Conferences...

Last week we had conferences with Angus & Gareth's teachers. Angus has good days and bad days. When he's on, he can get a lot done, especially in math, which he likes and does well in. On off days, which he's had quite a few of because he's had several colds since September, it's difficult to get him to pay attention to anything. He's still behind in reading, but most of that is done outside of the classroom in his special ed section. There are days when he gets upset because somethings been changed or there's a consequence for something he did or didn't do, but overall his teacher seemed very positive. She told us that after her roommate had been to the King Tut exhibit and made a purchase, she asked if she could have the printed shopping bag; she later gave it to Angus as a reward for something he accomplished. We were both wondering when another IEP is going to be scheduled, as there hasn't been one yet this year. We related that we were glad to hear her side of things because we get very little out of Angus when he comes home, even when we ask him direct questions.

Gareth's teacher was very positive. She noted that while Gareth is a bit shy in class and needs to work on his self-confidence, she can tell he's very thoughtful and thinks things through before taking a risk. He's up to speed on all the requirements, and pointed out something unusual - his writing skill is more advanced than his reading level, something that's very unusual. I'm not even sure how it's possible, but he does like making up and writing down stories (he asks me how to spell the big words), and illustrating them at home. She's sure he's going to be a scientist, although maybe not a biologist; he doesn't really care for the giant millipedes they've been keeping in class (surprising to me because he loves the pill bugs out in the yard).

I was a little taken aback by her saying he's shy though; I'm obviously seeing a different side of him at home, where he's often the most boisterous. He does tend to hang back behind us until he knows people, but after that, man, watch out. AL's nickname for him here at the office is Mr. Chatty.

So I need to do better about overseeing their homework, and we all need to do better about being on time.

Conferences...

Last week we had conferences with Angus & Gareth's teachers. Angus has good days and bad days. When he's on, he can get a lot done, especially in math, which he likes and does well in. On off days, which he's had quite a few of because he's had several colds since September, it's difficult to get him to pay attention to anything. He's still behind in reading, but most of that is done outside of the classroom in his special ed section. There are days when he gets upset because somethings been changed or there's a consequence for something he did or didn't do, but overall his teacher seemed very positive. She told us that after her roommate had been to the King Tut exhibit and made a purchase, she asked if she could have the printed shopping bag; she later gave it to Angus as a reward for something he accomplished. We were both wondering when another IEP is going to be scheduled, as there hasn't been one yet this year. We related that we were glad to hear her side of things because we get very little out of Angus when he comes home, even when we ask him direct questions.

Gareth's teacher was very positive. She noted that while Gareth is a bit shy in class and needs to work on his self-confidence, she can tell he's very thoughtful and thinks things through before taking a risk. He's up to speed on all the requirements, and pointed out something unusual - his writing skill is more advanced than his reading level, something that's very unusual. I'm not even sure how it's possible, but he does like making up and writing down stories (he asks me how to spell the big words), and illustrating them at home. She's sure he's going to be a scientist, although maybe not a biologist; he doesn't really care for the giant millipedes they've been keeping in class (surprising to me because he loves the pill bugs out in the yard).

I was a little taken aback by her saying he's shy though; I'm obviously seeing a different side of him at home, where he's often the most boisterous. He does tend to hang back behind us until he knows people, but after that, man, watch out. AL's nickname for him here at the office is Mr. Chatty.

So I need to do better about overseeing their homework, and we all need to do better about being on time.