Bring on Summer

So I was already stressing about what to do for Thomas' education. Then I get a call from Timothy's teacher saying he needs help. Like he's two grades behind in math and reading comprehension help. They wanted to do some testing to see where he's at and what they need to do to help. He's an excellent reader and has a large vocabulary for his age. They call it "word calling". But when it comes to comprehension, he needs help. Well they did their tests and are moving forward with a plan of action. I really liked how the psychologist described Timothy as an "enjoyable youngster". I was uncomfortable with the OT's assessment and had to keep in mind he was just observing things in a general way. Yes, Timothy fidgets and fiddles with his ears and most times does not sit real still in a chair (mostly when he's not interested). This is all NORMAL. He's a nine year old boy for cripes sake. Show me one that sits still! Two pages of the report was dedicated to describing ways to manage the fidgets and any other sensory overload. Whatever happened to just making a kid sit in their chair and keep their hands to themselves? What is the purpose of placating and coddling them to make things softer and easier. What does that teach them? But I digress...

He is at a wonderful school with talented and educated staff that truly care for him. That is one thing I can say for living in a small community like we do. Our elementary school is the farthest out on the peninsula. It's like a big family really; everybody knows everybody and there are no secrets. At least none that can be kept for very long. ;)

After a lot of waiting and pages of paperwork, I finally have an appointment for Thomas with a developmental pediatrician in August. He has been doing so well at home. I am so amazed with his growth. I am beginning to see better each day what areas he is lacking in. At the same time however, he is learning so much everyday. My goal is to keep catching him up and see where he is in September. He won't be old enough for kindergarten, so he'd have to attend preschool again. I hope to get him caught up enough to attend Evergreen with Timothy. Then he could work with the specialists there. I went over his paperwork again. He was only getting 3 hours a month of speech at his school. As behind as he was, this was entirely not enough. They are only capable of so much though, and they cannot work with him one on one like I can.

So this is the condensed version, but you get the idea. I am thinking positively about the upcoming school year. Timothy will be a fourth grader! Thomas will be a preschooler (again)! First, we have the summer ahead of us. This is going to be a summer unlike any before it. We are going to try something new called STRUCTURE. We're also going to have a SCHEDULE. Timothy will be starting something new called CHORES. Yes, we have a busy summer ahead of us. Let's see how long it lasts. :)