Also Friends, You can celebrate too! Link up at www.ruthayres.com. I thank Ruth for sharing her space with us.
This year, you know, because of the new job, there has been one piece of the puzzle that I just wasn't prepared for.
I'm now charged with educating my own son. There was only 1 section of first grade where I was at. It was part of the deal if we were all going to trek across town.
Before we get to the good stuff, I need to share how much this terrified me all summer long. I never set out in my educational career to educate my own sons. I adore being a mom of two boys. (The oldest will get his own celebration tomorrow...hang tight.) I also adore being able to compartmentalize and walk away from things from time to time. There are no compartments anymore when it comes to my youngest son, we'll call him Li'l T.
If I'm being completely honest, there are days I want to hold up in my bedroom with all the coffee/snacks/beer and not be around any of what he needs. It can be overwhelming to be raising him up in all aspects of his life right now. Sometimes, I don't want to follow up at home because it's been so hard at school. I don't want to follow up with his backpack at home, because I've already done that. When he is sassy at school, it stirs up embarrassment and frustration as a staff member. Yet, at those moments, as hi mom, sometimes I want to scoop him right up because I know exactly what he is feeling.
But like everything else this year, it's been so hard and so awesome in ways I couldn't imagine. So let's get to that good stuff shall we?
1. I love watching him write. He writes about everything! Let's take a look, shall we?
He's not afraid to take risks, he will try writing about anything. He will stick with a story for days. Yesterday, he started writing a story about a hippo and a rhino who are friends. He will take risks, keep going, and loves to back and fancy up his writing when it's appropriate. He asks to write when he thinks it might be a choice. I never would have seen this about him had I not had a front row seat.
2. He's a reader too. What I've loved being able to do is watch him transition from reading at school to reading at home. Having that Teacher-Parent-Child relationship has made the conversation about reading authentic. I always worried, because he wasn't picking up books at home. I knew he was learning to read, and that was fine. But this year, we've been able to explore libraries more authentically together. We can automatically connect to school and home and home and school. (He LOVES to read about animals by the way...)
3. The conversation about school has definitely changed at home. When adventures like a visiting artist occur, I have the blessing of being able to have a front row seat and getting to see his reaction to the awesome work that is being planned every day.
4.
Sometimes, at the end of the day, we just crash out together. I'm learning about those compartments again, learning how to just snuggle up on the couch and let the day go.
5.
Did I mention he loves animals? When our friend Willie comes to visit, he can hardly contain himself. I think Willie likes him too.
6. There's not a picture to really show this next thought, but being in a Faith-Based School, it's been amazing to watch him become bold in what he believes. I hope to get there someday.
Joy!
Kendra
Sounds like you're both working this out! Have fun.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're both working this out! Have fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely story. It must be amazing to watch first hand his day at school and all of his learning. But I can imagine how amazing might be felt a few years from now not when you are in the absolute thick of it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a special opportunity, despite the occasional conflicts. I've had the chance to teach my daughter guided reading. It was very insightful. Best of luck as you continue your journey together.
ReplyDeleteThis is a special opportunity, despite the occasional conflicts. I've had the chance to teach my daughter guided reading. It was very insightful. Best of luck as you continue your journey together.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought of the compartmentalizing that needs to be done when you teach your own kids. We have many teachers at school who have had the choice and some have chosen to have them and some have chosen to have the other teacher be their child's teacher. I only thought of the having your home child in your class. I didn't think about having your student in your home. Thanks for the perspective and sharing your cool kid with us.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought of the compartmentalizing that needs to be done when you teach your own kids. We have many teachers at school who have had the choice and some have chosen to have them and some have chosen to have the other teacher be their child's teacher. I only thought of the having your home child in your class. I didn't think about having your student in your home. Thanks for the perspective and sharing your cool kid with us.
ReplyDeleteI lived in a small town until middle school, & had my mother for both 5th & 6th grade. It was a little embarrassing at first, but I have wonderful memories of that year, too. One of the hardest things as a parent is to see your child not be perfect, and to learn to let it be, knowing he (or she) is perfect despite the recent evidence (ha). I remember seeing my 5 or 6 year old son sit down to play in the dirt at a soccer game-oops! I love that you are settling in with this, Kendra, & love seeing the pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that you will always look back on this year as a very special one.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that you will always look back on this year as a very special one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a unique experience indeed. But look at it from another side. As a mom you can appreciate what other moms go through and as a teacher you can be sensitive to your son's needs and this also applies to the other children. Challenges and benefits come forth. Best of luck, Kendra.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing year you are having together. I'm sure there are many challenges, but the rewards have to be fabulous. :)
ReplyDelete