Life of Mine

A fresh start

Last night, I had the kids’ orientation at school.  It’s a night where the parents go and meet the teachers and hear about the classroom schedule and policies.  I already knew both of their teachers and have heard that they are really great teachers and that the kids will both learn a lot.  I was happy with that.

I am even happier since going to orientation.  I am so darn excited for this school year.  I went to Chuckie’s classroom first.  I met his teacher at the building walk through when I showed him where his classroom is, etc.  She commented to the student teacher how I am always volunteering at the schools, Lincoln in tow.  She said it was fantastic and incredible how I managed it.  Bonus points for her for noticing!!  So, last night, she had a scavenger hunt set up for the parents to find some details of the classroom (what color is the science bin, how many pets do we have, etc) and we took a SNAP test.  SNAP is a math program that they do at the schools where the kids take timed tests to check their math facts accuracy and speed.  Normally, the kids get 3 minutes but she gave us 1 minute.  Then, she announced that we just had to finish the tests and she would tell the kids that we only had one minute!  She’s fun like that.  I was happy when I found out that they would be learning sign language but they are also learning a little Spanish too!  So, so awesome!! 

Now, his teacher has these great concepts in teaching and fun ways to introduce the cirriculum….she has been teaching for 35 years!!!  When I think of a teacher that has been teaching for 35 years, I think of those old women who are known for being mean and set in their teaching ways.  Not the case with his teacher.  Though, she has a reputation for being strict and sometimes mean, I don’t get that vibe from her at all.  She has control over the students when she needs to but they need that and she also wants them to have fun. 

Now, on to Jada’s teacher.  I had her when I was in third grade for math.  She is funny, wants the kids to laugh and go to school in an environment where they are happy and not miserable.  She wants to see a smile on their faces and build their self confidence.  That, in many ways, makes her a great teacher.  She tells the kids that they are going to make mistakes along the way and that it is okay. 

She earned her Master’s degree with a focus on mathematics education, which is going to be so good for Jada as that is an area that she struggles in.  I am so pleased with the fact that she will have a teacher that will help her along and can give her the foundations that she needs to keep going.  Jada even had the chance to be the teacher’s assistant yesterday which was a big deal. She said that Jada sat a little taller since she was the special kid that was chosen.  She has rewards in place to help motivate the kids during the year and she really focuses on positive reinforcement to foster their confidence. 

I am more than happy about the teacher assignments this year.  I know that we’ll have a great year.  I dont’ think there will be any regrets to my saying that later down the road.

One thing that might be a problem….those SNAP tests I was talking about, both the kids are currently on the same level, with the same math problems.  I fear that Chuckie will progress faster than Jada and that might sting a little.  Chuckie is just very good at math and things come easily to him academically.  Jada does very well also but she must work a little harder to get where she is.  He may pass her up by next week so I just hope she won’t have a self confidence breakdown because of it.  She is finally getting to a point where she is comfortable with who she is and she has the self esteem that was lacking.