It seems like the day went really great for Flor, though I must admit, I felt a sense of sadness all day long that she wasn't around. Of course I know that she needs to be in school and I am excited to see her progression, but it was still kind of sad. We woke her up about 7:15 and she got on the bus at 8:25. Her return bus doesn't drop her off until 3:54 (and yes, they were here right at 3:54) so we only then have three hours until her bedtime! She is used to naps, so I even put her to bed a little earlier tonight because I could tell she was exhausted. So, weekends are going to have to be our real quality time together.
We got a report from the teachers in a notebook in her backpack. I was so happy to read everything. I read it all like 10 times (okay, maybe more....). I am just so proud of our little girl! Here is what her report said:
IEP (Individualized Education Program) work: Hand over hand, traced lines, and put pegs in board. Used fork to poke play-doh. Worked basically on school routines and she is amazing!! Worked a lot on sitting, following verbal cues and sign. She danced for us, worked completing tasks, and we even had her on the computer!
Bathroom: Each time we took her to the bathroom (3 times) she sat and clapped but produced nothing (sounds about right).
Lunch: Ate salad, a burrito, 1 1/2 breadsticks and whole milk. Snack: goldfish
PM Work Time: Our physical therapist came and hung out with Flor for 30 minutes (I spoke to the therapist after school and she gave me a report of what she is going to have Flor's goals be: being able to stand up on her own without the use of a hand or furniture, improving walking on uneven surfaces, and walking up and down stairs on her own. A little later, she also wants Flor to be able to walk while carrying an object-- right now she has to use her hands to balance herself as she walks, so they are more out instead of down by her sides. She also recommended that we have Flor meet with a Phsysiatrist- never heard of that before, but yes a physiatrist to help with her joints and tight muscles.)
How was my day?: Great!! She did amazing with the routine!
I promise I won't share Flor's report every day, but for those who are curious as to what she is doing and/or those clueless as to the special education system (much like I was before) here is a glimpse into things.
And...how about some pictures of our big girl!?
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| "Mom, hurry up! This backpack is going to make me topple over any minute!" |
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| Case in point. |
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| Daddy had to help her out to the bus-- she literally couldn't walk on her own with the huge bag weighing her down. |
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| Uh...is she really riding that big bus to school? Yes, yes she is. Sad day for the mama. (Imagine a picture of Jace crawling out the door buck naked right here. Said picture exists, but I decided that it may not be the most appropriate picture to post. :) He will thank me later.) |
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| Here is the report (there is a book just full of them) that we will get every day. I know I am going to look forward to it every day. I'm just like that. |
And, speaking of school--Here is a little update on Hallie. Hallie is part of a co-op pre-school with some neighborhood kids. We have loved doing this. It is low-key, once per week for an hour, and the kids love getting together. The parents all rotate teaching the lessons. I woke up today and thought that I ought to check the schedule on who is teaching today. Whelp, what do you know? It was my turn. Wahoo! So, just after we got Flor out the door, I got to work looking for things to do with the kids today. We are learning the letters of the alphabet and today's letter was T. I immediately thought of a "treasure hunt" but did not have the skills or time to put together clues myself. So...you pinterest lovers will all be proud that I finally perused the site for ideas. This is the first time I have ever used it. I got an account to try to find cake ideas for Jace's birthday (which I never did, just in case you wonder) and haven't ever used it for anything else. It just overwhelms me and makes me feel bad about myself because quite frankly, I am not cute, creative, or crafty by any stretch of the imagination. (So sorry for those of you who are following me--it will likely be one huge boring mess if I ever decide to pin something.)
ANYWAY--I did find some cute treasure hunt clues and all it required of me was to print them. Definitely my kind of project! (They are HERE, by the way).
After some play time, an alphabet puzzle, and learning about the letter "T", we embarked on our treasure hunt. The kids loved it and ended up with fruit snacks as a prize (I know, we are so generous with our treasure, right?)
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| One of the clues led to the toaster, thus the searching through the cabinets. |
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| And finally to the treasure! Devin "buried" the snacks under a pile of leaves near a tree where the last clue led. Success and treats for all! |
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| Cute kids. Gotta feel bad for the only boy, right? |
I will write more about Hallie separately later, but here's a start at least!
P.S. Welcome to the world to our newest niece, Brylee- born this morning to Devin's sister Alisa and her husband Ren. We are excited to have another new baby to hold and love! Hopefully we will get to see her tomorrow!
5 comments:
great update..I really don't know very much about special education so this was interesting. She sounds likes she is at school with some very sweet and caring teachers! So just curious--why did you start her in first grade instead of kindergarten or was this where the school system placed her? Or does it really matter where she starts as long as she does. How hard to start off with full day school and the bus!! I like the transition from half day to full day so much better because you can kind of ease into it. I'm sure it is a great place for her to be and that she is learning lots! Love the treasure hunt! so cute!
oh and where is the pictures of the new car?!!
Shawna,
Flor is seven so age wise is in first grade. She was in school full days in Ecuador too, so this is the schedule she is used to. I think she honestly needs the schooling and the therapy that they can provide versus just being home and not doing much. I think we would put her back to half days if we felt that was best down the road...but for now we will see how this goes!
Awesome, Yeah for Flor! And mommy for figuring out the Pinterest thing!I signed up one day and it automatically made up pin boards for me that friends say they are following, I have no idea what is on them ;-)
Way to go Flor! I'm so glad things are going well. And super cute school ideas--I'm definitely using the treasure hunt.
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