Madi told me today that she had nothing to look forward to. For today anyway. And then we started talking about Wed (Zumba), Thurs (cleaning and setting up for the par-tay) and Fri (the party). All of a sudden there's plenty to look forward to!
Has been a slow week as far as speed. Feels like it should be Friday already. Some weeks are just like that.
Madi worked on her project a little bit on Sunday and we gave her 45 minutes last night that she had to use to work on her project. While we're "hands off," it doesn't mean completely free reign. Just giving her a basic time to work in where she doesn't have choices to do anything else.
I talked with Mrs. Fuller again about the project and she asked me if Madi had shown me the grading rubric. I told her that I had not seen it. So I asked Madi about it yesterday and she got it out. Was dated 1/19. So she's had it for a while, but hadn't mentioned a thing about it. Is she ten or what?! :) Tells her exactly what she needs to accomplish to get which grade. It's graded on a scale of 1-5 with five being the best. I asked her today if she needed to do any work on her project. She said that she is completely finished. We talked about the bibliography and if her citations were correct. She claims they are. She was very frustrated that the website she was given didn't do all the work for her, but it does have tons of places to put whatever information you do have and then it will give you the correct way to cite the source.
We watched some funny baby videos on YouTube for a little while - the three girls and I. We were smiling and laughing, but Julia found them hysterical!! Was so cute to see her laugh so hard. Madi said they made her think of Micah. So we went upstairs and the girls did their baths/showers. Got ready for bed. Jeremy read with Madi tonight. She's almost finished with Galations.
A few nights ago we talked about the bible passage we were reading. The next morning she asked me if I was able to sleep all the way through the night without waking up. (I'd been having trouble staying asleep due to stress at work) And I had been able to sleep all through the night. She was so sweet and goes "Oh good. It worked. Because I prayed for you." Thought that was incredibly sweet. She has also been praying for Jeremy since he's still fighting off this horrible cough thing. And of course, hasn't gone to the doctor yet. Not that he has lots of time, but it's been several weeks now.
She and Riley are getting along really great lately which has been fantastic. Julia has been tough with the girls - stealing their things, getting lots of time-outs and redirection. And she's talking literally non-stop... even though half of what she says we can't understand. Though every morning when I drop the girls off, when I open the door to get Jules out, she calls out "Bye Maneee (Madi)!!! Yuhve You! (love you)."
Madi has a stye in her right eye that she's putting warm compresses on. She's had it for a little while and we're praying it goes away soon.
She also received a big bag of clothes again from a friend of mine - 20 shirts, 2 pants and 2 beautiful dresses!! So she went through her clothes and found some that she either doesn't want or can't fit into and we sent them away to my second cousin who actually lives with her aunt in Michigan. Her dad died about a year ago or so and now my aunt/uncle have taken her into their home. So it was nice to be able to give back to them. I'll have to get a pic of Madi in her favorite dress - red and white on the bottom with a black velvety top.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weekend
Good start to the weekend. I spent most of the morning doing laundry (7 loads) and then putting it away with help. Or not so much help as would be Julia's role. She decided to open the drawers to her dresser and dump out ALL the clothes that I had just folded and put away. Only she dumped two drawers of clothing in a big pile. I just used that as an opportunity to weed through the clothing that doesn't fit and reorganize her drawers. Kept it a positive opportunity :) My favorite part was when she said "Oh Man Juwia!" after she dumped it out and then laughed. I guess I say "oh man Julia" a lot - as she has been saying it after anything she does. Like pushing Riley's plate of eggos with syrup on the floor, stealing her water and dumping it all over Riley and her chair, and squirming when trying to get her diaper on. Madi and Riley find it hilarious. (and so do we)
Madi spent much of her day reading, playing (not on the computer though) and going for bike rides. I think she went on two bike rides. Maybe three?? But I think only two. She has a major project due for LEAP this Thursday. And another major project due in her classroom on March 6.
With each project that has been given, we've tried to be a little less hands-on. Not because we don't want to help. Sometimes we have some 'great' ideas that we're super excited about, but we try to hold back so that she can actually do the project the way she envisions it. So far she's done a really great job on each one. The first project of the year, we tried to guide and give directions and help her through it. The next one, we took a little less investment in and let her do more of the work. And so on it has gone.
This project for LEAP was assigned over a month ago. They've had tons of time in class every Thursday to work on it and Mrs. Fuller has gone over everything in detail. I've kept in good contact with her through the entire thing.
It's coming along. Madi rewrote/recopied one page out of the four or five she has to do. She has to finish her blueprints for the project and create a 3-D presentation. There was quite a bit of reworking in her outline and of the items she would change to the bridge. Mrs. Fuller told her to think more detail-oriented rather than big picture because her ideas are so large, but she has very surface detail to them. And she wants them to think big, but provide many details.
We have talked with Madi through the whole process of the assignment and explained that we will stay mostly hands-off. That we are giving her more of the responsibility this time to plan out what she needs to do and simply get it done. We told her that we're very good at micromanaging and that it can get in the way of her really learning how to be responsible. She told us that she likes when we micromanage. To which we said "Of course! Because then the pressure to get it done on time is on us and you just simply do it. But that won't always serve you well and for her benefit, we'll start to help her learn to navigate time management and deadlines." Then we shared some things we have to do in our jobs and how our bosses handle things. That these lessons carry on through all of life.
We're not doing it in a rude way. Not like "figure it out!" It's more of a "we're taking you through what you need to do and you've been shown and taught what to do. You take the reins and be responsible for it now." After all, she has had time to work on it. And now is the time for her to start taking some of the responsibilities for work on her own. It'll serve her better in the future if she doesn't have to be micromanaged. We realize she's not 18 and it's not like she may not need a little help. But she is old enough and smart enough and capable enough to decide to get her work done. And she'll be all the better for it.
What was interesting today was that she spent a good hour in her room with the door closed this morning(never does that unless at night). Normally on a Saturday, she'll ask for WOW first thing. She never even mentioned the computer. So it was late morning before she came out and started talking. We mentioned that she didn't need to wait for us to tell her how to dictate her day. She could decide when to work on her project and what she needed to do. As we've helped her along the way with it, she's now at the point where she can be responsible to finish the task. And she's very able to do it. She goes "ok."
She finished Fasttmath as well. She and Riley played together for a little while. The girls were spinning in the playroom - Julia was following and falling everywhere! Then they played hopscotch which was hilarious too. Julia would run across the pads and then run in front of both of the girls. So we worked on following people and taking turns. Both girls were very patient with her.
Madi has absolutely loved going for bike rides. It's so good for her. She gets exercise, fresh air and time by herself to just be and do whatever she wants. We'll be going to church tomorrow and then getting the house ready for the party. She's beyond excited about that. Everyone is coming that was invited which will make it a big, fun, loud party!
Madi spent much of her day reading, playing (not on the computer though) and going for bike rides. I think she went on two bike rides. Maybe three?? But I think only two. She has a major project due for LEAP this Thursday. And another major project due in her classroom on March 6.
With each project that has been given, we've tried to be a little less hands-on. Not because we don't want to help. Sometimes we have some 'great' ideas that we're super excited about, but we try to hold back so that she can actually do the project the way she envisions it. So far she's done a really great job on each one. The first project of the year, we tried to guide and give directions and help her through it. The next one, we took a little less investment in and let her do more of the work. And so on it has gone.
This project for LEAP was assigned over a month ago. They've had tons of time in class every Thursday to work on it and Mrs. Fuller has gone over everything in detail. I've kept in good contact with her through the entire thing.
It's coming along. Madi rewrote/recopied one page out of the four or five she has to do. She has to finish her blueprints for the project and create a 3-D presentation. There was quite a bit of reworking in her outline and of the items she would change to the bridge. Mrs. Fuller told her to think more detail-oriented rather than big picture because her ideas are so large, but she has very surface detail to them. And she wants them to think big, but provide many details.
We have talked with Madi through the whole process of the assignment and explained that we will stay mostly hands-off. That we are giving her more of the responsibility this time to plan out what she needs to do and simply get it done. We told her that we're very good at micromanaging and that it can get in the way of her really learning how to be responsible. She told us that she likes when we micromanage. To which we said "Of course! Because then the pressure to get it done on time is on us and you just simply do it. But that won't always serve you well and for her benefit, we'll start to help her learn to navigate time management and deadlines." Then we shared some things we have to do in our jobs and how our bosses handle things. That these lessons carry on through all of life.
We're not doing it in a rude way. Not like "figure it out!" It's more of a "we're taking you through what you need to do and you've been shown and taught what to do. You take the reins and be responsible for it now." After all, she has had time to work on it. And now is the time for her to start taking some of the responsibilities for work on her own. It'll serve her better in the future if she doesn't have to be micromanaged. We realize she's not 18 and it's not like she may not need a little help. But she is old enough and smart enough and capable enough to decide to get her work done. And she'll be all the better for it.
What was interesting today was that she spent a good hour in her room with the door closed this morning(never does that unless at night). Normally on a Saturday, she'll ask for WOW first thing. She never even mentioned the computer. So it was late morning before she came out and started talking. We mentioned that she didn't need to wait for us to tell her how to dictate her day. She could decide when to work on her project and what she needed to do. As we've helped her along the way with it, she's now at the point where she can be responsible to finish the task. And she's very able to do it. She goes "ok."
She finished Fasttmath as well. She and Riley played together for a little while. The girls were spinning in the playroom - Julia was following and falling everywhere! Then they played hopscotch which was hilarious too. Julia would run across the pads and then run in front of both of the girls. So we worked on following people and taking turns. Both girls were very patient with her.
Madi has absolutely loved going for bike rides. It's so good for her. She gets exercise, fresh air and time by herself to just be and do whatever she wants. We'll be going to church tomorrow and then getting the house ready for the party. She's beyond excited about that. Everyone is coming that was invited which will make it a big, fun, loud party!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Awesome Week!
Madi had a great week! She worked hard on her project, had Zumba, three days of bike riding in the neighborhood after school (loving this weather!!), and we took a trip today to get some more food items for her party next week. Before picking up the girls, Madi and I went to Wallyworld (Walmart) to get food for the week. Also picked up the chips and pop. It's exciting to think of having a bunch of girls over the house next weekend! Hoping it goes as well as we're hoping it will!!
Today was Rainbow day at school. Madi came up with the idea of dressing as a rainbow. So I wore a red headband, orange necklace, bright yellow shirt, bright green pants, blue socks and brown shoes - don't have any purple! Madi wore it all backwards - orange socks, yellow leggings, green shirt, blue necklace and purple hair clip. She looked really cute. We were quite the sight walking around Walmart in our crazy colorful outfits! :)
Jules is crying... I better go.
Today was Rainbow day at school. Madi came up with the idea of dressing as a rainbow. So I wore a red headband, orange necklace, bright yellow shirt, bright green pants, blue socks and brown shoes - don't have any purple! Madi wore it all backwards - orange socks, yellow leggings, green shirt, blue necklace and purple hair clip. She looked really cute. We were quite the sight walking around Walmart in our crazy colorful outfits! :)
Jules is crying... I better go.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Where is Winter??!!
87 degrees today. 87. Totally crazy!!! I don't think we'll be getting much of a winter this year. Total bummer because it'd be great to get some snow for many reasons. Most of all so Madi could see it.
Today was Zumba and gym. She's upstairs taking a shower at the moment. We stopped at the store to get weights and tape for a project she is working on in LEAP tomorrow. Mrs. Campbell told me today that she is doing a fantastic job in class. Was really good to hear! Already shared it with Madi.
Grades will be posted next week. She's been making much better choices and turning work in on time which is good (unless there is work we don't know about, but I don't think there is).
So far we've heard from almost every girl for her birthday party and everyone is coming. Will be a full house and tons of fun!! Only one more week!
Today was Zumba and gym. She's upstairs taking a shower at the moment. We stopped at the store to get weights and tape for a project she is working on in LEAP tomorrow. Mrs. Campbell told me today that she is doing a fantastic job in class. Was really good to hear! Already shared it with Madi.
Grades will be posted next week. She's been making much better choices and turning work in on time which is good (unless there is work we don't know about, but I don't think there is).
So far we've heard from almost every girl for her birthday party and everyone is coming. Will be a full house and tons of fun!! Only one more week!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fat Tuesday
Had to explain to Madison why today is Fat Tuesday. So Happy Fat Tuesday!
Madi had a really great day today. She worked hard on her LEAP project. Spent about an hour finishing up the sections that weren't finished yet. She'll bring it in on Thursday and have Mrs. Fuller look at it then. Just glad she has work already done so that there's only some tweaking needed now. As well as the 3-D project she'll do this weekend for it - building a double decker bridge.
She brought a lunchable from home for lunch and thoroughly loved it. Had music today and learned a fun folk dance that is done in groups of eight.
As soon as we got home, she wanted to ride her bike so she went for a really nice bike ride and then took a shower/bath. She also said that she'd like to try running club again so we'll definitely work to get her to school a little earlier if she really wants to do it.
So far everyone that has been invited to the party is able to make it. We got the party bags that hold favors today. Cute bags with polka dots and stripes.
Tomorrow is Zumba!
Madi had a really great day today. She worked hard on her LEAP project. Spent about an hour finishing up the sections that weren't finished yet. She'll bring it in on Thursday and have Mrs. Fuller look at it then. Just glad she has work already done so that there's only some tweaking needed now. As well as the 3-D project she'll do this weekend for it - building a double decker bridge.
She brought a lunchable from home for lunch and thoroughly loved it. Had music today and learned a fun folk dance that is done in groups of eight.
As soon as we got home, she wanted to ride her bike so she went for a really nice bike ride and then took a shower/bath. She also said that she'd like to try running club again so we'll definitely work to get her to school a little earlier if she really wants to do it.
So far everyone that has been invited to the party is able to make it. We got the party bags that hold favors today. Cute bags with polka dots and stripes.
Tomorrow is Zumba!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Happy Monday!
I love President's Day. Actually Jeremy probably loves it more because it's one of the only holidays he has off that I don't. Not that he doesn't want to be with me, but it means he gets some time off to relax. And do taxes. Sounds fun, huh!? :)
Jeremy took Riley and Jules to preschool this morning. I surprised Madi and took her to the donut shop near the school and celebrated what I call 'Happy Monday' with a few glazed and chocolate sprinkle donuts. She was very excited and it made for a fun morning that would otherwise be more of the same old same old.
Today went great. Madi had a fun time at Yarn Club. Then came home and worked on part of her project for LEAP and did all of her spelling homework. She has three more sections to finish for her project. We're having her write out what she can for each section so that she has something to show Mrs. Fuller on Thursday. This way she has one more class period to show what she has done and find out if she needs to tweak anything. Then we'll make her visual with her over the weekend.
We'll also be getting the playroom ready for the party this weekend. Moving all the toys and furniture to our bedroom (except the couch). Will start making the tissue paper poms next week and do a few each night I think. Should be very fun!!!
Tomorrow Madi has music class - they're doing some fun cup routines and streamer activities and solfege - major scales - descending/ascending - mixed with harmony. Hopefully it's a fun day!
Jeremy took Riley and Jules to preschool this morning. I surprised Madi and took her to the donut shop near the school and celebrated what I call 'Happy Monday' with a few glazed and chocolate sprinkle donuts. She was very excited and it made for a fun morning that would otherwise be more of the same old same old.
Today went great. Madi had a fun time at Yarn Club. Then came home and worked on part of her project for LEAP and did all of her spelling homework. She has three more sections to finish for her project. We're having her write out what she can for each section so that she has something to show Mrs. Fuller on Thursday. This way she has one more class period to show what she has done and find out if she needs to tweak anything. Then we'll make her visual with her over the weekend.
We'll also be getting the playroom ready for the party this weekend. Moving all the toys and furniture to our bedroom (except the couch). Will start making the tissue paper poms next week and do a few each night I think. Should be very fun!!!
Tomorrow Madi has music class - they're doing some fun cup routines and streamer activities and solfege - major scales - descending/ascending - mixed with harmony. Hopefully it's a fun day!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Park, Bikes and Projects
Madi spent some time on her project this weekend. She had some WOW time on Friday, but not yesterday or today.
Yesterday we spent time with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are in town looking at A and M school. He's planning to go there in the fall and is very excited about. We went to Buca for dinner and hung out for a little while at my parents' house.
Today we went to church which was awesome. So glad to finally be able to go now that the girls are all healthy again. Jeremy and I aren't feeling great, but just hoping it's a passing thing. Bad colds or sinus stuff. Unfortunately where it's hitting us is our voices so singing is near impossible at the moment. Makes teaching tough!
Madi asked to ride her bike today and since it was a gorgeous day, we let her. She took her walkie talkie and went out for around 15 minutes. Then went back later for a longer bike ride and spent time at the park.
When she got back, my mom was here to pick up Riley to play, but Julia was crying hard because she wanted to go. So I went along with all the girls and we all went to the park near my parents' house. Played there for almost an hour and a half. Felt great to be outside!! Julia stayed in the swing for at least 30 minutes, Riley spent most of the time on the slides and walking along the walls. There was a girl about Madi's age and they played together climbing and doing basketball on the court nearby.
Got home and had a delicious chicken dinner. Madi took a shower and we got all the girls to bed.
Tomorrow is Yarn Club and normal school activities! Three weeks until spring break!! Will Julia be here in time for our spring break on March 12?? We'll definitely find some time for the girls to get together while she is here!!
Yesterday we spent time with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are in town looking at A and M school. He's planning to go there in the fall and is very excited about. We went to Buca for dinner and hung out for a little while at my parents' house.
Today we went to church which was awesome. So glad to finally be able to go now that the girls are all healthy again. Jeremy and I aren't feeling great, but just hoping it's a passing thing. Bad colds or sinus stuff. Unfortunately where it's hitting us is our voices so singing is near impossible at the moment. Makes teaching tough!
Madi asked to ride her bike today and since it was a gorgeous day, we let her. She took her walkie talkie and went out for around 15 minutes. Then went back later for a longer bike ride and spent time at the park.
When she got back, my mom was here to pick up Riley to play, but Julia was crying hard because she wanted to go. So I went along with all the girls and we all went to the park near my parents' house. Played there for almost an hour and a half. Felt great to be outside!! Julia stayed in the swing for at least 30 minutes, Riley spent most of the time on the slides and walking along the walls. There was a girl about Madi's age and they played together climbing and doing basketball on the court nearby.
Got home and had a delicious chicken dinner. Madi took a shower and we got all the girls to bed.
Tomorrow is Yarn Club and normal school activities! Three weeks until spring break!! Will Julia be here in time for our spring break on March 12?? We'll definitely find some time for the girls to get together while she is here!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Beautiful Day!
Madi had a really great day today! Zumba, art class - where they are doing weaving, and eating leftovers from her class party yesterday :) Not to mention it was 76 degrees... this just two days after it was 40 degrees and pouring rain.
She was all smiles throughout the day. Saw her after lunch and before Zumba. Had my staff meeting after school. Then the two of us went to Walmart. I was hoping that all the valentine's candy would be on sale so we could get some of it for her party in two weeks. We were able to get some candy hearts half off so that was good!
We got her paper plates - circle and stripe designs in bright colors. Then got some plastic bowls and serving items that matched. We realized we could do paper plates or we could get some of the cheaper plastic bowls to serve the girls. And being that 4 bowls were only $2, it made more sense to get them and then be able to reuse them when friends come over.
Madi and I wrote her party invitations. Got the envelopes ready. She'll give them to friends at school tomorrow. She's incredibly excited!! It's a great group of girls that she is inviting and I think it will be a fun party for all of them.
Tomorrow is LEAP. The last class before her project is due. She's been working on the project more which is good. And seems to be understanding more of what is expected of her - since she talked to Mrs. Fuller at the beginning of the week during recess. So that's a good thing!
Today was also picture day again. They took a class picture and then did an individual picture. We didn't purchase a class photo because it is $12 for one single picture!!! Wow. We did order her a yearbook and there will be a class photo in there. I figure it'll be easier to keep up with the yearbook than with a single photo and the yearbook was $25.
They are also doing a fundraiser where the kids sell magazines to friends and neighbors and family. We told her that we will not be purchasing any magazines. However, the kids all get these ducks that hang on a leash on their necks if they fill out ten postcards to family and friends that don't live in The Colony. There is a duck call at the end of the day and kids wearing that duck get special privileges like wearing a hat, getting popcorn, etc... So we filled out the ten postcards, but then I quickly wrote everyone we sent them to and let them know they do not need to feel obligated to purchase anything. We just did it for the duck :)
There is a special project at school that we're all participating in. It's called the Water Project. Gives money to help build wells in Africa. Madi really wants to donate some of her allowance money to it which is great!! Love that she's looking outward and feels compassion and wants to help them.
She was all smiles throughout the day. Saw her after lunch and before Zumba. Had my staff meeting after school. Then the two of us went to Walmart. I was hoping that all the valentine's candy would be on sale so we could get some of it for her party in two weeks. We were able to get some candy hearts half off so that was good!
We got her paper plates - circle and stripe designs in bright colors. Then got some plastic bowls and serving items that matched. We realized we could do paper plates or we could get some of the cheaper plastic bowls to serve the girls. And being that 4 bowls were only $2, it made more sense to get them and then be able to reuse them when friends come over.
Madi and I wrote her party invitations. Got the envelopes ready. She'll give them to friends at school tomorrow. She's incredibly excited!! It's a great group of girls that she is inviting and I think it will be a fun party for all of them.
Tomorrow is LEAP. The last class before her project is due. She's been working on the project more which is good. And seems to be understanding more of what is expected of her - since she talked to Mrs. Fuller at the beginning of the week during recess. So that's a good thing!
Today was also picture day again. They took a class picture and then did an individual picture. We didn't purchase a class photo because it is $12 for one single picture!!! Wow. We did order her a yearbook and there will be a class photo in there. I figure it'll be easier to keep up with the yearbook than with a single photo and the yearbook was $25.
They are also doing a fundraiser where the kids sell magazines to friends and neighbors and family. We told her that we will not be purchasing any magazines. However, the kids all get these ducks that hang on a leash on their necks if they fill out ten postcards to family and friends that don't live in The Colony. There is a duck call at the end of the day and kids wearing that duck get special privileges like wearing a hat, getting popcorn, etc... So we filled out the ten postcards, but then I quickly wrote everyone we sent them to and let them know they do not need to feel obligated to purchase anything. We just did it for the duck :)
There is a special project at school that we're all participating in. It's called the Water Project. Gives money to help build wells in Africa. Madi really wants to donate some of her allowance money to it which is great!! Love that she's looking outward and feels compassion and wants to help them.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Madi had a great day today! The party was a lot of fun. She came down to my room to get me and then we went to the party together. I had the wrong time written down and so she made sure I was able to come.
The kids mostly looked at their valentines and ate candy and food. They walked around and talked. They were all really well behaved.
Madi got so much candy!! So we added it to her Halloween stash that is basically full of food from various holidays other than Halloween. Already ate through all of that I think.
Here are some pics from today's party:
The kids mostly looked at their valentines and ate candy and food. They walked around and talked. They were all really well behaved.
Madi got so much candy!! So we added it to her Halloween stash that is basically full of food from various holidays other than Halloween. Already ate through all of that I think.
Here are some pics from today's party:
 |
| Madi with Mrs. Campbell |
 |
| Elizabeth - another LEAP student who sits at Madi's table |
 |
| "Check out my stash!" :) |
 |
| From left to right: Madi, Riley, Gracie |
 |
| Madi, Haley (new student as of yesterday) and her good friend Aimee Aimee LOVES cupcakes! |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Happy Early Valentine's Day
Madi turned in her valentine's box today. The top five creative box makers earn some kind of prize. Absolutely love her box!! Excited to see how the party goes tomorrow. My planning time is switched around so I'll actually be able to go to her party and will take some pics. She's very excited!
San Antonio was awesome. Drove down with another music teacher from LISD. Spent time in Austin looking at shops downtown and eating an amazing lunch. Stayed on the riverwalk and spent hours and hours in conferences. Got some incredible material to teach! Though I missed the girls and Jeremy so much. It is really great to be back home.
Madi worked on her LEAP project for a little while this weekend. She had no WOW time due to behavior stuff in class throughout the week as well as late assignments. She was asked to leave LEAP class one day last week because she and another boy were poking each other with pencils. This was after they were told to stay quiet since third grade classes right next to them were doing benchmark testing. They were loud and then poked and away they went back to class. She has a few late assignments in her general ed class because she put them in folder or books during class and just didn't turn them in. Mrs. Campbell said that she was spending time reading a book in class and chose to continue reading rather than get up and turn in the assignment. And by the time she turned it in, it was late. Should say that the assignment was not turned in the day it was due. It was turned in the following day.
Speaking of grades/assignments, she brought home her progress report today. It was all I could do to get her to actually show it to us. She said she had it when we were in the car. Then said she couldn't find it. And then said she thought she had a B in a class, but wasn't sure. Couldn't find it still. Told me that someone must have taken it out of her bag. I told her that considering she is the only one who goes in her backpack, there was probably a simple answer as to who it was :)
So I asked her to take out all of her folders and papers in her backpack to double check. Sure enough - it was all crumpled up and under her folders. Asked how it happened to get down there, but she said she wasn't sure.
Her grades in most subjects were fabulous!! Science is 100% and spelling is 97%. There were a few other grades that were A's. She has an 88% in English/Language Arts and an 85% in Math. She had quite a sad face when she showed it to us. I asked her if she thought that her late assignments were making a difference in her grades. She didn't answer (and I didn't expect her to). I told her that I didn't think she needed a lecture about what she needed to do. And by the look on her face, she knows she isn't doing her best. Three more weeks in the grading period and we'll be expecting that she'll be working to bring those grades up.
Not that they couldn't be worse or that they're really bad grades. More has to do with the effort and focus behind them. No reason for her not to get all A's.
We read a little bit from her Muse magazine tonight. It's a super neat magazine. She started working on a fossil drawing of an animal. And we read some funny fossil quotes and articles in the magazine.
Madi also started yarn club today. We got her some new greenish yarn that is super soft for her to do some projects with in the club. Today was a "figure out what you're interested in" day. Next week she'll actually start on her project which will be a lot more fun.
She's doing a great job getting up in the morning and getting going which has been really helpful. She had a really hard time waking up all last week. Hormones??!! I've heard that they need more sleep when they're starting to change. Not sure if that's true. And it's always easy to blame everything on hormones :)
She and Jeremy did get to work on making a bracelet and necklace. She wore it on Sunday and it'll give the girls at her party an idea of what they could make. Jeremy got loads of beads and wire so that each girl can make a choker necklace or bracelet to take home. Thinking that they'll absolutely love that! I just have one more hat to finish for party gifts and then I'll make the flower hair clips that go with it. And finally be done!
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
San Antonio was awesome. Drove down with another music teacher from LISD. Spent time in Austin looking at shops downtown and eating an amazing lunch. Stayed on the riverwalk and spent hours and hours in conferences. Got some incredible material to teach! Though I missed the girls and Jeremy so much. It is really great to be back home.
Madi worked on her LEAP project for a little while this weekend. She had no WOW time due to behavior stuff in class throughout the week as well as late assignments. She was asked to leave LEAP class one day last week because she and another boy were poking each other with pencils. This was after they were told to stay quiet since third grade classes right next to them were doing benchmark testing. They were loud and then poked and away they went back to class. She has a few late assignments in her general ed class because she put them in folder or books during class and just didn't turn them in. Mrs. Campbell said that she was spending time reading a book in class and chose to continue reading rather than get up and turn in the assignment. And by the time she turned it in, it was late. Should say that the assignment was not turned in the day it was due. It was turned in the following day.
Speaking of grades/assignments, she brought home her progress report today. It was all I could do to get her to actually show it to us. She said she had it when we were in the car. Then said she couldn't find it. And then said she thought she had a B in a class, but wasn't sure. Couldn't find it still. Told me that someone must have taken it out of her bag. I told her that considering she is the only one who goes in her backpack, there was probably a simple answer as to who it was :)
So I asked her to take out all of her folders and papers in her backpack to double check. Sure enough - it was all crumpled up and under her folders. Asked how it happened to get down there, but she said she wasn't sure.
Her grades in most subjects were fabulous!! Science is 100% and spelling is 97%. There were a few other grades that were A's. She has an 88% in English/Language Arts and an 85% in Math. She had quite a sad face when she showed it to us. I asked her if she thought that her late assignments were making a difference in her grades. She didn't answer (and I didn't expect her to). I told her that I didn't think she needed a lecture about what she needed to do. And by the look on her face, she knows she isn't doing her best. Three more weeks in the grading period and we'll be expecting that she'll be working to bring those grades up.
Not that they couldn't be worse or that they're really bad grades. More has to do with the effort and focus behind them. No reason for her not to get all A's.
We read a little bit from her Muse magazine tonight. It's a super neat magazine. She started working on a fossil drawing of an animal. And we read some funny fossil quotes and articles in the magazine.
Madi also started yarn club today. We got her some new greenish yarn that is super soft for her to do some projects with in the club. Today was a "figure out what you're interested in" day. Next week she'll actually start on her project which will be a lot more fun.
She's doing a great job getting up in the morning and getting going which has been really helpful. She had a really hard time waking up all last week. Hormones??!! I've heard that they need more sleep when they're starting to change. Not sure if that's true. And it's always easy to blame everything on hormones :)
She and Jeremy did get to work on making a bracelet and necklace. She wore it on Sunday and it'll give the girls at her party an idea of what they could make. Jeremy got loads of beads and wire so that each girl can make a choker necklace or bracelet to take home. Thinking that they'll absolutely love that! I just have one more hat to finish for party gifts and then I'll make the flower hair clips that go with it. And finally be done!
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Cd is In!!!
Went back to work today after a four day weekend only to find that our school cds were finally in!!!! Was so exciting to hear each grade level. I'm a little biased, but I think the fourth graders sound completely amazing. Madi's solo is awesome. She sounds beautiful on it. Short, but very sweet. She's very proud of her grade level and herself and she should be. It was a lot of work for them and they pulled it off great.
Madi finished all three of her spelling homework assignments for the week today. Took her no longer than fifteen minutes. I had her do them tonight because we have the PTA meeting tomorrow night, I tutor after school and I have to pack to leave Wednesday morning after dropping the girls off so there won't be any time for homework tomorrow. And I don't want to saddle Jeremy with having to think about all of that.
I had a sub for Madi's class on Friday. She told me today that she got bored in one of the centers that they were supposed to do (it's music games/computer time and they rotate every 12 minutes.). She said that she and a friend asked the sub if they could do races under the chairs. And being that the sub was probably exhausted after dealing with 30 third graders five minutes before her class came, the sub said yes. So she and her friend each chose a row of chairs and decided to army crawl under them instead of doing the music centers. Couldn't believe that the sub would let them do it and especially couldn't believe that she would ask and then do it.
I told her I was disappointed that she couldn't be trusted to do what she was supposed to do especially when I'm not there and asked what the other kids said. She told me that they were like "what are you doing?" Now in all fairness, she and her friend were hanging out after school one day and asked to do it. Since there wasn't anyone there but the three of us and I was trying to get work done, I told her "Sure. But just this once." Still can't believe she'd ask to do it with a sub.
I asked how it all happened. She told me it was her friend's idea and that her friend asked. When questioned a little more, she said they both asked to do it. The friend she is referencing is more calm and quiet and would never ask to do something like this in class. I have no doubt as to whose sneaky mind came up with this one!
So hopefully she'll make better choices with the sub on Wednesday this week. I'll definitely be leaving a little note to ask her to let me know how Madi does in particular. We talked about integrity and doing what you're supposed to do even if people aren't watching. I told her that of all the students there, she should be the one that I should be able to trust the most. And that she should have integrity to do the right thing. Been the theme lately. Seems like we go through spurts of learning lessons and this is the current one.
The good news is that the girl she did this with is actually a very good student and person. They've been good friends for a while and it's a friendship we've encouraged because she tends to make good choices. The friend that has not been a good influence has not been involved with her on recess for the most part. Madi's been choosing to hang around other people and the friend has moved on to being with another girl that is very catty and often very rude. So this is a huge answer to prayer!! So good to see her hanging around good kids that are making the right choices.
Madi finished all three of her spelling homework assignments for the week today. Took her no longer than fifteen minutes. I had her do them tonight because we have the PTA meeting tomorrow night, I tutor after school and I have to pack to leave Wednesday morning after dropping the girls off so there won't be any time for homework tomorrow. And I don't want to saddle Jeremy with having to think about all of that.
I had a sub for Madi's class on Friday. She told me today that she got bored in one of the centers that they were supposed to do (it's music games/computer time and they rotate every 12 minutes.). She said that she and a friend asked the sub if they could do races under the chairs. And being that the sub was probably exhausted after dealing with 30 third graders five minutes before her class came, the sub said yes. So she and her friend each chose a row of chairs and decided to army crawl under them instead of doing the music centers. Couldn't believe that the sub would let them do it and especially couldn't believe that she would ask and then do it.
I told her I was disappointed that she couldn't be trusted to do what she was supposed to do especially when I'm not there and asked what the other kids said. She told me that they were like "what are you doing?" Now in all fairness, she and her friend were hanging out after school one day and asked to do it. Since there wasn't anyone there but the three of us and I was trying to get work done, I told her "Sure. But just this once." Still can't believe she'd ask to do it with a sub.
I asked how it all happened. She told me it was her friend's idea and that her friend asked. When questioned a little more, she said they both asked to do it. The friend she is referencing is more calm and quiet and would never ask to do something like this in class. I have no doubt as to whose sneaky mind came up with this one!
So hopefully she'll make better choices with the sub on Wednesday this week. I'll definitely be leaving a little note to ask her to let me know how Madi does in particular. We talked about integrity and doing what you're supposed to do even if people aren't watching. I told her that of all the students there, she should be the one that I should be able to trust the most. And that she should have integrity to do the right thing. Been the theme lately. Seems like we go through spurts of learning lessons and this is the current one.
The good news is that the girl she did this with is actually a very good student and person. They've been good friends for a while and it's a friendship we've encouraged because she tends to make good choices. The friend that has not been a good influence has not been involved with her on recess for the most part. Madi's been choosing to hang around other people and the friend has moved on to being with another girl that is very catty and often very rude. So this is a huge answer to prayer!! So good to see her hanging around good kids that are making the right choices.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Valentine's Box
One of Madi's school assignments is to create and decorate a card/candy box for their Valentine's party on the 14th. We had some heart/pink fabric and my mom had some stickers and fun things that she could use to decorate the box. So my parents had a Madi day at their house all afternoon.
She was able to go hang out with them, watch Harry Potter with my dad and work on her box with my mom. And eat ice cream, cookies, chocolate milk and yummy foods too!! Not that the first ones listed aren't yummy! I just couldn't remember what the other foods were.
Her box is quite unique. She has a pull lever that allows you to get out the cards and candy that were dropped into the box at the top. She'll have to explain how she created it as I really have no idea how it was done. We just saw the final product. And it's totally awesome!!
We stayed home from church as the girls are still coughing and on the mend. They're happy, but still coughing, runny nose (as Julia says "I goh buggehs!!") and so tired from lack of sleep. In fact, Madi woke up this morning about 7:15. I woke up at 8:30, Riley and Jeremy about 8:45 and Jules didn't wake up until almost 10am!! Definitely not their usual nights of sleep. Just so thankful they are starting to feel better.
Madi and I did do a devotion from 1 Corinthians 16. Then read more of the book 'The Hunger Games.' Awesome book.
Tomorrow is back to work. Will feel strange to actually go to work after four days of being home with sick children. Will miss them terribly!!
She was able to go hang out with them, watch Harry Potter with my dad and work on her box with my mom. And eat ice cream, cookies, chocolate milk and yummy foods too!! Not that the first ones listed aren't yummy! I just couldn't remember what the other foods were.
Her box is quite unique. She has a pull lever that allows you to get out the cards and candy that were dropped into the box at the top. She'll have to explain how she created it as I really have no idea how it was done. We just saw the final product. And it's totally awesome!!
We stayed home from church as the girls are still coughing and on the mend. They're happy, but still coughing, runny nose (as Julia says "I goh buggehs!!") and so tired from lack of sleep. In fact, Madi woke up this morning about 7:15. I woke up at 8:30, Riley and Jeremy about 8:45 and Jules didn't wake up until almost 10am!! Definitely not their usual nights of sleep. Just so thankful they are starting to feel better.
Madi and I did do a devotion from 1 Corinthians 16. Then read more of the book 'The Hunger Games.' Awesome book.
Tomorrow is back to work. Will feel strange to actually go to work after four days of being home with sick children. Will miss them terribly!!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A WOW Day
Madi woke up about 7:30am and chatted with Monica. Did her FasttMath and then played WOW for quite a bit of the day.
Riley and I went to Michael's and picked up some more yarn to finish hats and clips for Madi's party. Also got some floral wire and tissue paper to create tissue paper poms to hang from the ceiling for her party. Wanted to make some ahead of time to be sure I could do it. Is sooo much fun!! My mom and I had a blast creating them. So it's definitely a go for that!
Tomorrow we'll be staying home from church. Riley didn't sleep all last night due to coughing constantly and being that I was next to her, I didn't sleep either. Jules is still sick and while doing better, gets worse at night just like Riley. Sad to not be going, but have to get them healthier.
Riley and I went to Michael's and picked up some more yarn to finish hats and clips for Madi's party. Also got some floral wire and tissue paper to create tissue paper poms to hang from the ceiling for her party. Wanted to make some ahead of time to be sure I could do it. Is sooo much fun!! My mom and I had a blast creating them. So it's definitely a go for that!
Tomorrow we'll be staying home from church. Riley didn't sleep all last night due to coughing constantly and being that I was next to her, I didn't sleep either. Jules is still sick and while doing better, gets worse at night just like Riley. Sad to not be going, but have to get them healthier.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Hunger Games
Have you heard of this book? Or the movie? I just finished the first book and started the second one last night. Amazing!!!! Has to be on my list of top ten books ever. But then I always love strong female characters that fight for a purpose.
Madi and I started reading it tonight. Got to the end of chapter one and her eyes lit up - "Oh! I'm going to read more of this tonight." So already she's enjoying it.
She had an ok day at school. She said that her sub for Mrs. Campbell wasn't very nice and kept saying "1-2-3- eyes on me" over and over. My sub was also not so good and kept telling them to stop talking or she'd take away points.
But when she got home, she had a snack, finished four sections of IXL with no problem and then we ate dinner together.
Both the girls are still sick. Jules is on the mend, but Riley is really not doing well. Spent the whole day on the couch and is coughing like crazy. Praying the antibiotic works. Especially because I leave for San Antonio on Wednesday morning and won't be back until Saturday night. Would make for a very long week for Jeremy if either or both or any of them are sick. My parents are helping by picking the girls up from daycare and I have a coworker who will be bringing Madi to school and one that will be dropping her off at home after school. Very blessed to have such great people in our lives.
Tomorrow is a lot of WOW and hopefully some relaxation. Has been a hectic and tiring week.
Madi and I started reading it tonight. Got to the end of chapter one and her eyes lit up - "Oh! I'm going to read more of this tonight." So already she's enjoying it.
She had an ok day at school. She said that her sub for Mrs. Campbell wasn't very nice and kept saying "1-2-3- eyes on me" over and over. My sub was also not so good and kept telling them to stop talking or she'd take away points.
But when she got home, she had a snack, finished four sections of IXL with no problem and then we ate dinner together.
Both the girls are still sick. Jules is on the mend, but Riley is really not doing well. Spent the whole day on the couch and is coughing like crazy. Praying the antibiotic works. Especially because I leave for San Antonio on Wednesday morning and won't be back until Saturday night. Would make for a very long week for Jeremy if either or both or any of them are sick. My parents are helping by picking the girls up from daycare and I have a coworker who will be bringing Madi to school and one that will be dropping her off at home after school. Very blessed to have such great people in our lives.
Tomorrow is a lot of WOW and hopefully some relaxation. Has been a hectic and tiring week.
Learning a new language... kind of
This was posted on someone's facebook, but we found a cleaner version. Didn't want to post on there as it may offend some. Made us all chuckle.
http://skirsch.com/humor/chinese.htm
http://skirsch.com/humor/chinese.htm
Recent Pics
 |
| The "Marsh-Malamo" |
 |
| Alamo again |
 |
| Parfait snacks - yum!! |
 |
| New Gap Dress - Originally over $50 Got it for $6! |
 |
| Silly Madi! |
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Davy Crockett
Madi is studying about the Alamo, San Jacinto and Texas figures. She asked me today if I knew who Davy Crockett was. First thing I did was start singing "you mean 'Davy___, Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier!!" She was confused. And I was like "Oh yeah - there's a song about him."
So Jeremy gets home and Madi asks him if he knows who Davy Crockett is. And the first thing Jeremy does is sing "you mean....." and sings it just like I had. We both started laughing and Madi is like "Hey! You both did the same thing!"
Link for YouTube Video with the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAVN_n0PljQ
She had a good day today. Said school was just the usual. Nothing too exciting. I had an odd day as Riley is sick with bronchitis and ear infection and Jules has a sinus infection and a double ear infection. It's going around the daycare and they have been fighting off stuff for a few weeks now. Julia just got over pinkeye. Argh. Hopefully they're just building up their immune systems so that they won't be sick when they're older. Supposedly that works that way??!! You would know that more than me, Nurse Collado! :)
My day was: drop Madi off, go to Walmart to get juice (as I knew they couldn't taste the water and wouldn't drink it without a little flavor), get home and do laundry, go to doctor, go back to Walmart for prescriptions, home to make lunch and put Jules down for nap and then snuggle with Riley, pick Madi up and back to Walmart to pick up the prescriptions that took two hours to get ready. Walmart was the place to be. The second time we went, Riley calls out all excited: "Hey Mom!! We've been here today! We get to go here again!!! Wow - we've already gone here and we get to go again!" hahaha Jules simply sat in the back going "birh! Birh!!!! Fy! Fy! Birh!!!!" (bird-bird-fly-fly-bird) Gotta love the millions of birds at Walmart!
Madi was pretty lowkey this afternoon. I had one piano student and we ate pizza for dinner, our usual Thursday night meal - quick and easy and no clean up. Madi played on her iPod and did her Fasttmath. Turned in her Alamo project today. Hoping it went well!
She has a slight cough, but it doesn't happen often. Will definitely be watching out for to see if any symptoms appear or if it gets worse. Possible it's allergies as it's been so warm here and breezy. Truly hoping that she's not getting the stuff the girls have! Madi's got a strong immune system which is awesome! (Though I think sometimes she wishes she didn't as she asked this morning "Can I stay home??!")
She also asked me this morning "So do kids get anything at the end of the year if they don't miss any days of school?" And I told her that "yes, they do." She goes "Oooohhh - what is it?" Had I been a little more on my feet, I probably would have been more creative in my answer. Instead I just told the truth in a very bland way. "You get a piece of paper that is a certificate stating that you had perfect attendance." Madi was very disappointed and said "That stinks!!" And I told her the story of how my brother Jon hated school and always had perfect attendance and I loved school and I was always sick. If I hadn't been awake so early with Riley and was feeling a little more silly, I would have been more creative in my answer. Wish I could have told her they would get a shopping spree at Justice. She'd be very excited about that!! :)
So Jeremy gets home and Madi asks him if he knows who Davy Crockett is. And the first thing Jeremy does is sing "you mean....." and sings it just like I had. We both started laughing and Madi is like "Hey! You both did the same thing!"
Link for YouTube Video with the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAVN_n0PljQ
She had a good day today. Said school was just the usual. Nothing too exciting. I had an odd day as Riley is sick with bronchitis and ear infection and Jules has a sinus infection and a double ear infection. It's going around the daycare and they have been fighting off stuff for a few weeks now. Julia just got over pinkeye. Argh. Hopefully they're just building up their immune systems so that they won't be sick when they're older. Supposedly that works that way??!! You would know that more than me, Nurse Collado! :)
My day was: drop Madi off, go to Walmart to get juice (as I knew they couldn't taste the water and wouldn't drink it without a little flavor), get home and do laundry, go to doctor, go back to Walmart for prescriptions, home to make lunch and put Jules down for nap and then snuggle with Riley, pick Madi up and back to Walmart to pick up the prescriptions that took two hours to get ready. Walmart was the place to be. The second time we went, Riley calls out all excited: "Hey Mom!! We've been here today! We get to go here again!!! Wow - we've already gone here and we get to go again!" hahaha Jules simply sat in the back going "birh! Birh!!!! Fy! Fy! Birh!!!!" (bird-bird-fly-fly-bird) Gotta love the millions of birds at Walmart!
Madi was pretty lowkey this afternoon. I had one piano student and we ate pizza for dinner, our usual Thursday night meal - quick and easy and no clean up. Madi played on her iPod and did her Fasttmath. Turned in her Alamo project today. Hoping it went well!
She has a slight cough, but it doesn't happen often. Will definitely be watching out for to see if any symptoms appear or if it gets worse. Possible it's allergies as it's been so warm here and breezy. Truly hoping that she's not getting the stuff the girls have! Madi's got a strong immune system which is awesome! (Though I think sometimes she wishes she didn't as she asked this morning "Can I stay home??!")
She also asked me this morning "So do kids get anything at the end of the year if they don't miss any days of school?" And I told her that "yes, they do." She goes "Oooohhh - what is it?" Had I been a little more on my feet, I probably would have been more creative in my answer. Instead I just told the truth in a very bland way. "You get a piece of paper that is a certificate stating that you had perfect attendance." Madi was very disappointed and said "That stinks!!" And I told her the story of how my brother Jon hated school and always had perfect attendance and I loved school and I was always sick. If I hadn't been awake so early with Riley and was feeling a little more silly, I would have been more creative in my answer. Wish I could have told her they would get a shopping spree at Justice. She'd be very excited about that!! :)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sad Night
Jeremy got a link to Poppi's post about Kindi. Or yours. I know he read your message about Kindi to Madi and he even started to get teary. Jeremy shared the news with me and we both agreed that we needed to tell Madi tonight so there wouldn't be any surprises about it if she checked her facebook account tomorrow.
Madi didn't seem very surprised. She said that Poppi had told her that they would be needing to put Kindi to sleep in the next few weeks. She was quite sad. Handled the news well and cried, but seemed at peace about it. Jeremy talked about how she had cancer and a broken hip and wasn't doing great. So now she's in heaven.
I shared the news with Riley when Jeremy stayed to read to Madi. Riley goes "oh... poor him (referring to Poppi)." Was so sweet and sincere. Then we started talking about how Kindi would be in heaven and not be sick anymore. Riley talked about how she is glad she is in heaven, that she won't see her anymore on earth, but that it's good she's in heaven.
Madi didn't seem very surprised. She said that Poppi had told her that they would be needing to put Kindi to sleep in the next few weeks. She was quite sad. Handled the news well and cried, but seemed at peace about it. Jeremy talked about how she had cancer and a broken hip and wasn't doing great. So now she's in heaven.
I shared the news with Riley when Jeremy stayed to read to Madi. Riley goes "oh... poor him (referring to Poppi)." Was so sweet and sincere. Then we started talking about how Kindi would be in heaven and not be sick anymore. Riley talked about how she is glad she is in heaven, that she won't see her anymore on earth, but that it's good she's in heaven.
Lessons in Withholding Information
Madi had a pretty good day today. Zumba, gym class and normal class stuff. She worked on her Alamo project over the weekend. She's finishing it up tonight by cutting marshmallows in half and then glueing them to the cardboard Alamo outline. She printed off a diagram of the inside of the Alamo and will put it in the middle of the model. Looking good so far.
She got her things ready for tomorrow morning. Last night when we signed her planner, we noticed that there wasn't anything written in it. She said she forgot to write the daily stuff inside. She brought me her planner to sign and there was a note inside that said "I was talking during class while Mrs. C was teaching" on the side of the notebook. First I asked what Mrs. Campbell said about the empty column and she said "Oh - she just circled it." I asked what she was talking about when she had to write the note on the side. She said she was answering a friend who was talking. We've talked before about not answering people back as it's often the second person who gets caught. I asked if she got any laps for it. She said no.
I asked something else and then she said that she got two laps because she didn't complete her planner last night. So we recapped the conversation and I asked why she hadn't shared this information when I asked her about it not one minute before. She said she was going to tell me. I told her that if she had really wanted to share about the laps, she would have answered the first question about what Mrs. C said about the column and not just talked about her circling it. We talked about how it is always best to give information and not withholding information in hopes that we just don't find out.
Whenever she gets laps, we have her do one section of IXL. Since she had two laps, she had two IXL sections. We gave her a third section because she was trying to get away with withholding information and a fourth section because she was talking in class. I'm sure this sounds harsh. She needs strict boundaries and consistent consequences. So it came to no surprise to her, but she was very much hoping we wouldn't find out and was answering questions very quickly and brief. Always a sign that there is more to it. When asked enough questions, she always gives the honest answer. Just a matter of continuing to ask the right questions.
Madi is supposed to have LEAP tomorrow, but Mrs. Fuller won't be there so she'll be in her regular classroom for the day. Art tomorrow as well and not much going on out of the ordinary. We got her birthday invitations and sent emails to most of the parents to give them a heads up so they'll know when the party is. We'll send the invites out in two weeks.
I'll save the best news for last! Her choice in friends has improved so much. She's playing with a few girls that are really awesome. It's really great to hear her talk about playing with them. She spends quite a bit of time on recess playing tetherball and is loving it. So while there are some really frustrating attitudes and behaviors to deal with at times, she is growing and learning and it can only help her in the future.
She got her things ready for tomorrow morning. Last night when we signed her planner, we noticed that there wasn't anything written in it. She said she forgot to write the daily stuff inside. She brought me her planner to sign and there was a note inside that said "I was talking during class while Mrs. C was teaching" on the side of the notebook. First I asked what Mrs. Campbell said about the empty column and she said "Oh - she just circled it." I asked what she was talking about when she had to write the note on the side. She said she was answering a friend who was talking. We've talked before about not answering people back as it's often the second person who gets caught. I asked if she got any laps for it. She said no.
I asked something else and then she said that she got two laps because she didn't complete her planner last night. So we recapped the conversation and I asked why she hadn't shared this information when I asked her about it not one minute before. She said she was going to tell me. I told her that if she had really wanted to share about the laps, she would have answered the first question about what Mrs. C said about the column and not just talked about her circling it. We talked about how it is always best to give information and not withholding information in hopes that we just don't find out.
Whenever she gets laps, we have her do one section of IXL. Since she had two laps, she had two IXL sections. We gave her a third section because she was trying to get away with withholding information and a fourth section because she was talking in class. I'm sure this sounds harsh. She needs strict boundaries and consistent consequences. So it came to no surprise to her, but she was very much hoping we wouldn't find out and was answering questions very quickly and brief. Always a sign that there is more to it. When asked enough questions, she always gives the honest answer. Just a matter of continuing to ask the right questions.
Madi is supposed to have LEAP tomorrow, but Mrs. Fuller won't be there so she'll be in her regular classroom for the day. Art tomorrow as well and not much going on out of the ordinary. We got her birthday invitations and sent emails to most of the parents to give them a heads up so they'll know when the party is. We'll send the invites out in two weeks.
I'll save the best news for last! Her choice in friends has improved so much. She's playing with a few girls that are really awesome. It's really great to hear her talk about playing with them. She spends quite a bit of time on recess playing tetherball and is loving it. So while there are some really frustrating attitudes and behaviors to deal with at times, she is growing and learning and it can only help her in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)