Tag Archives: Education

2nd Grade Pizza Friday

20 Apr

In my community, kindergarten and 1st grade are spent in one school and there are lots of opportunities for parents to get involved in classroom projects and field trips.

Once they hit second grade, however, it’s big league.  Immersed with grades up to fifth it’s hardcore and there are very few chances for parents to be involved with the kids during the school day.

So I thought I was very fortunate to have secured a coveted spot as a parent volunteer on Friday helping to serve on one of a few special pizza Fridays.  The twins were happy and immediately grilled me as to which side of the cafeteria I would be serving on, which thrust me into another twin mom dilemma, given that they both were on opposite sides of the cafeteria.

But ultimately, I ended up serving on my son’s side because it was via his class that I signed up to be a volunteer.  That didn’t stop me, however, from visiting with my girl twin to get some midday smooches.

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She and her pals were more than happy to ham it up for the camera.

Her brother on the other hand got a little cool for his momma when he was around his friends.

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It was such a thrill to see them in their element!  I was told there are so few 5th grade parent volunteers to serve the students because by 5th grade the kids absolutely do not want their parents coming around :(

It’s unfathomable that another school year will be soon completed…

Do you grab opportunities to help out at your child/ren’s school?

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Back to School

20 Feb

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The freezing winds at the bus stop this morning didn’t hamper the little one’s smiles.

Our 4 day mini break from school this week (abbreviated because of so much school missed during Hurricane Sandy) was anti climactic because we were all sick. I feel bad about that.  I’m hoping the kids appreciate the return to routine today as a change from lying around the house.

Isn’t it kind of a nice feeling sending them all onto the bus after several days at home? :)

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Reticent Reader

16 Feb

My daughter came home from school yesterday buzzing about Anne Frank. She told me she had chosen a book about her from the book basket at school and had enjoyed learning about her. Typical of my big girl, I knew what was coming next. She begged me to get her more books on Anne Frank. Not tomorrow…right now!
I can’t ever say no to a request to go visit the library, so off we went.
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She couldn’t even wait until we were home to rip into the books and was getting irritated with her little sister who kept breaking her concentration in the library.

My daughter takes everything to heart. She soaks up the world and feels for everyone. She once saw a story on the news about a baby panda bear in China that died. She CRIED FOR 3 DAYS about that panda. So I’m a bit concerned she’s going to get wrapped up in Anne Frank, similarly to the way she did with Ruby Bridges last year (she still talks about Ruby A LOT). She’s planning on recreating Anne’s diary as her next project.

In the meantime I’m going to focus on the positive….that she is an eager, sensitive and creative learner who loves reading, more than my other two. Do you have a child that loves to read?

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Johnny and Amelia

3 Feb

My son had to do a biographical presentation this week.  He had been reading biographies all month and then was to choose his favorite, dress as the character and talk as him a bit.

Though all the pictures of Johnny Appleseed show him with a pot on his head, it wasn’t gonna work with my son and his big cranium.  He wanted to wear a frying pan but somehow I didn’t think his teacher would appreciate that!

Johnny Appleseed

Still Johnny Appleseed turned out damn cute.

And it all reminded me of when I had to give a similar presentation in the 3rd grade (my son is in 2nd).  The teacher had snapped a photo of each of us to display in the classroom.  I knew my parents had held onto so I begged them to uncover it.

Amelia

…and they did! (though damn what a messs I am!)

My kids love it though every time I show my 5-year-old a picture from my youth she wants to know why I look like a boy :) .
Needless to say, Johnny is much cuter than Amelia…wouldn’t you agree?!

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Teaching My Child to Fight Back

3 Dec
this little guy kinda even looks like MY little guy!

this little guy kinda even looks like MY little guy!

Last Friday my second grade son got off the bus after school dragging his feet, stifling a cry.  He immediately tightly hugged my leg as he buried his face in it.  I knew something was very wrong as he and twin sister are the youngest at their bus stop and my son does everything he can to appear cool in front of the 4th and 5th grade boys at the stop.

So he told me a 4th grader, who I’ll call Bruce, wanted the seat my son had secured and was hassling him to move.  Bruce put his hand on my son’s face and gave him a shove.  When my son told me I felt my blood pumping as I imagined all the ways I wanted to deal with Bruce.  But before I could respond, my son said he didn’t want me to do anything…not to make a big deal, not to embarrass him.

He stopped me my tracks.  He’s 7 years old now and he’s right, I can’t be so quick to swoop in.  I reminded myself that it’s my job to teach him the skills to deal with adversity in life.  So we talked for a while and I stressed the following:

1– it is not okay for ANYONE to touch you without your permission

2–if anyone does put their hands on you, shout “keep your hands off me”

3–if that doesn’t work you defend yourself.  it is okay to shove, push, punch etc if you are defending yourself.

4–fourth graders that pick on second graders half their size are LOSERS (okay I know but I can’t help myself)

When I discussed my conversation without another mother, she told me in so many words that I am wrong about my 3rd point…that my son should get the bus driver or an adult.  She said my son would be suspended from school for fighting back.  I had one of those “I’m not a good mother” moments of extreme self-doubt.

My son is on a small bus.  The bus driver had to have seen or heard something but he did nothing.  I want my son to contemplate defending himself without having to run to an adult.  I want him to feel okay fighting back in life when boundaries are crossed.

I’ve made it very clear to him that fighting is not a good thing, that hurting people is definitely not a good thing.  But I’ve carefully talked to him about using good judgement to fight back in a situation where he needs to protect himself or his sisters.

My son came off the bus happy today.  He said no one was bothering him, and, in fact, Bruce asked to sit with him.  My son said he let him “even though he never apologized for shoving me”.  I told him that was very kind and that maybe Bruce is feeling bad about mistreating him.

I’m very relieved that this doesn’t seem to be an ongoing thing and I’m hoping that I am guiding my kids in good directions.

How do you feel about guiding your child/ren to fight back when provoked?

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Homework Time

3 Oct

I just loved watching my 3 get to work today on their homework without the sometimes complaining and fighting.

When they get home from school we unload the backpacks. Then they wash their hands and grab a snack and we tackle homework right away. They all know that as soon as it is completed they are free to do whatever else they want to do which includes TV and video games.  (Though right now they are loving their bikes so we are taking advantage of the still warm weather!)

Our routine seems to work for us. What’s your homework routine?

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First Day of School Wrap Up

6 Sep

Wow we are on day 3 of school already and though my house is now empty for 6 HOURS a day (!!!), I have been running non stop.  Isn’t it fascinating how things seem to get busier when you get more free time?

Anyway, two second graders, one kindergartener (and one mom)  survived the first day of school.

the second graders

First off were the second grade twins.  My daughter cried when the bus arrived!!! So weird because that never happened before.  We shoved her on and said to stick with her brother but my heart just splintered.  I know that overwhelming feeling when you are walking into something new and scary; my sensitive girl and I seem to share inner workings.  Making me feel worse was the fact that I forgot to attach their bus/name tags so there I was imagining them wandering around lost at their new school.  Totally cuckoo.

the kindergartener

I didn’t have too much time to lament before my little one was due at the bus stop.  This kid is so ready for school.  She is seriously smart and has been doing things way ahead of her siblings forever so it’s no surprise she was raring to go.

When the bus pulled up she told me she had a feeling in her tummy like she get’s at Adventureland.  I said maybe that’s an excited feeling?  She said no mom it’s just “an interesting feeling”!!!

Then I went off to my annual first day of school mom meetup at Starbucks.

I spent 2 HOURS there.  I mean, never have I had this luxury!  I constantly checked my watch thinking it was time for pick up at nursery school!

Meanwhile, my fabulous friend texted my photos of my little one arriving safely at school and walking into kindergarten.

(Note: I am psychotic, but not psychotic to the point of following the bus.  I feel that impacts my kids’ adjustments and refuse to do it just because “everyone” does.  Another note: my friend who snapped the photo walks her kid to school so has a reason for being there!!!)

I have to admit I walked around that day feeling a little sad.  I’m seeing how fast it’s all going and that triggers a bunch of feelings.

But before I knew it, it was time to get them all back from the bus.  (Have I mentioned I walk to and from the bus stop  FOUR TIMES a day!?)

flying off that bus at lightening speed!

yeah I went to kindergarten…so what’s the big deal?!

So far everyone seems to be adjusting just fine, even me…I think?

How’s back to school going for you?

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Goodbye Summer

3 Sep

I think you can tell I love warm weather, the beach and that summer is my absolute favorite season.  On the flip side, I hate when it ends. I am acutely aware of the days getting shorter and I was freezing today in the 70 degree weather!

Even the kids going back to school is a mixed bag for me.  It’s always challenging getting through the unstructured summer days with them.  And starting tomorrow I will have free time again which I desperately desire.  However, I have a lump in my throat thinking about my baby entering kindergarten and my twins entering second grade, and in our community, going to a “big” school (grades 2-5).

We went to  Labor Day party at a friend’s home tonight to watch fireworks.  On the way over Don Henley’s “The End of the Innocence” came on the radio which added to my emotional mood.

Though I was hesitant to be out at a party on the night before first day of school, I’m glad we did it.  The kids had a really great time and watching amazing fireworks seemed like an appropriate end to the summer.


Perhaps my mixed feelings about school starting are about summer ending also.
How do you feel about end of summer and start of school?

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Welcome to 2nd Grade Postcard

30 Aug

My son was so excited to receive mail the other day.

He was even more excited after reading it was a postcard from his new teacher.

All I had to do was read the inserted “Love” and I am convinced this is the best teacher ever!  I’m a sucker for love!

Meanwhile his twin is wondering why SHE hasn’t gotten mail from her teacher!!!

It seems that some teachers reach out and others not.  This is our first experience. My sister who teaches kindergarten sent an email greeting out to her students’ parents this week.  I would also be all over that.  The social worker in me loves A LOT of communication and I already have good feelings about my son’s teacher, as you may have perceived. :)

What do you think about teachers reaching out to their students before school starts?

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An Artist in the Mix

29 Aug

My daughter has shown  an interest and talent in art from quite an early age. Every spare moment is about her utilizing her creativity. As someone who cannot draw to save her life, I am fascinated and in awe of her. Last week she drew this picture for my parents.

She’s only 6 years old! I’m just shocked about how her use of perspective…how the trees and river recede in the distance.

I make lots of art supplies available to her and she’s finally old enough to start an art program in our community.  I’m happy that she’s found something she’s passionate about that also happens to be opposite of her twin. :)

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