Reports

Well we got our end of year reports today:

"Hannah has made great progress in her reading and writing this year....Hannah has worked well in mathematics this year...Hannah has made fantastic progress in all Key Learning Areas and should be very proud of her achievements. She has really settled into the routine of school and has become enthusiastic about her learning....Hannah has been a pleasure to have in the classroom this year. Well done Hannah."

"Kit behaves in a compassionate way and is caring towards others...Kit has made pleasing progress in English this year...Kit has shown a really strong understanding of numbers...Kit is a happy and friendly student who always works to the best of his ability. He is a cooperative student who interacts and relates well with others. He needs to be commended for the consistent effort that he puts into his work. He has produced pleasing results in all subjects, especially his reading. It has been a pleasure to teach Kit..."

Lots of happy dancing here tonight and a trip planned for tomorrow to take the twins to a local children's bookstore to choose a book as reward for the HUGE effort they have made this year in starting school...

swimming

the twins have started the school swim programme this week. It means that kindy go swimming every day for 2 weeks. They go first thing in the morning. Unfortunately the weather has been wet and miserable but they have been going and having fun. They also go on a Tues afternoon - with me - and this week I thought they may not want to go twice in the one day. I had reconciled myself to a nice lazy time at home for a change - but no - they were both keen to go again...

On Monday when the kindy kids lined up in their swimmers and towels there was lots of excitement and anticipation. One little fellow wore snorkelling goggles. He said to me "DOn't worry, if Hannah is drowning I'll save her. I am going to swim in these goggles - I can see everything!". I loved that he was looking out for Hannah - he isn't even one of her regular friends as far as I am aware.

Then today one of the Mum's came up and was chatting. Her son had reported to her "Mum, you know that Hannah is very good at swimming"! So there you have it - gorgeous boys and a pretty special little girl who is opening their eyes to the fact that she may not be able to do lots of the things that they can - but she can do lots of things that they don't expect her to be able to!!

At swimming on the Tues afternoon - my heart was in my mouth pretty much the whole time. She was so confident in the water - and silly in that tired way that some kids get. I was sure she was going to drown! I warned her teacher - joking that while she brought out the best int he naughty boys - they brought out the worst in her! ALthough I suspect that it was actually a whole bunch of kindy kids that had her jumping and diving and splashing about in such a crazy way! ANyways at the end of the session the instructor commented on how great she had been. There you have - two people watching the same event but with very different stories to report about what happened!

Have I mentioned how proud I am of little brat? The pool is outside and I am sure it is freezing but today Kit tells me he and his group of swimmers got to go into the inside pool where it was warm to try their hand at diving. So he is having fun too.

Lunch boxes

Yesterday Hannah came home with her supermarket sandwich storer broken in half. Dh and I wondered how on earth this may have happened - she isn't strong enough to have torn the two halves apart - maybe in play with one of her 'rowdy boyfriends'? we laughed and moved on - there is only 2 weeks left of the school year anyhow.
Today we had the Transition to Year One meeting. In passing it was mentioned that Hannah is making great progress - and they are seeing her 'cheeky side'. Like yesterday - when to make the crowd laugh she threw her lunchbox over the edge of the stairs - and the principal happened to be the one who saw - and she was caught and missed out on 5 minutes playtime as her punishment... Yep - she's had a great year at that school....and yes the other kids did laugh with her.. and they probably thought that she shouldn't be punished so harshly either....but I don't!

Meeting

Hannah starts an intensive swimming programme next week. Yesterday she was so tired that her eyes were rolling to the back of the head in the water - I kept a very close eye on her! I thought about pulling her out of the lesson early but she loves it so much I didn't have the heart.
Meeting for next year went really well. The new teacher seems great. THe present teacher and principal are pleased with how the year has gone and so are we. NO FUNDING next year - isn't that appalling? There was enough for about an hour of aid time a day this year. The principal is going to see if she can get some additional funding from the CEO (Catholic Education Office - as the twins go to their local parish school) but still - it just seems so unfair. Imagine how well she might do with just a bit more targeted support. Funding at the moment is largely based on IQ assessment. A diagnosis of Down Syndrome isn't enough on its own - such a disparity exists in how the funding pie is divided - a diagnosis of autism for example is sufficient to receive targeted funding (don't get me wrong I'm not saying that kids with ASD get enough either but at least the mere diagnosis is sufficient to mean that they get something. Hannah's diagnosis of DS affects EVERY aspect of her ability to cope at school that I can think of - but is not enough by itself - which means that basically all the speech issues, OT issues and Fine motor skills weaknesses are not really recognised - and really not the associated learning issues either. I can only agree with the principal - it's disgusting.

But as ever - what can't be changed (yet anyway!) must be coped with. It does of course mean that when the principal says how valuable it is to have me volunteer (with heaps of other Mums too) to help in the classroom - it would be difficult for me to refuse unless I was really unable to do so.

Toileting issues were raised however I am hoping (fingers crossed!) that that has been dealt with and luckily her new teacher seemed unfazed - merely asked if there were a spare pair of undies in her bag. Maybe having a 2 year old of her own makes a difference?

Her kindy teacher has said how she has really matured and so in particular in this term she is following the class routine a lot more easily, being more compliant etc. In the afternoon she comes and sits in the group circle for religion where previously she went off to a quiet corner of the room by herself. She also initiated 'news' last week by going up to the teacher, really close and saying "Hannah, news" so presented her 'dolly' to the class. Sounds like she mostly just said 'bubby' to any question asked but the teacher was able to get her to identify the colours on her doll and when the group listening got restless she asked Hannah to get them to be quiet - and Hannah signed and asked them to 'wait' which they apparently loved. SHe also called on some of the students by name. Have I mentioned that my daughter is a gorgeous girl? Well so are a whole bunch of kindy kids out there too. I am actually looking forward to Year 1 - bring it on! I say....

Prepping Up

Our meeting with the Year 1 Teacher who gets Hannah - is - tomorrow! I have seen this teacher around but unlike a few of the others I don't really know her. Anyhow today was my last day to help in the kindy room - and guess what - Mrs D was there - she was spending the day there to observe the students she will be getting next year - and of course Hannah in particular (and no doubt others of whom I am not privy to information about although I can guess!). She introduced herself - and boy - fantastic! I am SO impressed. Let's hope she wasn't having second thoughts by the end of the day...lol!
When she introduced herself she came across as down to earth, vivacious and accepting. Happy to make adjustments to accommodate Hannah. She mentioned all the good things she'd heard and observed about Hannah through the year. Reiterated what a great school it was for a student like Hannah and in particular how caring the other kids were towards her...yep - I think she is on my wavelength. I certainly agree with her on all of the above points anyhow.
Tomorrow's meeting includes the principal. Now don't get me wrong - I love that principal. She is a dedicated and insightful educator. But boy - she considers all the possible problems - so I know it won't necessarily be a 'positive' meeting - but it should be realistic and all about scaffolding and adjusting for Hannah in the context of her classroom. I'm looking forward to it actually.
I was chatting with the divine Ms L (her kindy teacher) and said how I didn't want Ms D to feel daunted about having Han - "you know what it's like" I said. And yes she agreed - she sure did. She then went on to say how it hadn't been that big a deal at all and how many of the things she learned and used with Hannah actually helped other kids int eh class...etc Yes Ms L is a hard act to follow - I think she is a fantastic teacher - and not just for Han but for Kit too.

Which reminds me - A mum from Han's dance class said that her daughter is going to the same school next year - in kindy - she noticed Hannah - right up the front in the song the kindys performed for the new kindy kids and their parents at orientation. We chatted a bit and of course I raved about the school as I do. Later in the conversation she mentioned how the principal in their interview had said that there were 4 'gifted' kids in the kindy group this year - and that this was more than they had expected... with a smile I thought to myself - wow - that includes my Kit - he is one of those 4. And yet in all the talk of how good the school was - a lot of it was about how well they were at meeting Hannah's needs - rather than in 'marketing'. I wonder if she mentioned Hannah and if so what was said? It was lovely to think that - boy that was me last year - anxiously listening for any opinion about the school I was choosing - and worrying about how on earth I was to manage nutritious lunches 5 days a week!

Transition to Year 1

We had our meeting last week. No surprises - in fact some fo the tenor was pretty much what we got last eyar - you know how the other kids 'just take off' in kindy and how the gap between Hannah and her peers will get wider yada yada yada - but you know upon reflection it occurred to me that with maybe 1 or 2 exceptions there isn't a bigger gap between Hannah and any other of her peers than there is between her and Kit - so yes we live with it, we see it - and we can also see that for now - it is not a 'problem'.

The meeting itself was positive. The twins have had a great year and we are very pleased with the school. The principal hadn't confirmed who would be teaching Hannah next year so we will have a follow up meeting later in the term. I will take photoes etc of the Year 1 classroom to prepare a social story for her and we'll try and get the spec ed teacher to take ehr into the Year 1 room for an occassional visit (her resource room is nexxt to it) so that Hannah gets abetter idea of just what we mean by Year 1.

She knows something about it because after the last school holidays when I was talking with her about going back to school - she said "Yes, Hannah Year 1" and i had to break it to her that she didn't go into Year 1 untl after the long holidays of Christmas.
She loves the ipod touch she got for her brithday but I haven't loaded any communication software yet - am hoping we will be successful in our funding application for an ipad and the proloquo2go - then we can start including it in her IEP goals.

The twins had a fantastic birthday - the gymnastics party went really well. Hannah has started referring to one little girl as 'my best friend' which is of course just fantastic. She is also getting more tired at school in the afternoons because she is more actively engaged in play with the other children at recess and lunch.

A New Term

Ten weeks left of kindy. Wow. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month which means that lots of resources and links have been flying around fb. One was a short video based ont eh story of My Friend Isabelle. It can be found by clicking on the title - if this copy and paste doesn't work.... http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232:everyone-counts-my-friend-isabelle-video&catid=74:video&Itemid=120

Anyhow if that doesn't work - google Everyone Counts My Friend Isabelle and it will come up on the ndss website.

I mentioned it to Hannah's teacher in the communication book today - and she showed it to the kindy kids today.

It would have been great at the start of the year - but is no doubt a timely reminder for them. This morning when we got to school you wouldn't know that they need reminding though - one gorgeous little girl came running over to take Hannah by the arm - to show her her zhuzhu pet, another came over to say hello and our young friend (who visited in the break to make pasta at our house) came over and immediately lifter her up off the ground in his joy. Then one of the girls held her hand and away they went to the other side of the playground. Lovely. When it works, it works... I hope it works for a looong time...

Progress

This photo was taken at Kit's keyboard concert. We videoed his performance - and Hannah was so cute. You can hear her as she excitedly says 'Kit! Kit!" over and over again - she was thrilled to see her twin up on stage performing.
I have to say just how happy I am with the twins school - AGAIN. I called in at the kindy room this morning after helping some of the older kids with a literacy programme. There is such a great atmosphere there. I spoke briefly with Han's teacher. Our area consultant had been around - she saw Han do some work - and could see just how well she is doing there. The teacher gave me a copy of the ntoes from the meeting - general discussion mostly mentioned the positives of strategies taht are already in place. She gave advice on structuring expressive language goals and a couple of ideas that I could use to reinforce Hannah's familiarity with the alphabet at home. Then some points on transitioning her to Year 1. I am meeting with the teachers and principal about htis next term. We are considering the possibility of Hannah joining kindy for reading/maths groups (for Term 1 at least) and everything else with Year 1. The importance of her friendships and of educating the Year 1 teacher were discussed. Me - I'd LOVE to see Hannah's current teacher take her through to Year 1. I think that would work very well for little brat - then a different teacher could have her in Year 2 or later on. I will let the principal know that that is my preferred option but of course she has the whole school and staff interests to consider - and the teachers have already given her their preferences - not sure what Hannah's teacher's preferences were - I'm hoping it was Year 1! Regardless I know that the principal will do her very best to ensure that an appropriate teacher for Hannah gets her next year - and I don't think we can demand more than that.

Travelling

It is Hannah's turn to have the class 'literacy bear' at home for a week. He is meant to travel to a different country each week. Kit told me that Hannah told him she wanted to ttake the bear to New Zealand, Hannah told me she wanted to take him to Georgia (there is a 'Flags of the World' poster in their bedroom - and she consistently chose Georgia - unfortunately the only advice I got from the twins Dad was that mean Stalin - hmmm, and a lot of research for me! So somehow I managed to convicne her that France would be a good place to visit - after all I am hoping we might get there for 'real' in the not too distant future... and we have a poodle, she was wearing a stripey french sorta top, she LOVES Ratatouille - Yep - France it is. So here a re a couple of our staged pics. Then Hannah helped me select different google images to print and paste in the Bear's book and then put together a simple story using sight words and pictures (a combination of photoes and PECS images) for her to 'tell' the story of her and the bear's adventures O?S. She loves it - I think her teacher will too - We are returning Bear and Book when a number of hte kids will be away at a gala day - I thinkt hat might give the teacher smaller numbers and more time to actually go over Hannah's story. It also gives me a bit longer to practise presenting with hannah.

So little, So Much

Well things have been quiet in the mainstream - which is actually a really good thing. It means that the school has continued to do what good schools do - cater as best they can to the kids they have. The sport of the term is basketball which Hannah doesn't like as much as gymnastics - but otherwise she is continuing on her merry way... She has a couple of gorgeous little boys who are her 'besties'. When I ask her who she played with she says their name - it is so cute. She is starting to understand about Year 1 because the teachers have been talking about it and in fact we will be meeting the principal and the kindy teachers to discuss planning for Hannah for next year soon - sigh - another transition. I am hoping that there won't be any issue with her going into Year 1 - but what supports she will need and which class she will be in and who gets the jackpot of teaching her - that will bbe up for grabs I guess. I have been trying to check out the grade 1 teachers - I see the Year 2 ones more often as I help with Multilit each week - so I know that either of them would be fine - the current Year 1 teachers sound like they'd be fine - I just don't know them as well. Her funding for support is unlikely to change so they may want to consider a bit more withdrawal time as an effective way to help develop her literacy and numeracy skills. Or of course they may consider keeping her with the same teacher which would be great. Who knows - I'll have to wait and see what comes out at the meeting when it happens.

Kit has been chosen for the school's enrichment program - which we are very proud of him for - they gave him some maths assessment and he scored well enough in it to go into the program. He has been a couple of times now (it is once a week) and he just loves it. I am glad that they have used a standardised test to decide who accesses the program - sometimes it looks to me like school simply use G&T as a marketing device - I like to see a school who genuinely wants to address the individual needs of its students and one that promotes BOTH it's learning supports and it's extension programs as of equal relevance/importance. You'd be surprised how many high schools mention G&T but make NO mention of 'special needs' - yup so to those schools I say - "you lose one if you don't welcome the other - cos I can give you the best of both worlds..."

Both twins got awards at school assembly yesterday which was nice - Han for participation and interest in a learning activity and Kit for his attitude towards his learning.

Han's reading is coming along beautifully - last night she brought home a new reader and she had such a big grin on her little face as she clearly 'read' the title "We Dress Up". Gorgeous.

Vision

Last night I watched Q & A on the abc with some excitement - as a political junkie to have the PM front up for a round of unscripted questions from the public - too good a viewing opportunity to miss. I went to their website and lodged an online question - they didn't use it - what happened was way better - quite close to the end of the show (48:55 minutes in to be exact! - you can see it on the iview) a woman stood up to give her question. She began with a courteous greeting - here is her question:
"You spoke about your own education opportunities earlier. I have a five year old daughter with Down Syndrome who has just started mainstream school. Do you share my vision of a fully inclusive education system where children with disabilities can thrive and succeed at school? And if so what are you doing to make it happen?"

Whoo Hoo - that was pretty much exactly the wroding of my own question although I had also said how pleased I was to see the government's policy on improving funding for EI services.

The PM answered:

"Yes I share your vision and yes I understand we are some way from achieving it. We've got more to do but we have as a government increased the amount of money going to support children with special needs in our schools but there's more to do. And one of the things I want to do as we review school funding is make sure we are taking into account the needs of children with disabilities better than they are taken into account now. So we're a government that's almost doubled the amount of money going into school education it's a start but there is more to do.
One of the things we've announced in this campaign is rolling out better packages of assistance. We've started a system for dealing with children with autism that enabled families to get early intervention, speech therapy, the kinds of things that can make a difference early on. We want to roll that out for more children with different forms of disabilities so that will help make a difference too.
But the vision of inclusion is a good one and we want to keep working to get that vision working in schools right around the country."

I hung on her every word. Now I could focus on what the response reveals about the state of the current system but I won't - instead - YAY for JB the special needs Mama who stood up and asked the question (cos yes we are still at that point in the discussion in this country! When you embark on the inclusive journey it feels like you are finding your way along a dark and murky path that few have gone before. The way is steep and tricky with occassional blasts of light and fresh air and fortunately if you fall down you'll probably find the clues, the red cloth swatch left behind as a clue or as comfort by the even braver souls who have gone before you). JB gave us and our kids a voice. We got a mention on national tv. How cool is that? On a show that must have blasted the ratings. We got a response from the PM that I believe was honest and heartfelt. From what I have read I think that JG and Bill Shorten 'get it' by and large - and that tey are willing to try and improve things. The introduction of a National Disability Scheme is another area that I am glad to hear them working on. So for now - I am basking in the 'face' that was given to Hannah with that response. Now to the callenges of structuring the funds, meeting the individual needs of a significant and diverse group of students - they like all the other kids there - are our future ...

Happy

I know I've mentioned this before but I feel the need to again say it - I LOVE the school my cildren go to. It is a local catholic school - not an elite private -a garden variety one - it isn't top of the My School website - it is an important part of our local community.

Each week I get to help in the kindy classroom (lucky me!) I love that. The kindy kids are awesome. Financially it is a burden but worth every penny when I think about the benefits it brings to our family and for Hannah's successful inclusion. On the other day that I don't work I help with a program called multilit which is for helping children with literacy (generally not special needs kids but other children who are struggling with reading). After multilit I call down into the kindy room to say hello to my gorgeous ones and make sure Hannah has gone to the toilet (there were a few accidents at the end of last term as she got very tired).

Today I walked in and a delightlful little girl who is in Kit's reading group called over and asked me to help her - she was writing a character profile for the 3 little pigs. Kit showed me his work - he was doing a 'typical boy's' profile of the big bad wolf - "I got my but burnt' or something like that - very well written except for the b in 'but' was facing the wrong way and the extra 't' was missing. Still his cheeky boyish grin was lovely to see.

Then I went into the writing lab where the whole class was working. Hannah sits up the front working on her writing sheets with a teachers aide. Today she was working on writing the number 3. There was lots of encouragement and positive words. Hannah proudly showed me her 'principal's award' sticker. She had been along to the principal's office earlier in the day to show off her workbook.

One of the teachers has recently bought an ipad - and she had briefly used a sightwords app with Hannah that morning. Hannah's treat for writing well was to have another go on it. When the teacher arrived it was lovely to see her enthusasim in playing with her new 'toy' and in working out how to best use it to help Han. It wasn't long before she pointed out Hannah's principal's award sticker and then added that she had got one too! I didn't ask but I am guessing that partly that was Hannah expecting her wonderful teacher to get one for all her good work too. (My twins are very good at sharing).

Han's focus teacher (a fantasitic, passionate and skillful teacher) and she are planning to spend some time together looking at it's uses in the class for Hannah. I had to tell them that we were already toying with the idea of getting her an itouch for her birthday - I can see that if it is going to get wide useage at school we might have to find the $$ for an ipad and leave the smaller more compact itouch for another year when she is older. Will have to look at the numbers though - that is one downside of having twins - on their birthday if Kit gets a dsi, Han an ipad and then they both want a party - it gets a bit expensive! and while we are by no means 'struggling' in comparison to others - we don't have much extra money - the mega mortgage and things for the twins including Hannah's weekly ST are where our 'extra' money tends to go... and while I am lucky to be able to work 4 days in 3 we are still down 25% of the wage I'd get if I could work full time...That is one of the reasons I have decided to withdraw from uni this semester - I am hoping to finish at least my postgrad certificate next year but to spend $1500 this semester as well as all the hours required to pass - I don't feel we can manage. The placement is subsidised so is a pretty reasonable cost but there is also a practicum requirement which disrupts my working life and means leave without pay.

Geraniums

I feel a bit like Eliot's mad(wo)man shaking a geranium at the world sometimes... and am so pleased that this strategy actually works sometimes (like the PRue Macsween and Channel 7 debacle). Not that I alone achieved much but the dedicated people who started the facebook group and the many (myself included) who joined in the campaign - yep it worked. How good is that??
On Thursday there was a letter to the Herald about inclusion of children with special needs in regular classes - it was a response to an article about the recent enquiry which highlights the desperate need of skilled staff better resources and more funding for inclusion in our schools. After listening and participating tot he Prue Macsween debate - and having the busy week from hell - I quickly drafted up a letter and emailed it to the SMH. I didn't take time to think much more about it because it was my first week back for the semester so I was flat chat and to top it off I had double booked myself for a uni research workshop and a tea party to help promote deeper friendships for Hannah at school. So yes click in haste...

When I finally got home on Thurs night and saw the email saying my letter had been shortlisted for publication - I nearly ahd a heart attack! I went tot eh sent items and carefully read it many times - how would it sound to x? What about group y? etc That is when Rhapsody on a Windy night came to mind...

But I am a gardener and in my garden there is not that much 'onion weed'. To point - yesterday I took Hannah to dance class (yes mainstream again!!! - although only because there isn't a spec needs class that we could go to) - it went fantastically well - and then (I failed to make the Uni worksop ...sigh) a tea party with 5 kindy kids - most of the parents stayed - the kids had a blast, the parents enjoyed chatting. Everyone there knows Hannah and a bit about DS - it didn't rate a mention - and why should it? It doens't define our existence although it is a significant part of who we as a family are.

The kids decorated cupcakes, jumped on the tramoline, 'cooked' with palydoh, played with the dolls house, had a 'concert' (using my bed as a stage - 'eyeroll'!lol). They all settled in very quickly and played as you'd expect a great bunch of 5-6 year olds to do... a really lovely afternoon worth the effort of staying up half the night making cupcakes on Friday - and yes even worth letting down the Uni researcher for - mainstream education for us at the moment is about Hannah's social evelopment and sense of belonging in her community as well as her literacy and numeracy skills after all....

The transcript

here's the transcript:

Prue Macsween: But it’s a number of issues. I mean, the, the woman is put into this room with all these special needs kids, so many of them, she should have - for a start, it’s a reflection of the bad system. These special needs kids should not be in a class with or-, you know, kids that don’t have special needs for a start, so, you know, we need to throw more money at the education system, make sure that these kids are properly administered to because they almost need one-on-one help –
Paul Murray: Yeah but, but I disagree there. I, I, I [Andrew O’Keefe: Yeah, I disagree with that too] I think that they should. I think that as much as possible–
Prue: I know I know what (all you intelligentsia?) are saying.
Paul: No, no, no. That’s rubbish.
Prue: No, it is. It’s (all police stuff?).
Paul: Come one, come on, come one. No, no, no.
Andrew: It depends on the nature of the special needs.
Paul: What they need is two teachers in the room to be able to make sure that there’s one who can cover the gap, but, but you can’t just -
Prue: No. I’m sorry I don’t agree with you.
Paul: It’s about socialising. It’s not about-
Prue: I understand that but if they’re disrupt-.
Paul: It’s not[ a lefty thing?]...
Prue: What about the kids who are quite – normal, normal and adequately able to understand. They’re being held back. It’s like girls going into school-school rooms with bloody boys. Boys are so retarded, they keep them back. (Andrew O’Keefe laughs) I mean I honestly think that we need to make sure that we have these special needs kids put somewhere where they are prop-properly trained and then slowly, once they are in a capacity of being able to-
Andrew: We’re getting head of ourselves here. That’s next week’s topic. Are all boys retarded?
Prue: Well, you are (laughs).
Andrew: I’m looking forward to hearing your views on that.

No wonder we find it so hard to get a fair go for our kids in this country!! Thank God that this is not the opinion of the people I meet - some might have been wary but they ahve been pretty easy to 'win over' - as any fair minded person should be to compelling argument - that our kids (yes 'those' to Prue) have the same rights as any kids ...

On a Break

Well we are all loving the holidays here. Of course I have failed to fulfil all my ambitious plans for going over sight words and numbers and speech and cutting etc with the twins. We have done a few things like that but not many. They are tired and really needed this break. Hannah has had an ear infection for the whole of the holidays so far - which just goes to show how run down she was/is. The brats got good Gym reports and hannah got a lovely music report too. I am not enrolling her there next term though. I haven't given up on her learning an instrument but I think we need to try another path for a while - so dance it is. She seems quite excited about it which is good. Today for example she dragged me out on the trampoline with her and broguht a tutued dancing dolly she has - she then insisted that the three of us 'dance' -so I think she is looking forward to it - which is what I wanted. A lot of that love for movement comes from her years at music - but learning an instrument that way isn't going to work for her - and relaly I can't see any way of us enrolling her there next year - hence we decided to move her now so she could settle into an alternative activity. In a year or so I am hoping (so long as she wants to) to find a small group or individual instrument tuition that suits her.
The holidays began with a kindy party - it was fantastic. Hannah had an ear infection so I let her lie low and play on her own inside for the beginning of the party but as I expected she couldn't resist coming out and joining in - she loves this group of kids - and the party was so full of pretty things and so well organised - tehre were heaps of great things to engage the children's attention. The parents and their family (sisters and grandparents I think?) were especially fantastic with hannah - treating her with respect but also looking out for her and making sure she had every opportunity to join in.
Tomorrow is another party - Hannah is the only girl invited apparently - but I don't think she'll mind.
I have also got my act together for another play opportunity. After every party Hannah always excitedly says "Hannh's party!". It seems mean to make her wait until Oct so I decided to kill the two birds with one stone. She wants a party and I want to help her develop closer friendship patterns with the other kindy kids. One of her favourite activities is to have a 'tea party' (often leaves, dirt and water!) so invites went out to 6 kids - 4 girls and 2 boys for a tea party. I chose the girls (in consultation with the twins of course!) because at each party I have watched Hannah and them interact for lengths of time easily and happily - especially trampolining - one of Hannah's other favourite activities. The two boys are to make sure poor old Kit dosn't feel like a shag on a rock - although it is hard to imagine him ever feeling like that!! The idea is for the kids to decorate cupcakes and otherwise just play - I thought I'd make sure the trampoline was ready - as well as some playdoh and the kids box of musical instruments (one of the girls has already been over for a play last school holidays where the children ended up performing a 'concert' for the adults). Once again I thought I'd put Hannah's gorgeous dollhouse out in the lounge area where it is easily accessible too. The rest is up to them - I hope it works and they have fun.
It was actually a little embarassing giving out the invites - so many of the children are friends with the twins but I want this to be about depth of friendships - I will have to make sure that we ask those other children to the twin's birthday party in October.
Kit also has his first Sibkidz activity this week - a craft and cooking mornign which I know he'll love - and hoepfully he can start ot get o know some other siblings like himself so that one day when he is older if need be - he won't feel like he is the only one with a sister with a disability. I am quite excited about it for him and he is viewing it very positively. "In my day we never had anything like that" and I think it would have been great - it may not only have provided myself and my sister some support but it may have helped us build a more positive relationship with our sister who has disabilities.

halfway there

Well as the second term comes to an end I feel that our family is enveloped in this new schooling gig. Parent teacher interviews happened this week and I confess that I felt a bit weird about it - surely I wasn't ready to be in the parents' seat?? Due to all the contact we ahve with the school and the wonderful way theya re able to develop partnerships with families there were no real surprises.

Words for Hannah:awareness; great improvement;confident; growing ability to communicate what she is able to do; identify; recognises; make connections; good; appropriately; enjoys; happy; gentle; extremely well; enjoys reading; energy, smile and involvement demonstrate her growing ability to be engaged and a part of classroom activities; involved; individually; sit and listen; easily distracted; follow; progress; encourage; great work.

Words for Kit:enjoys; kind; thoughtful; Christian manner; listens; eager to respond; discuss; knows and uses; sound understanding; manipulates and sorts and describes; asks questions; willingly explores; confidently able; pleasing; conscientious; excited about learning; always really positive; easily engrossed; happily work on his own; fair effort; delight to teach.

So all good! Except that soon I feel DH and I may have to decide how we are going to parent Kit's academic progress. I know he is smart - his report agreed with that. I know he is one of 3 kids in kindy who are clearly working well above their peers in some areas. Kit started at reading level 1 or 3 (?- can't recall which one now!) and is currently reading at level 10. He scored outstanding for all the reading elements - but what about maths? As first time parents we want what is best for him. We love him exactly as he is. We also feel a tremendous resonsibility to draw out the very best opportunities for him. I worry that on some subconscious level I at least am overcompensating for Hannah having an intellectual disability. I feel I have a really good radar for what she is capable of. I am not so confident of the same for Kit. He got about 60% outstanding 40% satisfactory in the various maths criteria. Some of the satisfactory grades - are for things that we think he has been able to do for a long time. Others I really dont' know. Does it matter? Certianly we know that literacy has a high priority in the kindy. I know that maths is taught but I don't have astrong understanding of how as yet. There was a parent training morning on numeracy but unfortunately I wasn't able to attend. I have heard that the school is just starting to be involved in mathletics - but I dont' actually know what that is. So there you ahve it - are we being unrealistic? Torturing our gorgeous boy with unfair demands? Our concern is if the teacher doesn't recognise his strengths - will she be able to push him? How much are we projecting our own literacy biased experiences upon our son? At this point I don't know - but I know that if there is an issue - teh earlier it is dealt with the better - so how early is appropriate and how early is simply first time parents being overly pushy and unrealistic?
I don't mean to take away from the whole report experience - we are very proud of the achievements of the twins and the quality of the teaching is high.

Kit tells me they will be tested in gymnastics tomorrow - Hannah ahs absolutely loved gymnastics this term. Her teacher said that there was one instructor in particualr who had a really good sense of what she should be able to do and who was able to modify activities for her. Kit tells me all the teachers help Hannah in gym. I am hoping that her teacher is able to get some ideas from the gym providers on hwo we can continue this activity for Hannah out of school hours...

FItzroy readers

Hannah has had a FR at home for the past couple of weeks. She is really finding the second half of the book difficult - it has all the rhyming words - cat, fat, sat, bat, rat, hat in it - introducing them one or two at a time but eventually using them all in a sentence. Hannah seems to really struggle then - she doens't seem to be able to tel the difference between them so well. I have tried showing her how to sound them out 'c-at' etc but I am not sure that that was working that well - I need her to enjoy learning to read - she relaly lvoes books and reading so I don't want to lose that. I then helped her to draw the cover page - a big fat cat and then I got ehr to cut out the words of the title and sequence them and then paste them onto her picture which she really enjoyed. I made the book into a powerpoint presentation - where I tried to emphasise particular words - eg I underline sat each time it appears and bold the m on mat. 'and' is in red font and 'on' is bold. 'fat' as in 'fat cat' is in italics. Most of the others I have left aolone - I think c b and r are reasonably different so have't really done anything to make them stand out. I have only used it with her twice and it seems to help a little in that she did better reading it today than yesterday.

I started to wonder if follwoing the same path as the other early readers in her class is the way to go. I checked out Downsed and it appears that the common view is that children following the regular literacy program in mainstream (with various supports I assume) does work well. So - my quesiton is - does what I am doing sound right? I know with numeracy they suggest teaching 4 and 5 away from each other because they are easily confused becasue they look similar. Any suggestions on how I can continue to help Hannah with her reading of books like this one?

Friend

I wish I could post a photo here - but for privacy of the other child I won't ...
Tonight when I was unpacking Hannah's schoolbag I found a sheet of A4 green paper. On it in the lovely kindy style handwriting are 6 words - some of the letters are backtofront, one word is incomprehensible - but the magic of those words I could read - To Hannah ? ???? from your Friend S****. How beautiful is that! I made sure I talked with her about it - and how she should draw a picture for him tomorrow. Then I showed it to the adults in the room. S**** is a little boy who also went to the same LDC as teh twins last year. He is a gorgeous little fellow and just recentlyt he teachers have rearranged the kids reading groups - and he and Hannah are in the same one. Just lovely. It made my day - well almost - so did getting 100% on a numeracy quiz for Uni - that's never happened before lol! Magic what a whole day's revision for one little quiz can do...

Winter Canteen

Well the kids are in their winter uniforms now. Kit has moved up a level in his readers and is so proud of himself. Hannah is going great guns. She got a class award in gymnastics a couple of weeks ago and this week her teacher said that she had a lot of fun in that class. She is also getting very tired. She has music on Wed after sport and lunch. She has fallen asleep in that class for the past two weeks. I have mentioned to her teacher that I might atake her home half day next week on that day. It is mid term and she has been working so hard. You can see how tired she gets - and it isn't as if she isn't sleeping well - she is sleeping in until after 7 which is great for her.

the school has a canteen that has just started opening 3 days a week after refurbishments. Well the first week it opened I gave the kids a lunch order each for the Friday. Then this week - I hadn't planned on it but on Wed pm when I collected the twins, Hannah's teacher came and let me know about Hannah's day. It seems that at lunch she took ehrself to the canteen and lined up with the other kids. Her teacher tried explaining that as she didn't have any money she wouldn't be able to buy anything that day. She said that Hannah got very upset, stood up straight and stiff ignoring her - and when she realised that she wouldn't be able to buy 0 she was devestated and cried and cried. Kit happened to be standing nearby so he gave her lots of cuddles and then seh went off to music and fell asleep. Clearly her teacher felt upset about it all and mean. She said that the grade ones were all offering Hannah some money, the mums in the canteen were ust wanting to give her what she wanted - but the lovely gentle and kind Miss L stood firm God bless her.

To be honest the week before when I did the lunch orders - it was because I was unsure of how Hannah would cope with just lining up and communicating her order to the ladies - so an envelope put in in the morning seemed the better option. Needless to sayt hat I have had to adjust my expectations about canteen. I think I'll make it tat the twins can order from it once a week rather than the once a fortnight I had been hoping for. SO last night I got out my clip art and printer and laminator - and made a litle keychain communicator - some pics of a few things on the menu that I think would appeal to Hannah as well as some pics of the relevant AU$ - she is good at matching same images so I figure if need be the canteen ladies just have to show her what coins she needs for whatever she is buying. ANyways she came home happy - so it must have worked!

There was gold coloured muftiday this week too. Do you know how hard it is to come up with a gold wardrobe?? So I found Kit a dull stripey shirt - that at least he sorta needs and had some gold in it but Hannah? She gets heaps of lovely handmedowns and doesnt' need new clothes plus I couldn't see any in the department stores I scoured earlier in the week. In the end it occurred to me that the skirt on a Snow White dress up is pretty gold - well that was a big hit. In fact she won a lolly bag for hte best dressed girl in her kindy class - which made her very proud.

awards

Oops - I forgot to mention - on Monday - at the morning school assembly - a certain red headed brat was called up for an award - 'Raising expectations' - for showing great enthusiasm towards her learning environment. She walked up to collect it like a champ. I was chuffed for her - and boy - did she know she had done good!!

Readers

Hannah's focus teacher sent home a level 2 reader for us to try yesterday. She wrote that they had been working on it. When I saw it - it had quite a lot of words in it - I simply asked Hannah to tell me about the pictures (cos I was cooking and didn't have the time to actually sit and help her read throught hte text). She starts by pinting at the title and reading perfectly 'Going out'. SO I forgot about the dinner and went and got the video camera - she did GREAT!! followed the words with her finger and used the pictures to help her remember the 'different' words int he story. Her pronunciation of 'swimming pool' was fantastic and she even put the 't' on 'out' on the last page.

Then after dinner Kit got a Dr Seuss book - for me to read (they usually get 1 story book each before bedtime). It was Bears on Wheels which is quite a simple one - so his father suggested that Kit read it to me - which he did with only a couple of words giving him trouble. A little later it was time for Hannah's story choice - she staggers out into the loungeroom carrying all the remaining Dr Seuss books (and yes we do have quite a collection that was given to us by a friend). She then chose The Spooky Old Tree which is above her reading level for sure (I think Kit would find it reasonably challenging). Together we sat and 'read' it. What I was chuffed abot was that I could see not only an enthusiasm for reading but she was clearly applying the literacy strategies they have been using at school to help her read it. Luckily there were a few simpler pages in it - she would run her finger under the print and look to the pictures to help her with things like "one bear with a light, one bear with a stick and one bear with a rope.'
I have long known that Hannah would be able to read - but I am in awe of her progress. I thought it would take her much longer to get to the stage she is at now. Good work little precious. Good work.

Athlietics carnival

Today was the brats' first athletics carnival. I wasn't worried about it at all - partly cos it happened on my day off - so I knew I'd be on the sidelines. Unfortunately the day dawned overcast and dreary - with spots of rain and eventually we were chased from the oval home when there was an absolute downpour! Lucky the kindy kids had had a go at a few of the events before that happened.
I had a ball - watching the kids, chatting to the parents. When I got home and put the kids in a warm bath I downloaded my photoes - and the thing that struck me most was hands. Hands are everywhere - the hands of friendship, love and support - given in generosity without a second thought. I am eternally grateful for those hands. For the smiles and laughs from other Mums as Hannah 'jumped' over things and did the splits instead of what she was meant to do on one of the gym pieces. For the grins of encouragement on a mother and casual teacher's face as Hannah (and her teacher) sprinted in last in their race. For the kids who laughed and played together with such joy. Good memories were created today -even though both my kids (following in my footsteps no doubt!) came last in their 'events' today - who cares - they were there, front and centre - participating and helping to make the day a success. Here are some trimmed images (sorry - I have to consider the privacy of the staff!)
Two boys - cos friends is all we need
Walk with me

trampoline
stretches
sprinting to the finish line
friends
paralell bars
not the splits this time
Monkey bars
Walking with MissJ
Jumping

Star of the Week

Hannah's teacher said that Hannah went straight to the book corner when class started on Monday - apparently she stuck her head around the corner when her teacher called out 'good morning' to her but that was it - until she heard her teacher say taht she had 2 stars of the week - but could only give out 1 because the other star wasn't there - the other star she announced was Hannah. Well according to her teacher that got her out of book corner and up front ready to have her 'star' pinned on her uniform.

I helped in the class this morning and when I got there - she and her companion star of the week were taking the notices/box to the office - they were so cute! I also got a chance to chat to the spec ed teacher - it was GREAT to hear how pleased she is with Hannah's reading skills. She knows some sight words, understands that the text on the page relates to the pictures and is using her speech more too. Quite frankly - I know I shouldn't compare - but even her cutting out is better or at least on par with some other 'weaker' students in the group. They are going to start incorporating a more individualised social skills program in this term - which is brilliant. Have I mentioned that I love this school? It is truly giving the twins a best start.

Humungasaur

Well the day of the walkathon dawned - overcast and drizzling. Hannah was SO tired last night I had been counting on a half day with the walkathon - things weren't going to plan. The day before I had bought Ben 10 Alien lego for Kit and couldn't really see anything for Hannah but made do with a set of mini ballerina sticker books. The lady in the shop giftwrapped them. They were to be the 'reward/incentive' for the 'big walk'. I also baked an orange cake for my MIL to enjoy in the afternoon after her walk.

Well the walk was eventually cancelled but my MIL wasn't sure whether I'd packed lunch for the twins so she went up to the school with some - to find Hannah asleep. The teacher indicated it might be best to just take her home and Kit didn't want to stay there on his own - so they both got to go back to nan and pops at half day anyways. At about 2 I got a call from their Nan - could she give them my 'gifts' regardless of the fact that they didn't do the walk - I said yes - so Kit got his first Ben 10 alien force lego - spidermonkey. My MIL said Hannah threw herself down on the floor and cried. When we got home she showed her Dad the box and asked for 'Humungasaur' while pointing her finger at a particular picture(or some such nonsense that sounds way cuter in her imperfect speech).
Later when she heard her father tell me he was going to the shops (to get the fish and chips) she insisted on going and when he left the shop with our order she got really upset and he thought she wanted him to go back - she did - to get 'humungasaur!!

I promise you - hearing her try so hard to say it clearly (high motivation in that phrase) just sounds priceless - I reckon that come what may tomorrow - a certain papa will be scouring all of Sydney for a crappy Ben Ten alien force lego figure Humungasaur for his little girl.

Blessed

School Walkathon - there is no way I can expect Hannah to participate fully in it (I can see her 'drop and squat' or worse - tap her shoulders expecting her very slight teacher to carry her up there!!). I also did not want to not have her there - in some way. So thank God for Hannah's grandmother - a wonderful woman. It is no wonder we love her so much. She is going to go to the school (she already helps with reading there one morning a week) and walk with Hannah for as far as Hannah goes - then ring Han's grandfather to pick them up - and go with her to the picnic area where all the kids will be meeting up afterwards. Yay. That is the best outcome (short of my skipping work for a day and doing it myself!). The school were great at exploring options too - but this one - it's the plan. I know the twins will have a ball - and then the athletics carnival is on a day when I don't work - so I will look forward to that one.

Hannah and I survived our first 'all girls' party - to be honest - we both had a lot of fun. We have only been to mixed kids parties - these little girls were all so lovely. Hannah joined in happily, followed them when she felt like it and did her own thing when she needed. Definitely a success. Thanks Miss S for being a good friend to Hannah...

Holidays are over

Well the holiday is over. It has been grand. Hannah clearly thinks that she should always stay home with Mummy (she obviously hasn't heard her father's opinion about my homeschooling her!!). At the same time she is also excited to be returning to school. She had a really successful playdate with a little girl from kindy during the holidays and was very happy to run into another girl from kindy when we were out shopping - and then that same little girl when we were watching Kit play soccer.

DH took Kit to see How to tame a Dragon today at the movies today and Hannah stayed with me. We did various things - but at one stage when I was online she came out with some paper and one of her favourite books Bananas in Pajamas Holiday Book (which she has just LOVED fo rthe past 2 years). She asked me to staple the blank paper she had with her - and then she communicated (in her mix of gesture, sign and words) that she wanted me to write the title - that she wanted to make a book about Hannah's holidays. And so Hannah's Holiday Book was born. Funny cos just that morning I had been thinking of putting together a social story about her holiday for her to share at school tomorrow.

While I tapped online she drew. I then got her to tell me about the pics on the different pages - I'll post some once I have photographed them. - Then cos some of the pics might seem a bit abstract I have just printed off a few photoes to include on the blank side of the booklet to help her teacher.

I also got an email tonight - from Maree's mum* inviting Hannah to a birthday party next week. Maree* is in Hannah's class at kindy. I accepted the invite on Han's behalf and this is part of the reply I got:
"That's great to hear. Maree* is really happy. Hannah was the first name on Maree's list. See you at school."
Maree* is a nondeplume!

Kit then came home from the movie and by late afternoon was writing a book of his own - the Last day of my Holiday. He got his father to photgraph various activities and I did some writing for him. Lovely.
PS - In the bed are: Kit, Hannah, Mummy, Daddy, Granpa and above Gra - our poodle - Stella!
Term 2 - here we come...

Holiday groove

Boy they need haircuts - that will have to go on the 'to do' list for next week.
Well I started the holidays with all sorts of good intentions. I was going to do a little work with hannah each day. Hmmmn ... that hasn't eventuated however I did make a numbers book 1-3 with her today and she has been swimming for the last 3 mornings so she hasn't been missing out too much. I brought out the little lego yesterday to encourage her and Kit to play with it together - and that worked a charm. I also bought some moulding clay yesterday and hannah helped me make a snowman and she also made a couple of houses. All going well we will paint them this afternoon. When we were out yesterday we ran into a little girl fromt eh twins kindy - Hannah was so excited to see her. I am glad that we are catching up with another little girl from kindy nexxt week - I think hannah will be very happy about that.

One day to go...

The school meeting went well - Hannah's teacher (and the school principal) are absolutely fantastic - professional, dedicated, genuine - what more could we ask for? Hannah has exceeded their expectations in many ways. Her communication goals are the key area where further development and thinking is required - but (aside from her being sick with croup and ear infections - which dramatically affected her talking)she is using her words at school. Her writing skills are improving. Her ability to attend to tasks is also improving. As I have said many times - I am so impressed with the care and careful management of resources that they have managed. It is never easy and funding seems to continue moving backwards. As a teacher I know that this is a difficult balance to achieve.

Hannah has been working so hard. All the kindy's are tired - but she is exhausted. She loves going but it requires so much effort on her part - for pretty much the whole time she is there. Getting her working better in small groups is clearly the next overall goal as is increasing her intitiation of communication. Academic goals - she's slowly progressing - so more of the same althought he number goals have been a little reduced to focus on all aspects of 0-3. She can rote count but they are also considering writing and manipulatives.

I am keen to do a 'retrospective' "What I have learnt post" - amybe after I have my uni exam tomorrow. It is 'hanging over my head like a spider!' at the moment. Fancy having an assessment on the last day of term - it is too cruel for words - only in numeracy!

Fast and Furious

The term is drawing to a close - only 2 days to go. Tomorrow I will be meeting at the school to evaluate how things have gone and what 'challenges' lie ahead.

From our perspective - so much has been positive. Hannah's socialisaitona nd transition to kindy has been very successful. I thought her academic progress might be hindered while she struggled to cope with everthing else - well her writing is noticably improving (very slowly - she has gone from writing wonky capital H to a wonky H and a straggly a, sometimes an n that doesn't look like an o). Her counting is going ok as is number identification - although we are still playing around in the up to 10s area. Her story writing book is empty - but that is no surprise - her maths and patternmaking books are full of fantastic activities.

So I am hoping tomorrows meeting is mostly positive. Here is what i think will need to be discussed further:
social skills - peer reactions - how to facilitate more positive interactions - they have been fantastic in 'mothering' Hannah, she needs some help in how to engage in constructive play with them (I have been reading Amanda's blog for some ideas on that one!). I worry that she 'pushes' (gently but still) at kids who come up to cuddle her - because she doens't know a more effective way to 'play'.
Balance - how to get Hannah working effectively in small groups so that the school resources are not overly stretched with one on one that could be done in small groups.
How to maintain Hannah's motivation and attention. I worry that her 'cranky' voice is getting more of a work out - at home I have started sayoing that if she uses it she has to go to her room for a minute. At the same time I need her to know that it is ok to be angry - that she has that right really - but not to use her 'cranky' voice which is usually a loud gutteral'no!' and very annoying!!!
What to do about her tiredness - I think that as we end the term - we can see that she is starting to get tired - what will it be like next term which is 11 weeks?
Resources haven't really been going to specialist teachers (I don't think) - perhaps that may come up?

From our perspective - I would really just like some feedback from her teacher on exactly how she is going. The communication book is mostly positive but not very specific - so I want to know if Hannah has met the goals we set for her last year - and if new ones are required now (for some I think that is the case). I also want to review communication strategies - are they interested in more signing now? Are the visuals workoing - is there a better way to incorporate these in the classroom - to encourage Hannah to initiate communications.

I also want to give the school a BIG thank you - Hannah loves going to school. She likes being independent. She is widely known and accepted by the school community - which is nice when I have been reading comments in the media about how irresponsible it is of a parent to continue a pregnancy if they know beforehand the child they carry will have a disability (!!).

Frogs and Swordfish

If you go into the history of Shamptons you'll no doubt find some posts about Hannah and Kit's swimming lessons. When I was on maternity leave - I enrolled with Kit in a babyswim class - it was my way of making sure that i spent some time with him just for him (to balance all the theraoy time that Hannah was getting). My MIL did the same class - with hannah.
When I went back to work it had to stop until one afternoon 2 years ago for some reason I got it into my head that they just HAD to do swimming (maybe I'd seen some other child with DS benefit from it - maybe it was about the time that I realised PT for Hannah was pretty much over - and I needed to find alternative ways of helping her develop her physical tone) anyways I enrolled them - after a brief chat with the swim coordinator they were enrolled in the same 'mainstram' class - tadpoles. 2/3 terms later Kit became a Frog. Hannah stayed in tadpoles - she absolutely loved it - but her legs were often akimbo and her arms - she'd smile that big grin and cling to the the instructor's neck - not from fear but because she was having so much fun playing with them!! 2/3 terms later Kit became moved up another grade, Hannah was still in tadpoles.
In her time there she has had some great instructors but in the latter part she tended to think that she could just continue to 'play'. I decided once she started school this year that it was time for me to push for a more appropriate class for her. She would be getting plenty of socialisation at school and at Rainbow CLub (swimming classes for kids with disabbilities). She was there for exercise and her future health - she was there to LEARN!! I discussed her needs with the supervisor - who'd also been her teacher in the past - yes it was worth trying to get her into the 1-1 spec needs program. I spoke to the coord - nope - waiting lists for that are ginormous so our compromise was a capped class and a fantastic instructor. I was more than happy with that arrangement. Unfortunately she has missed a lot of this term due to illness (sigh!). Nevertheless she has been making progress.
In the summer holidays just before term began I was able to get her in for 3 days with the special needs teacher - in just those days she made so much progress - and she absolutely loved it!! The smile of pride on her face when she 'swam' 3-5 metres was glorious to see.
So here we are at the end of Term 1 and she still hasn't quite mastered some of the tadpole stuff although she can do heaps. The supervisor is in fact her very first teacher (who was great!). We discuss what to do with her - he is keen for her to go to go up a grade - he can see that she has progressed - he can also see that she is still doing the same sort of things that she bagan with 2 years ago God Bless Him! So there we have it - Hannah is going up a grade because the supervisor is perceptive enough to know this about her character - she LOVES a challenge. The class will be capped.
Kit is also doing very well. He really enjoys it too - I wouldn't know if he's doing really well or not necessarily - but he too has gone up a grade - he too will enjoy the 'challenge'.
Oh - and i have managed to get Hannah into the special needs holiday class again - she's going to LOVE that.

Lucky

Han and Kit attend after school care a couple of times a week - they love it. One of the workers there was chatting to me about Hannah a couple of weeks ago - at the end of our conversation she said "You are so lucky". She meant to have Hannah - I liked her perceptiveness because that is of course how I feel about both my chilldren - but it is the first time I can recall someone saying that to me about Hannah. It isn't that usual for someone to say it about having a child witha disability - where they are actually referring to the whole child (disability and all) as part of my good fortune. You know - it was strange but her words really made me smile - because I think she 'gets it' and that is great.

Over the weekend we encouraged Hannah to rest up for school and I desparately tried to catch up on schoolwork (our marking reporting regime is in full swing) and a little uni work too. I was just feeling that things were slowly coming back under control when Kit starts vomiting everywhere!! Poor Darling. He had a restless night and so we kept him home from school yesterday. DH stayed at home and I went to work. I took Hannah to school on the way. I was nervous about how she'd go. She had missed 4 days last week and was going without Kit - for the first time. In the past at her other care centres she would not have wanted to do that. I rang after school care to let them know she'd be there. I was worried she'd be quite tired by the time she got there and also that without Kit she may get confused and not go!

As I walked with her from the car to school it occurred to me that all my apprehension was bout how she would feel today. I had every confidence that the other kids would be happy to see her back (and they were) and that the teachers would take the very best care of her. It was such a good feeling. Later at work one of my students who has a sibling with DS gave an oral presentation about her class research project into the impact of DS on the family. One of her points was stressors on the parents and undder that she metntioned how parents are often reluctant or unable to trust anyone else to look after their child with DS. I smiled as I listened becasue I know that she is right - and I am so glad that that is not how I feel about Hannah's school, quite the opposite. I trust that they will take excellent care of my gorgeous girl.

Still as soon as my last class was done I raced over to get her. The after school workers were keen to tell me what a great day she'd had and how she was fine with them. that same worker who'd told me how lucky I was once again mentioned how great my kids were - she commented on how bright Kit was - and also said something like "and so is this little one...' nodding at Hannah. I couldn't agree more - she is bright and beautiful - on the inside (and outside) - intelligence like beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in the eyes of those who love us is the best sort. It is not a narrow box of IQ assessments for any child, their beauty and intelligence is innate - we just need to be open enough and have the opportunity to appreciate it.

Dance

We went to the school dance last week. It was very successful. the kids all enjoyed running around and playing with their friends in such an informal setting. The dance maestro was lots of fun too. I got to see the kids interact beautifully with Hannah and spoke with a number of teachers and other parents. It was a fun night.

Hannah's EI spec ed and our family 'coord' from our current support service visited the school and gave the kindy teacher lots of practical suggestions and activities to try for Hannah - to increase her motivation/concentrationa nd enhance her participation in groups. There was discussion about withdrawing ehr for some one on one but hte feeling from our support service is that it would be best to do so with a couple of her peers rather than one on one. I think that sounds ok as there are other kids there who would also benefit from some of the strategies that work for Hannah. Her kindy teacher as I have said before is fantastic and I know that she will do her best to implement the strategies discussed. Our family service coordinator also commented on how fantastically well Hannah had settled intot he school - how comfortable she is there and how lovely the other kids are towards her etc - things I knew but it is good ot have an objective observer make similar statements.
Hannah has been unwell - she had a febrile seizure yesterday and is still battling a nasty fever so she and I are home today - she is lying necxt to me but refusing to go to sleep the little bugger - she had a terrible night with fevers and phlegm...Kit is settling in too. I think he found it quite hard to be ina different class from Hannah especially as the rest of his 'reading group' are in her class as is a number of kids that he likes to play with. Poor darling is working hard at understanding what is going on. He got Star of the Week which he is proud of for 'always using nice/good words when talking about others' - now me - I know that hte star of the week can sometimes be used as a bit more of a motivator for a child that is struggling to do the right thing - I'll have to try and catch his kindy teacher to see how he is going I think. He and 2 others from his reading group will be reading a prayer of the faithful at the whole school mass soon - it makes me very proud of the little fellow - my baby has almost disappeared and in his place is this adorable young boy with barelya trace of babyhood in him... This morning as he went off to school by himself again he told me that he is a bit lonelly there without Hannah. Still he went - soemthing I know I'd have trouble getting her to do if their places were reversed.

Mid term update

I think it is time to start taking stock of how things are going - I have a meeting with the key parties at the school in a couple of weeks to consider how things are progressing for Hannah in kindy. My impression is that they are going great - it is very clear that we (meaning Hannah, her family and the teachers/staff at school) have been working diligently to make this experience successful - and it is. I guess we need to review some of the 'nuts and bolts' of classroom organisation and her behaviour and her academic progress. I learnt a long time ago tha there is a 'cost' to mainstreaming her - it is a reality that I think I can live with - her teachers are so hardworking - I think it is important for them to feel successful in their efforts - Hannah is making so much progress (more than I had initially hoped for or expected) but she is obviously different and the gap between herself and her peers is generally going to widen - we need to have things set up to cope with that.

I have volunteered in the classroom which I loved doing - those kindy kids are just delightful - there is such a range of stages in there - I don't know how the teachers do it year after year - but I can clearly see their competence and dedication in there. I got a chance to chat with Hannah's aids too which was nice - I don't like to approach them about it as I feel they have a lot of things to do and a number of kids they look out for - but both briefly chatted to me about how Han is going - and while she still requires coaxing and bribery to stay focussed and get some tasks done it is clear that these wonderfully patient women can see progress. They can see that her comprehension and potential are pretty good.

As the school prayer says - 'so many hearts make a school' and I see that every day - in the staff, the parents and the other children. There is still such a long way to go but we are now well underway and there are many tings that are working well - for that I am very releived and glad.

The members journal with the fantastic cover focuses on education - I have asked for an extra copy so that I can give it to the school for the staff to see and read.