Day 2 Year 1

The twins were excited to go back to school yesterday. I printed off a couple of holiday pics tohelp Hannah communicate what she had been up to - she chose them so they were all pretty much of her at the beach! I wrote a note in the Day Book for her new teacher, packed their bags and hats. Just as we were leaving Hannah got her ipad to take. Now it wasn't my idea to take it on the very first day as I know how hectic that day is but I didn't want to disappoint her especially when she'd been told that it was for school - so into the bag it went. Unfortunately her teacher was really sick and had to go home early but reports from the spec ed teacher were that she had a good day and was siting copying from the board without assistance when she went in to help. Her old Kindy teacher chatted with her while she was on playground duty. When i picked her up the first thing she said as 'want to lie down' so she was clearly buggered. She settled in front of the tv and was sleep by 8pm.
Kit had had a good day catching up with the to her kids and getting to know his knew teacher.
Neither slept well last night - I think that their minds were probably racing with everything and it was stinking hot which doens't help. Phi was reading to Kit int he middle of the night to help him get back to sleep and Hannah ended up in my bed. At one stage I felt her and couldn't tell whether she had a fever or if it was just because it was so hot. I moved her closer to the fan. She seemed ok temperature wise this morning. She didn't want to go to school though. We were clearly told that she wanted to stay home.
Once we were at school she cried and kept looking down. Her friend Zachary tried to help her but she wasn't responsive. Then her friend Genevieve tried to help her and again Hannah wasn't giving much away. She was clutching her Maggie doll (stuffed Maggie of the Simpsons) and I'm pretty sure she was wishing she was back in kindy. She wasn't the only one there was a fair bit of chaos on the Year 1 line this morning and at least 4 kids crying... Her teacher was back on deck and looking great so fingers crossed she has a better day. I have to pick her up a bit early for a podiatry appointment anyhow - I have neglected her orthotics dreadfully the last 2 years and am hoping to do better this year by changing to a place that is nearer the school.

Hannah's Day Book

Reading Dan Drinker's Communication Book convinced me that I needed a book - a dialogue between myself and Hannah's teacher - to help make our journey in the mainstream successful. I didn't expect her teacher to write in it every day but every afternoon it was one of the first things I looked at - as I stowed the kids school bags in the boot of the car and before getting behind the wheel to drive them home - I'd check the Day Book. As I helped in the school 2 mornings a week - and hence got updates from Han's teachers then her teacher generally used the book a couple of times a week - and less as the year went on - still at least once a week would be an entry. tonight I have continued in the book with a note to Hannah's new teacher. We haven't formally discussed the idea so perhaps unlike Hannah's kindy teacher she may end up choosing to use email or the Notes app on Hannah's new ipad... but for now the Day book is our record. Our story lies therein...

Monday 15 Feb 2010

Bullet points:
Hannah had a great morning she participated well in the guided reading group (with teacher) she recognised letters: a, m, s, t

She responded well in the writing lab she stayed seated in her chair during the instructional lesson.

After lunch during lineup a child in Middleschool tried to assist Hannah to lines from the library

Hannah did not follow instructions (from child) and attempted to bite her, but Hannah did scratch the other child several times therefore got a sad face (insert pic of said 'sad face'.

[Well - there it is - her first entry - and BOY what an entry!!!!! I was in tears. Quite irrational really but I felt that Hannah had let us all down - and especially let herself down. I felt that the school had worried about this sort of thing happening - and here it was - barely 2 weeks in. Boy I went on and on at the poor girl. I was so confused - the description was not behaviour I'd ever seen of Hannah. It perplexed me. In hindsight now I can see that she modelled some Ben 10 superhero play with other children and I hadn't clipped her nails - and that explains the scratches - the biting I still don't get but don't really believe that that was what Hannah was trying to do - it certainly may have looked like it - but she has never really been a biter.]

I am very glad Hannah did so well in the reading and writing. I am appalled at her behaviour later in the day - she has promised her father and I that there will be no sad faces today - so let's hope that is the case. I also trimmed her fingernails so they are shorter now.

Hannah has had a ??? day. She worked well in the writing lab - holding pencil, doing circular patterns and staying in her seat for more than 10 minutes.

In the classroom today we had a green mat (big enough to sit on) that Hannah went to all day when we asked her and she stayed seated on it.

Hannah had lots of * (stars) on her chart a few stickers for great listening today (happy face)

Ms G and G also came in and assisted Hannah in her writing and maths activities today.

17/2/10
That's great!

Hannah had a good day. She xxxtt on the whiteboard all by herself and started to use her visuals more to communicate.

I spoke to P @L (EI) She mentioned about making a 'first and then' board to help Hannah move throughout her day. She also mentioned about giving Hannah teacher roles to help involve her more in group sessions.

Any other suggestions welcome.
L & V

Sunday 21st Feb
I have enclosed Hannah's "Exit Report" from L (EI) which summarises where Hannah is at in various developmental areas. SA the OT has included an additional list of 'Activities for School and Home' (this is due to Hannah not having private OT at the moment)

S is happy for you to call her and possibly arrange a visit to the school if you think that would be helpful.

I did the 'favourite toy' booklet to try and help Hannah talk about her 'baby'. (Kit got an A4 sheet - so that he didn't feel left out)

I put in a couple of 'fist then' cards in case they are helpful.

Many thanks for all the information ...apologies that we ran out of time to do Hannah's toy ..but will definitely do it tomorrow.

Thankyou also for the 'first, then' cards. They really helped today.

Hannah has had a good day. She really loves baby. It was beautiful to see!!

I will try and contact S over the coming week to touch base with her.
L

22 Feb
You're welcome!

Tues 23rd Feb
Hannah has had a great day. The suggestions from the reports were great. We have started using their suggestions.

G (sp ed teacher) called S today to talk about her suggestions. I will give her a call back to organise a visit. She was really lovely. We were also wanting to know if you had any short thick pencils? or where do you suggest we get some from
L
signed - by me.

Hannah enjoyed sharing...her sentence and all the other ... she got really excited.

She also found it challenging to focus today eg writing, working on sounds. She preferred computer and dress ups. But overall a good day.
L

24/2 This week's reader was perfect for Hannah.
She was able to say and follow with her finger "come to" saying 'the' was too hard but she did approximate it and then the place names were generally ok too.
She knows all the letters but had trouble with them (maybe size of print - so I'll keep playing with those at home too)
She loves monkeys - how did you know?
Shelley

25/2
That's great!! She also had a great day. I rang S (OT) and she mentioned P (EI) and her will organise a time to come out.

Hannah focused better today and even took herself and sat all the time in Italian (40 mins).
L

25/2 Shelley
PS H her speech therapist is due to visit the school for a 30 mins speech session - do I need to let her know any specific information? Will she use the little room near the front office? Does she go tot he classroom to collect Hannah?

No specific info is needed. I can touch base with her.
Yes she will need to collect her from the classroom. The office staff will show her. She will probably use the staffroom.
Hannah has had a good day.
L (EI) is coming to visit Thursday week between 10 -12 pm to make suggestions or give advice in anyway.

That's great L. I think that you and V are doing a great job transitioning her. The way you have had conversations with her peers about difference means that a number of children come up to her when we are out around the school this is so motivating for her speech because she loves it and wants to build friendships. In fact her speech at home is markedly improving. On the weekend I suggested she go sit with a group of children who we were with at a local park - and she did! all by herself! I am sure she could not have done that last year.
NSW Down Syndrome Association has 2 seminars coming up which may be of interest to you .... details are given blah blah blah...

Shelley thanks for all the info I .... into it.
Great to hear Hannah is transitioning well. It was nice to get your feedback.
SHe has had a great day. Hannah didn't really want to do anything this morning but after recess we got her using the playdoh, geoboards and Duplo. She loved the duplo.
Hannah was with G (teacher's aid) and they made a house for 'baby'. Hannah then drew it with some help and talked about it.
L

Lovely to see the photoes and Hannah's work. Shelley

3/3
Thank you for the books. I will make good use of them
Hannah was good today. She did trip over at lunch time. But you may want to check. She hit her head on the ground. She seemed to bounce back okay after some tears and ice.

You're welcome. Hannah was absolutely exhausted last night - not that she slept well - she had obviously had a bsy day. It was lovely to hear from Miss J that she sat with the group for the whole music lesson.
Shelley

4/3
Hannah was tired again today But she worked well Ms M (teacher's aid) did lots of fine motor activities with her this morning and she had her speech teacher come after recess for about 30 minutes.
She fell over a lot today. losing her balance.
L

thanks L
I think that she is getting particularly tired - and will probably continue to for a while because she is absorbing more. I hope you all have a good day.
Shelley
PS Lack of balance was no doubt due to an ear infection (sad face) I gave Hannah some panadol this morning and will take her to the dr at 11.30 today.

8/3
Hannah has had a great day. She brought herself into class this morning and sat on the green mat throughout roll call and discussion about hte day.
She worked well in the writing lab - using putty, crayons to do O O O patterns
In maths she sat with the group again.
The photo is lovely. Great to see her practising her letters.
L
8/3 Shelley
PS You're welcome to keep the photo.
[said photo was of Hannah giving her doll Sally a 'lesson' - for all the world she was so obviously copying her teacher Ms L!]

Hannah has had a good day. P and C (EI) came in from 10 -12pm. They gave lots of suggestions and advice I'll share with them with you, when I get a chance to write them down.
In regards to our meeting M (Principal) has had to change the date to the 30th @ xxam. Is this okay with you? Hannah's speech teacher did not come today. - my note: - she arrived while you were meeting with PandC, saw Hannah in the classroom.


I hope you found P and Cs visit helpful - I am very impressed with how well you have been able to accommodate Hannah already. I think you and everyone else there is doing a great job.
Shelley

11/3
Thanks Shelley. their visit was helpful. They have loaned a few items to us eg handwriting without tears, doodle board, book, dvds which is great. The girls also mentioned trying to get us a slope board for Hannah when writing.
lots of suggestions were made. for example: Having Hannah doing correct actions in photoes (sitting on green mat, sitting at her seat) How to guide her when she may not want to do something, extending from 1 first to 2 firsts and then her reward, the teachers having an extension band like Hannah does on her pocket to point things out, having the finished picture (image drawn of checks) picture on equipment to encourage her to pack away and not just walk away.

22/3
Hannah had a good weekend and should be fine for school today - please call home if not - Kit was sick (vomiting) yesterday so he is having a rest day today. I hope Hannah isn't too out of routine and that she copes without Kit. She has after school care this afternoon.
Thanks
Shelley
PS I'll try and give you the slope board and scissors today.

[can you tell how nervous I was about sending Hannah to school without Kit? I'd never done it before - not at preschool or LDC - if he stayed home so did she - I just knew she wouldn't cope..and neither would I! lol.]

22/3
Hannah has had a really good day. She worked extremely well in small groups this morning, sitting and participating with the group and interacting as well.
Thank you for the slope board and scissors. We used them today and I think they will really help.
L

23/3
That's great to hear.. She had a good sleep but is a bit grumpy this morning! Kit is still unwell with a bad cough.
SP

24/3
Hannah has had a really good day. M (teachers aid) was in with Hannah this morning and she worked well in her small groups, waiting, sharing and interacting in the group.
A little tired towards the end of the day but lots of stamps up her arm!!
L

../3
Hannah has been extremely tired today. She really didn't want to be involved in any groups today. She even rested her head on the table in writing lab.
She also had a rest in book corner after recess, just looking at books.
L

Yes she was quite cuddly in the morning so that doesn't surprise me.
Shelley

29/3
Hannah has had a good day. She was very restless first thing this morning and didn't want to participate in any whole class or small group activities.
She did have an accident in wetting herself. After that she seemed more settled.
Hannah worked well with G this morning - reading fine motor activities and listening. She also worked well with Ms G doing writing and an easter craft.
L
30/3 Shelley
1/4
I hope that you have a lovely Easter. Thank you very much for all the work and time and care you provide the children - especially Hannah; she loves Miss L. I have put some little eggs in her bag - for her classmates - Kit said that it was ok - I hope he is right! No after school care for the twins today.
Happy holidays. Shelley

And there you have it. One term, the first term of Kindy - done. To be continued....

Holiday Playdates

Getting ready for next week.... yesterday the twins had a playdate with 2 other kids from kindy - one will be in Kit's Year 1 class and the other in Hannahs. I confess it was a bit like a double date cos Hannah insists that Z is her 'boyfriend' and I is one of Kit's girlfriends...there were also an older and a younger sibling there. The kids had a blast (and so did I! - unfortunately I didn't take any photoes but one of the Mums did...so maybe later I can add one in).
School uniforms for Kit have been purchased, Hannah's will still do this year. I need to get runners for Hannah and some lunchboxes and snacks but otherwise we are well on the road to being ready. I have been listening to Kit read his Zac Power Test Drive books this week and Hannah has continued to do a great job of reading her PM readers each day.
Yes we are on the road to being ready....

Kindy in Review

Yesterday Hannah wanted her new school shoes to wear and then the uniform... when we told her that she was still on holidays I think she thought we were crazy - as if she didn't know that already! "Home school, Mum" - but she didn't want the photo taken the little brat.
Before we head off on the next leg of our journey through the world of formal education with Hannah I thought I'd reflect upon the year we had.

In 2009 I started this blog because I was so terrified and daunted by the process of entrusting my gorgeous girl to the 'system' of education in NSW. My regular blog had never seen such dark posts and it was starting to get me down so I decided to set up Mainstream Musings and keep the Shams for our happy family life. Little did I know that by the end of 2010 the two blogs would overlap, weft and weave as Hannah(and Kit's) school journey became part of our regular family life - not just the separate monster that had Phil and I waking up in coldsweats each night!

2009 involved an enormous amount of spade work. I visited schools - and those we ended up considering closely - I visited them more than once...I anxiously asked everyone I vaguely knew and even strangers on the street their opinions on some, any or all aspects of schooling in NSW. I put my daughter under the microscope to be poked at and prodded sometimes with delight but more often with scepticism but people in positions of power. Of course I was also very busy assessing and testing them too ... but I don't think they felt the pressure of it the way we did. We didn't hold the keys to the building after all. I clung to other mothers in similar situations. What on earth were we to do? How could we send our precious and vulnerable children off into the big bad regular world?

We had a number of grueling meetings with the school to plan for how things would operate for hannah. I gave over some resources including books about DS like Victoria's Day and a letter of introduction from Hannah to the rest of the school that I had drafted. Late in the year the ray of sunshine peeped through - and i mean incy wincy teensy bits of soft light shone...Hannah enjoyed the 2 transition days she attended (1 session for each of the 2 schools we had applied to). At the school where she now goes it was the first experience I had of the awesome love and care and professionalism that I have since learned is part and parcel of the place. At the end of the transition time the children are returned from spending time in the classrooms wit their future teachers to their parents who have been waiting anxiously in the hall. I was approached by at least 4 teachers (including teachers aids) to tell me how well Hannah had gone. School backpacks and hats were bought that same day. Just before the end of term I returned to an empty kindy classroom to take photoes to put together into a social story for Hannah. Then the uniforms from the local store and then the shoes... it was all becoming too real.

Jan 2010 was spent nervously talking about school, showing Hannah the video of the classroom photoes I had made and trying to get her to say her teacher's name clearly. Then I decided it might be best to get the principal's name right so we focussed on that one too....We also had a great time relaxing at home and by the beach with the sense that this was their last baby holiday - the next time it would be 'school holidays' another phase of the journey of our lives.

School began at 10am on the last day of the month. I was terrified but working very hard not to show it to the twins. All kitted out with uniforms, shiny shoes and backpacks on we posed them outside the front of our house for what we know will be an annual photo event for the remainder of their schooling. At the back of our minds was the knowledge that this could be the only one were we get to have both of them together, setting off side by side to the same school...we had no idea just what the future would hold for Hannah.
Nervously we all arrived at the gates of the school. There we were met by my MIL and FIL (who are well known in the parish - and who played the role of proud grandparents to perfection). I have a framed photo that my FIL took of the twins peering through the gates into the school ground and their father is standing behind them, you can see his protective stance and his eyes anxiously scanning the horizon. Then the long walk began. down the side path, p the stairs, along the corridor to the outside of the kindy room. They have a staggered start so there were already kids in there who had arrived earlier than the twins. A couple of teachers were outside to help us get organised. They showed us where to put the bags and told us to get out their morning tea and hat... I later came to know the lovely blonde woman who looked out for us that day - and she is a fantastic teacher - she got Hannah walking up stairs using alternate feet perfectly - without it being mentioned at all - or put in her IEP...
The we went into the classroom. My FIL there - after asking permission - to take photoes of the twins. The room was set up with play stations. The school had pulled out all stops and every hand was on deck including the principal to welcome and play with the newest recruits. I had not known what to expect. I knew that I could have been a blubbering mess, I expected to be sad. I had told Phil to make sure he had the day off so I had moral support with me. I guess that was my first surprise for the year - and a good omen to boot. The twins waved us goodbye cheerily eager to get on with the job of growing up - and so we left them and I didn't feel sad or anxious at all - I felt very calm and we went out to a local cafe for a lovely lunch together. When it was time to go get them I admit the butterflies were in my tummy but it was all roses and sunshine at the school with a tired bunch of happy kids and teachers who looked weary but who were still gently smiling. A great start to the twins formal education...
In the second week, our letter from Hannah went out to all the families in the school. The response was phenomenal. The principal told us she got fantastic feedback. I got fantastic feedback. We had given permission for people to talk about Hannah, to ask us questions - and with that gift - came responsibility. And they took it up in spades - everyone looks out for Hannah. Kids, teachers and other parents and no one seems to resent or mind doing it. The generosity of spirit has been awesome. That same week I spoke to all the staff about Hannah. It was hell but I'd do it again in a flash - I may have come across as psychomum but it meant that every teacher now knew who I was and who Hannah was and when I walk through the school building I am greeted by them all. Many stope and tell me what Hannah has been up to and they all look out for her They are a fantastic bunch of professionals.

The teachers spoke to the kindys about DS. They read Victoria's day - not just once but a few times in Term 1 and then they revisited it in Term 2. They sent the books up to year 1 because Year 1 share a playground with kindy. In class they got Kit to talk to the students about what it was like to have Hannah as his sister. There is a whole bunch of kids who went home and told their parents what having DS means.

I waited anxiously for a more reliable source of information on what Hannah was doing with her days. Half way through Term 1 the communication book began. It was the first thing I looked for each afternoon. The teacher didn't write in it every day - especially as by then I was helping in the kindy room one morning a week and upstairs helping the older kids with literacy another morning a week. At least twice a week for most of the year I got notes about what was happening and I let the teacher know relevant things as well.

In th second half of the year the focus on Hannah's literacy and numeracy became more obvious. Homework was sent home as well as worksheets more appropriate for Hannah. Together the teacher and I worked to consolidate her progress. Her teachers were very proud of her achievements. In term 4 when her Year 1 teacher spent some time int he kindy room observing and getting ready for her new load of students I could feel the frustration in the spec ed teachers voice as she told me that she tried to get Hannah to 'read' to her new teacher but that she didnt want to "and she knows that book so well, she can do it" or words to that effect.

In the latter part of the year, Hannah's friendships are like little seedlings having a growth spurt. The teacher entrusts different kids to play with Hannah, to help Hannah etc and it is working. In the playground at recess and lunch she plays with the other kids, sometimes she gets into trouble with them She starts to tell me about her 'best friend' (be still my beating heart!). I mention a video link I've just found My Friend Isabelle - they show it to the kids the same day. Our discussion of plans for 2011 begin in earnest. There is no question of Hannah repeating. The importance of those blossoming friendships is to be preserved. Strategies to transition her to Year 1 are workshopped. The news about funding and aid time is not good. We chat about what this might mean and how we might manage around it all. It isn't right but for now that is the way it is. We apply for an ipad - another tool that we might be able to use to help make the best success of Hannah's transition to Year 1.
In the last weeks of school the twins come home with Christmas cards and candy canes galore. On the last day nestled in Hannah's bag are some photoes printed off in b/w on plain paper. They show her with the first teacher she fell in love with surrounded by a small group of very special children. Her best friends. Hannah is cuddled and cuddling within the circle of teacher and peers. It is a beautiful happy image that I treasure and that Hannah will have in her heart forever. Then there are another 2 of Hannah with her arm around a smiling teacher - her Year 1 teacher. They both look happy albeit a little anxious about the year ahead. You can tell that this is their first photo together, they are just starting their journey with each other. This time though we know it is a little daunting we also know that we will be able to make it something great. We work on it all of us side by side with Hannah as our guide and it is fun, it is in fact quite magical to be part of...Happy New Year my precious twins...Year 1 we are ready.

Wordless Wednesday - Hannah's Drawing

The family at the beach on a sunny day.

Holiday work

We applied for faf funding for an ipad for Hannah and got it. Once the approval letter came - we went straight out and got it. She was so cute about it - we stressed that the ipodtouch was for play but the ipad was for all the work she will do in Year 1. I think she understands that but it didn't stop her marching around the house saying things like "Hannah 2 ipods, not Kit!" Kit for his part was fantastic. We gave Hannah the ipad on Christmas Eve (I think) because we didn't want her to think that it was for Christmas. I did explain to Kit that we hadn't bought the ipad for Hannah but that the government had given us some money to buy one to help Hannah at school. He was fine with that.
The decision was made though to put on a few dvds and fun apps 'just for the holidays' so the twins are happy with that. We spent way too much of our savings in the last few months so we haven't bought the proloquo2go app yet - it is expensive but as soon as the money goes into our account I'll get DH onto it. I want to have a good play with it hopefully before school starts.
The same day or perhaps one earlier my 'mathskit' arrived. I had offered to be part of a numeracy research project looking at how parents can help their children with DS in maths. The backpack has all sorts of goodies for maths. I had also bought a lego board and some number bricks just before Christmas as well as a laminated numberline (0-10 on one side and 0-20 on the other). I spoke with Hannah about doing 'work with Mummy' - but 'to yet in Jan - 'a bit more holiday first' I told her. I had planned to get going on the 1st of Jan.
Kit got Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for Christmas and we have all enjoyed reading it. There was obviously a lot of talk about how well he is reading because Hannah was very keen to do some 'reading' too - so I got out the stash of PM readers I have borrowed and she chose one to read to her father - 'Baby' of course! Then during the day of NYEve she told me she wanted to do 'work'. We spoke about getting ready for Year 1 - and so the work began.
SO far our holiday regime has been initiated by Hannah. We have missed one day when we went up the north coast for a day at the beach. I give her a choice of 2-3 readers. We then read it together. Hannah then picks a page to copy. She writes out the simple sentence (I scaffold to help - how much depends on the letters eg I generally will just get her to trace letters like e or g or y but get her to write i, t, a, n etc for herself). Then she draws a picture to match (and I often do too on my own 'worksheet'.
Often she then wants to free draw - so i get her to tell me what she is drawing and away she goes. We use the slant board for all these writing and drawing activities.
Yesterday's book was a bit more involved so after we'd done the above activities, I got Hannah to choose another page to work on. This time I wrote out the sentence and then cut up the words for her to order and paste correctly. I let her refer to the actual book for help. Then as it was about a house I drew some shapes and got her to cut them out and then paste them at the bottom of her worksheet to resemble a house.
With the numbers at the moment all I have been dong is getting her to place the number bricks on the board either forwards or backwards for 0-10. I set up the numberline to assist her and get her to read the numbers out as well. She is strong on 0-3, ok on 4-7 but needs help with 8 and 9 especially when counting back. Still she enjoys it. At the end of this session she gets to draw on the portable whiteboard and then usually she heads off for a game on Kit's Wii. Yesterday I was busy and he wanted her to play on the Wii - I asked her which she wanted to do first - Wii or work with me - wanting her to choose Wii first - but no she wanted to do some work. I am glad that she views it positively, hopefully we will get to do this sort of thing consistently over the rest of the holidays.
Kit also has shown me how to write notes on the ipad so I am using that as a diary of what we have done and for her progress. I am hoping that her teacher next year will use notes as a communication tool with home. It is great!
There are more families using the ipad technology now too so I am reading different reports suggesting best apps. One that has caught my eye is a montessori maths one which I will check out later i think.