.
Rebecca and I picked Xavier up. After checking him out of his room, we posed for first day of school pictures outside the school.