Wordless Wednesday(first day of Kindergarten)

Testing???

This morning I took my big girl to school for her scheduled testing. It was a standardized test(part of which was given at the beginning of pre k, the other half, administered before Kindergarten):( Riley wanted to play in the classroom instead of sit and answer questions, so I worry she didn't test up to her potential. It is very frustrating for a parent who knows their child knows/can do certain things, but isn't given credit for them because it she doesn't demonstrate them at set instance. I know I shouldn't worry, the test doesn't determine grades or anything else, it is just so hard because you want everyone to see the progress and potential in your child. Other parents do you have the same concernns? How do you handle testing??? On a positive note, I did hear some of the questions so I know what to work on with her. Also in the naming body parts section, I knew she knew arms, legs, eyes, etc., but was plesantly surprised when she correctly identified ankle. She's so smart. I love my girl!!

Wordless Wednesday(a look back!)

Back to School Night

Tonight was Back to School Night at school. We had such a great time. We got to meet Riley's teacher and check out her new classroom. She had such a good time playing in her classroom. In addition to meeting her teacher, we met the special ed teacher who will be working with Riley. The special ed room Riley will go to when she is pulled out for Reading and Math is actually rig
ht next door to her kindergarten classroom so she won't have to go far. We also saw some familiar faces, including Riley's speech therapist who she loves and performs well for! I'm looking forward to a great Kindergarten year and I'm so excited to see how much Riley grows and learns. Here are some pics from Back to School Night.
P.S. Check back tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday(a look back) I will be posting pics from Pre K, a look back before we start this Kindergarten adventure

Starting School

Sorry it's been awhile, it's been a long hectic summer. But we are getting ready for school and hopefully getting back into a routine. I still can't believe this tiny little girl who I feel like was born yesterday will be starting Kindergarten in 2 weeks. I know she's ready, she loves school and has really missed her friends. After school supply shopping this weekend she wore her new school shoes and backpack around the house for hours asking if she could go to school. This year will be different as she will be pulled out of her regular kindergarten classroom to go to special ed for an hour for math, and reading each day. She will continue to receive her speach, ape, ot, and pt therapies, and because she attended pre k at the same school she already knows her therapist and has bonded with them which makes her perform better for them. I hope that she does well and countinues to love school and learning. I'm confident that she will do her best! And as a parent there is nothing more I can ask of her. It is my goal to update the blog on a regular basis this year as we start this new journey into elementary. If there are any parents with tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to make this year successful, please comment. I love hearing from other parents! Also we signed up for the "Dream Team" a cheerleading team for kids with special needs, it starts in September and I can't wait to see her in her little uniform. I promise I will post pics. Have a great day and Always remember "the only disability in life is a bad attitude!"- Scott Hamilton

Wordless Wednesday (Easter!)

Today was a wonderful day, we spent the morning at Riley's first tball game. Through our local little league there is a Challenger Division just for kids age 4-18 with disabilities. Riley was so excited about playing ball she even let me wash and brush and braid her hair last night(She usually fights me on this but agreed when I told her we were getting her "baseball hair" ready). I was so touched by how sweet and supportive everyone was. The people who volunteer there time to ensure that children with disabilities have the ability to play baseball and just have fun are truly special. All the players and there families had such a great time! It was so inspiring. Here are some pics from todays game.