This morning a little girl came up to Hannah and said "You're getting an invitation to my party Hannah". So there it is - her first regular party invite that is all her own.
Her teacher rang our old EI special Ed Teacher too this week - to touch base and check on a few things - I was pleased to hear it - Hannah is the first child with DS that they have taken on and they are certainly doing their very best to give her a good chance at success.
The kids all line up for assembly in the playground in the morning. A prayer is said, some notices given out and then they walk into class. Hannah was squatting at her bag instead of standing up with the others so today I left her school bag on ehr bag - it is so big I figured it would stop her squatting - cos she'd end up like a turtle on her back and not be able to get up again!!lol. Anyways I was right - but it was obviously annoying her cos she started to bend over at the waist for some of the assembly instead. Not sure which is the best 'look' for her really!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Communication Book
I have heard various people talk about how useful these are - and our EI sped teacher suggested one for preschool last year - but it never happened - the twins went to preschool 2 days a week and it didn't seem to be something that I could really push for.
Now they are at school 5 days a week and learning ina more structured way - it definitely becomes a priority. We discussed it at our planning meeting last year and then this year after a week or so - I simply made a comment of 'that's the sort of thing that could go in the communication book when it starts' and this week - (when all the kids school books came home to be covered) the Day Book began. The first entry started off well with reading and listening activities and ended badly with scratching an older student(!!!) this is new territory for us and I was very upset about it. Her first entry - tehre it is in b/w. I know it was overeacting but I did feel very upset at Hannah. I am absolutely NOT saying there is any logic in my feelings - but I have to admit there is a part of me that feels that because Hannah 'stands out' as different then she can also be helpd under closer scrutiny than others - and you know - only recently there was a letter to the local parent/child free newspaper about how integration doesn't work - and how the letter writer's kids suffer because of the 'special needs kids' in the room - their neediness and their behaviour (the letter writer was an absolute tosser with lots of sweeping generalisations and flaws in their arguments - but that's another post)- and here was my hannah fulfilling those myths.
She got a good talking to and the next day - lots of statements reiterating the need to listen and follow instructions and keeping hands to self - no scratching!!! I also clipped her fingernails as a bit of insurance. She had a great day. I must confess I felt anxious all day and got tot he school to collect her early due to feeling uptight about how her day might have gone. Having said that I love the book - that is the sort of stuff I amy not want to hear - but definitely need to - and the teacher has reported more positive experiences than that one negative.
I became convinced at the value of the day book after reading the one Dan Drinker's parents had - not only was it good reading - i could so cleearly see the partnership between home and school - something that I hope will prove to be a secret of success - should we succeed!!
Now they are at school 5 days a week and learning ina more structured way - it definitely becomes a priority. We discussed it at our planning meeting last year and then this year after a week or so - I simply made a comment of 'that's the sort of thing that could go in the communication book when it starts' and this week - (when all the kids school books came home to be covered) the Day Book began. The first entry started off well with reading and listening activities and ended badly with scratching an older student(!!!) this is new territory for us and I was very upset about it. Her first entry - tehre it is in b/w. I know it was overeacting but I did feel very upset at Hannah. I am absolutely NOT saying there is any logic in my feelings - but I have to admit there is a part of me that feels that because Hannah 'stands out' as different then she can also be helpd under closer scrutiny than others - and you know - only recently there was a letter to the local parent/child free newspaper about how integration doesn't work - and how the letter writer's kids suffer because of the 'special needs kids' in the room - their neediness and their behaviour (the letter writer was an absolute tosser with lots of sweeping generalisations and flaws in their arguments - but that's another post)- and here was my hannah fulfilling those myths.
She got a good talking to and the next day - lots of statements reiterating the need to listen and follow instructions and keeping hands to self - no scratching!!! I also clipped her fingernails as a bit of insurance. She had a great day. I must confess I felt anxious all day and got tot he school to collect her early due to feeling uptight about how her day might have gone. Having said that I love the book - that is the sort of stuff I amy not want to hear - but definitely need to - and the teacher has reported more positive experiences than that one negative.
I became convinced at the value of the day book after reading the one Dan Drinker's parents had - not only was it good reading - i could so cleearly see the partnership between home and school - something that I hope will prove to be a secret of success - should we succeed!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Progress
I picked Hannah up at lunch time again yesterday. I had a brief chat with her teachers - one asked me if I had any particular thoughts on whether to keep the twins together or seperate them - I don't really as I think they would manage although obviously they'd prefer to be together - I just said that I was happy to leave it up to them and their judgement based on the group dynamics - she did comment on how proud Kit was of Hannah which is nice.
That teacher is great - last year preschool had a problem arise where Hannah would refuse to come inside after recess - so her EI spec ed teacher put some visuals on a keychain - the aim being for social type visuals like can I play, I need the toilet or a drink etc. I don't think they were ever used that much at preschool because she was able to understand most instructions given. The kindy teacher has been really using them which is fantastic - in a busy classroom where there is lots of activity and noise it is really useful to develop skills in using the visuals - it will also, hopefully, exand to include the pecs folder I gave them - so that they can more accurately assess Hannah's learning and understanding. Anyhow the teacher was telling me how useful she finds it - and so I asked if there were any visuals not there that she would like - she was quick to say 'sit on floor' - she had looked and it wasn't in the ones I'd given them - so last night I hit Google and printed off the visual for sit on floor and hold hands.
This was a timely discussion as I had my first planning meeting with the school aged support service we are going to use. Mostly our family priorities are around accessing support and resources to assist Hannah settle into kindy and participate there independently. One of the things we'd talked about was how I was pleased to see that they were using her keychain visuals - and we then discussed asking them if there were other visuals that they felt they needed - so how good was that that that very afternoon - the teacher is ready with a request? I also took the opportunity to mention that when we start up a communication book - that is the sort of thing they could just include in a note - and if I can get it - I will!
Going back to my chat with the kindy teacher - they had played a game in the morning - the kids had to go stand on particular sounds/letters - they use the Ants in the Apple which is what Hannahs EI had used too - and I better quote cos it may not happen again: "Hannah was better than some of the others. She did very well" [happy dance!!] - the letters were a m i f t and s - they will move on to blends soon and that may prove more of a challenge for Hannah - but I was pleased because the teachers are clearly looking at what the cildren can do and I like them to see that Hannah has some strengths in this area.
Then after chatting to a little bevvy of kids (they are so cute the way they flock to an adult who looks like chatting to them - like seagulls around a hot chip!!) I said to Hannah - "It's time to go - you better say good bye to your friends" and off she went - she walked up to a few kids and waved and said 'bye' - they looked a bit confused and weren't overly responsive - I guess they were wondering why she was heading out partway through lunch. She is there all day today - let's see how she goes...
Oh and at the pickup in the afternoon - I saw and was chatting to one of the volunteers from Hannah's swimming club - it is a club for children with disabilities that Hannah just LOVES. This lady is lovely (naturally - I have a HUGE amount of respect for these vollies who give up their saturday afternoons). She also has a dance studio just around the corner from us - so I told her when she feels ready for a group around hannah's age - we'll be there - with bells on.
That teacher is great - last year preschool had a problem arise where Hannah would refuse to come inside after recess - so her EI spec ed teacher put some visuals on a keychain - the aim being for social type visuals like can I play, I need the toilet or a drink etc. I don't think they were ever used that much at preschool because she was able to understand most instructions given. The kindy teacher has been really using them which is fantastic - in a busy classroom where there is lots of activity and noise it is really useful to develop skills in using the visuals - it will also, hopefully, exand to include the pecs folder I gave them - so that they can more accurately assess Hannah's learning and understanding. Anyhow the teacher was telling me how useful she finds it - and so I asked if there were any visuals not there that she would like - she was quick to say 'sit on floor' - she had looked and it wasn't in the ones I'd given them - so last night I hit Google and printed off the visual for sit on floor and hold hands.
This was a timely discussion as I had my first planning meeting with the school aged support service we are going to use. Mostly our family priorities are around accessing support and resources to assist Hannah settle into kindy and participate there independently. One of the things we'd talked about was how I was pleased to see that they were using her keychain visuals - and we then discussed asking them if there were other visuals that they felt they needed - so how good was that that that very afternoon - the teacher is ready with a request? I also took the opportunity to mention that when we start up a communication book - that is the sort of thing they could just include in a note - and if I can get it - I will!
Going back to my chat with the kindy teacher - they had played a game in the morning - the kids had to go stand on particular sounds/letters - they use the Ants in the Apple which is what Hannahs EI had used too - and I better quote cos it may not happen again: "Hannah was better than some of the others. She did very well" [happy dance!!] - the letters were a m i f t and s - they will move on to blends soon and that may prove more of a challenge for Hannah - but I was pleased because the teachers are clearly looking at what the cildren can do and I like them to see that Hannah has some strengths in this area.
Then after chatting to a little bevvy of kids (they are so cute the way they flock to an adult who looks like chatting to them - like seagulls around a hot chip!!) I said to Hannah - "It's time to go - you better say good bye to your friends" and off she went - she walked up to a few kids and waved and said 'bye' - they looked a bit confused and weren't overly responsive - I guess they were wondering why she was heading out partway through lunch. She is there all day today - let's see how she goes...
Oh and at the pickup in the afternoon - I saw and was chatting to one of the volunteers from Hannah's swimming club - it is a club for children with disabilities that Hannah just LOVES. This lady is lovely (naturally - I have a HUGE amount of respect for these vollies who give up their saturday afternoons). She also has a dance studio just around the corner from us - so I told her when she feels ready for a group around hannah's age - we'll be there - with bells on.
Monday, February 8, 2010
honeymoon
I know things are bound to arise - but I am so happy that we are off to a positive start to the school year. I thinkt the teachers I have encountered at the twins school are great. My hat is off to them. I did the parent training for their reading program (for the older years) today - and that looks like it will be fun - it is a good programme and the woman in charge has a lovely manner. They rang me to come and collect Hanah - she is technically still recuperating from her surgery but I didn't want her to totally 'lose' the feeling of being at school - and as she seems fine at home - I sent her in and just asked that they call me if they think she has had enough. So I went and got her at lunch. The teachers have read Voctoria's Day with the class and got Kit to help talk about DS with the other children - they said it went really well and meant that Han got a good greeting this morning when the kids saw her back at school. Kit is loving it. They have just put the kids into their literacy numeracy groups (levelled). Kit's favourite part of the week includes library time - and I think hannah will love that too - so I will send her for another half day tomorrow. I have also had a few Mums say they liked the letter that went home 'from Hannah'. So I feel that was a good strategy as it puts it out there - people can say something to me if they like - and then we move on - no big deal - so that is great - just what I was hoping - and I am pleased that they actually read it - as I know how many forms come home in the school bag - can be daunting some days!! It also means that these parents will be able to talk about it clearly and in an 'up to date' way with their kids should the need arise - and maybe I won't have too many people refer to her as 'a Downs' or tell me that she is 'mild downs' lol!!
I'd best get her asleep in fornt of the tele while I get back to trying to get the floors mopped ...
I'd best get her asleep in fornt of the tele while I get back to trying to get the floors mopped ...
Parent information session
Dh and I went to the school for a parent info session. It was good - informative and very psoitive - although we were gently told some 'rules' by the kindy teachers and given homework. We were also told not to carry our kids bags - but they look so tired at the end of the day!! It was affirming to hear the principal speak about the school's philosophy and approach to early education - so much of it was what I am familiar with and what I would (and have) chosen for the twins.
Tomorrow is my trianing session...
Tomorrow is my trianing session...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Done!
One afternoon Hannah decided to experiment with Kit's school shoes and socks.
Hannah had her T & A done - she did great. Yesterday was probably her best day since it was done - I cut back her painrelief as she was doing so well and it seemed to be ok. The twins had their first music lesson - I took Han and DH took Kit - because Kit is on book2 this year whereas han is repeating Book 1 - I can see why having had a look at Book 2 - it gets hard pretty quick. Hannah finds the fine motor and especially by the end of the course when there is playing with 2 hands very tricky so it should be good to give her another go at it. She did very well yesterday - but I'd expect that as it was really simple stuff that she mastered last year. I was pleased to see how much she remembered as we haven't looked at any of it for 2 months.
I took Hannah (or her father did) to pick up Kit from school each afternoon last week - it was fantastic to see a little girl (one I'd picked out on the first day as being gorgeous) come up to Hannah 'her friend' (!!!!) to say hello - unfortunately Hannah was often sore and sorry and just wanting to see Kit by then - but still I certainly didn't expect 'success' this early on - this little girl is clearly one of those 'mama bear' types just like I have been hoping for. Kit too has started asking when Hannah will be going back to school - he has been so strong and brave - cos I know he is still struggling to find his place with the other kids although he loves the classroom stuff.
I think I'll try her early next week when I am at the school in the morning training for the parent volunteers reading program. I have spoken to the staff about Hannah - I only cried once - felt like such a goose - otherwise I think it was ok. I have had a few teachers come up to me and say thanks - my main concern was that I'd come across as a crazy overprotective and demanding mother - when that wasn't my intention - I just think some information and background might help them. I did stress that I don't know about primary school, I aknowledged that many of them would already have some experiences of disability and perhaps DS specifically and finished with saying that one of the best resources was them - their professionalism and experience - I used aquote from the NSW DSA calendar - "When a child with down syndrome is born the most important thing that has happened is that a child has been born" and converted it to a 'new student starts kindergarten" type thing.
It sounds to me that the kindy teachers are going great with her - when talking with one she did comment that it was good for them to hear me talk about being firm with Hannah - and she gave an example where they'd done it - sounded great to me!! Another teacher told me of her interactions with a friend's sibling who has DS - she had regular contact growing up. Another commented on how she liked hearing about Hannah's EI. I gave the talk the afternoon after Hannah's surgery and that night in the shared hospital room (sigh) I barely slept a wink - earlier on in the afternoon a nurse had asked me if Hannah usually had a slow heartbeat (at 64) so when it was 50 !!! as she slept - plus I kept going over what I'd said at the staff meeting - trying to think what might have not worked and what I missed out and just how crazy I sounded... then I'd peer up to check Hannah and her heart monitor - needless to say I was exhausted when we finally got home the next day!
Yesterday she had her first music lesson of the year - she is repeating Book 1 - and she did great. That night we went to dinner at our friends house - they have just finished a fantastic reno - but I digress - we don't see these guys that often any more - they have 3 kids - one is a little older than the twins and started kindy this year too (in fact one of Hannah's friends from EI has started kindy at the same school). Anyways - it was great to see Hannah find the play room on the third floor and then she and their little girl - stayed up there playing so comfortably together for ages. Hannah wouldn't have done that 6 months ago - lovely progress.
Hannah had her T & A done - she did great. Yesterday was probably her best day since it was done - I cut back her painrelief as she was doing so well and it seemed to be ok. The twins had their first music lesson - I took Han and DH took Kit - because Kit is on book2 this year whereas han is repeating Book 1 - I can see why having had a look at Book 2 - it gets hard pretty quick. Hannah finds the fine motor and especially by the end of the course when there is playing with 2 hands very tricky so it should be good to give her another go at it. She did very well yesterday - but I'd expect that as it was really simple stuff that she mastered last year. I was pleased to see how much she remembered as we haven't looked at any of it for 2 months.
I took Hannah (or her father did) to pick up Kit from school each afternoon last week - it was fantastic to see a little girl (one I'd picked out on the first day as being gorgeous) come up to Hannah 'her friend' (!!!!) to say hello - unfortunately Hannah was often sore and sorry and just wanting to see Kit by then - but still I certainly didn't expect 'success' this early on - this little girl is clearly one of those 'mama bear' types just like I have been hoping for. Kit too has started asking when Hannah will be going back to school - he has been so strong and brave - cos I know he is still struggling to find his place with the other kids although he loves the classroom stuff.
I think I'll try her early next week when I am at the school in the morning training for the parent volunteers reading program. I have spoken to the staff about Hannah - I only cried once - felt like such a goose - otherwise I think it was ok. I have had a few teachers come up to me and say thanks - my main concern was that I'd come across as a crazy overprotective and demanding mother - when that wasn't my intention - I just think some information and background might help them. I did stress that I don't know about primary school, I aknowledged that many of them would already have some experiences of disability and perhaps DS specifically and finished with saying that one of the best resources was them - their professionalism and experience - I used aquote from the NSW DSA calendar - "When a child with down syndrome is born the most important thing that has happened is that a child has been born" and converted it to a 'new student starts kindergarten" type thing.
It sounds to me that the kindy teachers are going great with her - when talking with one she did comment that it was good for them to hear me talk about being firm with Hannah - and she gave an example where they'd done it - sounded great to me!! Another teacher told me of her interactions with a friend's sibling who has DS - she had regular contact growing up. Another commented on how she liked hearing about Hannah's EI. I gave the talk the afternoon after Hannah's surgery and that night in the shared hospital room (sigh) I barely slept a wink - earlier on in the afternoon a nurse had asked me if Hannah usually had a slow heartbeat (at 64) so when it was 50 !!! as she slept - plus I kept going over what I'd said at the staff meeting - trying to think what might have not worked and what I missed out and just how crazy I sounded... then I'd peer up to check Hannah and her heart monitor - needless to say I was exhausted when we finally got home the next day!
Yesterday she had her first music lesson of the year - she is repeating Book 1 - and she did great. That night we went to dinner at our friends house - they have just finished a fantastic reno - but I digress - we don't see these guys that often any more - they have 3 kids - one is a little older than the twins and started kindy this year too (in fact one of Hannah's friends from EI has started kindy at the same school). Anyways - it was great to see Hannah find the play room on the third floor and then she and their little girl - stayed up there playing so comfortably together for ages. Hannah wouldn't have done that 6 months ago - lovely progress.
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