Tomorrow is the first parent-teacher conference of Charlotte’s Kindergarten year. As per usual, the closer we get to the time, the more my anxiety ramps up. This is not an IEP review, just a regular conference, although I think maybe the inclusion teacher will be there too.
It reminds me of my pregnancies when, as the time drew closer and closer to that monthly appointment, I was convinced we’d go in and the doctor wouldn’t be able to find the heartbeat. Such a relief every time I heard that whoosh whoosh.
While I know that everyone is generally pleased with how Charlotte is doing, the comments always center on her acclimating to the environment, following instructions, handling change in the routine, etc. Every day the communication notebook says she had a great day.
What I don’t know is whether she’s learning anything. Or, more accurately, if what she’s learning is sinking in.
It will be interesting to see what her work looks like, and how it compares to the work she did in preschool. If you remember, in preschool the teacher said that Charlotte was unable to complete any work. We hypothesized it was because of the chaos of the room.
I am still concerned that the environment is too busy for Charlotte. When I volunteered this week, I had a chance to observe her in action. During a time the teacher was giving group instruction, she was busy watching another kid who was acting silly. Her eyes were not the least bit focused on her teacher.
I’ve also noticed that Charlotte always knows what centers all the other kids did each day. She will tell me what she did, but also what centers other kids did. And if I ask about a specific kid, she knows. I know she has a great eye for detail and a strong memory, but I’m wondering if she’s paying more attention to the kids in her class than the work.
And then I wonder, is that even anything to worry about? Maybe lots of kids are really tuned into what the other kids are doing. How am I supposed to know what is normal and what isn’t?
So I wait. We’ll see what the teacher tells us at the conference tomorrow. We’ll watch to see if there’s progress made over time. Meanwhile I’ll explore other learning environments to see if there’s one that might be a better fit for my special girl.
I could say we went there to surprise Charlotte. But, when it came right down to it, I had the chance to skip out on making dinner, so I took it. (I’m no fool, friends.)
Yesterday, Day 1 using the visual schedule, was great. To be fair, she had started practicing her piano again (yay!) before yesterday, but because of the visual schedule she played all of her songs, when I asked, instead of just one.

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