I've often wished I could be a fly on a wall in Ben's classroom, able to observe what he's like in his little corner of the world. Yesterday morning Mark and I got that chance. Ben's kindergarten class hosted a parents' day. With parents and grandparents lined up in chairs on the perimeter of the room, it wasn't an authentic fly-on-the-wall experience. Nevertheless, Mark and I had a great time watching Ben in his element.
The purpose of the day was to show the parents the literacy program the class follows. It's called the Daily 5, and it works to facilitate independent reading through activities like read to self, read to others, guided reading, and writing work. The class started with the daily news. Ben was selected to be the author. The author for the day writes a sentence - anything that interests him or her. Mark and I watched with delight as Ben began. "I like to play Wii with my dad," he wrote. "Oh, no," Mark whispered. "Now everyone's going to think that's all I do with him." No worries, Dad. Among our many mistakes, we must be doing something right, because Ben's sentence looked perfect - all the words spelled right and clearly, and good "finger spacing" to boot!
I often fret about Ben's little tics. He chews on the neck and sleeves of his shirt, he often can't sit still, and we remind him, "Hands!" about 20 times a day when we catch him with his hands someplace they shouldn't be. A veteran elementary school teacher, my mom has assured me all of this is normal. I was relieved to learn yesterday that she was right. Five- and 6-year-olds have startlingly similar mannerisms. They all danced around and seemed to have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. It's an unusual experience having to sit silently and leaving the discipline to someone else. "Ben, stop bothering that boy!" I found myself wanting to say.
Too soon, it was time to go. Before leaving, the parents and kids enjoyed some refreshments. I giggled as I watched the kids pile their plates high with five or six treat selections, and I relished this little time I was able to spend with my son who is both ordinary and extraordinary. I am a lucky mama indeed.
The purpose of the day was to show the parents the literacy program the class follows. It's called the Daily 5, and it works to facilitate independent reading through activities like read to self, read to others, guided reading, and writing work. The class started with the daily news. Ben was selected to be the author. The author for the day writes a sentence - anything that interests him or her. Mark and I watched with delight as Ben began. "I like to play Wii with my dad," he wrote. "Oh, no," Mark whispered. "Now everyone's going to think that's all I do with him." No worries, Dad. Among our many mistakes, we must be doing something right, because Ben's sentence looked perfect - all the words spelled right and clearly, and good "finger spacing" to boot!
I often fret about Ben's little tics. He chews on the neck and sleeves of his shirt, he often can't sit still, and we remind him, "Hands!" about 20 times a day when we catch him with his hands someplace they shouldn't be. A veteran elementary school teacher, my mom has assured me all of this is normal. I was relieved to learn yesterday that she was right. Five- and 6-year-olds have startlingly similar mannerisms. They all danced around and seemed to have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. It's an unusual experience having to sit silently and leaving the discipline to someone else. "Ben, stop bothering that boy!" I found myself wanting to say.
Too soon, it was time to go. Before leaving, the parents and kids enjoyed some refreshments. I giggled as I watched the kids pile their plates high with five or six treat selections, and I relished this little time I was able to spend with my son who is both ordinary and extraordinary. I am a lucky mama indeed.
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