Specs4us

I think everyone should have their child's eyes checked before they start school. Kit has had his tested twice in gov't funded programmes for preschoolers. Hannnah has seen an opthamologist before so for her it was a case of follow up. Specs4us make frames designed with some of the facial features of kids with DS in mind - apparently lots of 'typical' kids specs are too big for hteir little faces or keep sliding down their face cos of the shape of their nose bridge. There are not many places that have them in Aust - they are US made but Edgecliff Eyes has just started stocking them - lucky for us. Anyways she has only had them for half a day - so far so good!

Letters and experiments

Well our offer of enrolment letters came today. I was pleased that Hannah's was identical to Kit's with the exception of 'Please read the "conditions of Enrolment" sheet enclosed' ... which had been replaced with a more specific paragraph that referred to regular reviews of adjusted curriculum to meet Hannah's needs, that she'd be in a mainstream class with other students who also required support and that our ongoing support in the classroom would help her successful integration and provide support for her learning.

So I am happy with that - it was positive (mostly) and reflected the discussions we have been having with the school. Orientation happens next term and I will use that time to investigate specific individual orientation activities that may help Hannah.

Little brat will be getting glasses to wear from tomorrow. Her opthamologist noticed that her right eye is 'turning' a bit - she thinks it will be able to be managed quite well with glasses - so fingers crossed! I'll try and psot a picture cos she sure looks cute in them.

There is also a research experiment that I am hoping to participate in - literacy and numeracy - Hannah would be randomly assigned to one or the other. It requires me to attend 8 training sessions though - so I have written up a proposal for work as I can't afford to lose pay. I am lucky that as a social science teacher - a large part of my course relates to research methods - I can (possibly) justify it as professional development. Also we should have stopped formal teaching for the bulk of it so it will only affect 2 (hopefully!) afternoons where I will need to leave lessons for my students. Also I am not asking the school to cover any additional expenses and I have offered to share what I learn with other staff in my faculty. Fingers crossed I think it would be fun, may help Hannah and should help me in my work too.