We moved Matthew back to the first grade.
It was a difficult decision but one that we felt was necessary for Matthew to make progress; not only academically but also emotionally. As Matthew has started sharing with us we've been able to see more clearly his needs and in what direction we need to head toward.
This process has been hard for all of us. For Matthew because there has been a lot of pressure on him, for Dave and I because we thought we had made the right decisions for him. But as it turns out, some of those decisions may have added to the stress Matthew was carrying around.
Yes, we understand that we made the best decisions with the information we had. Knowing that still doesn't take the sting out of feeling that we should have done something else.
We are so fortunate to have so many caring people in our lives. When I sat down and spoke with the school principal this past Friday, she listened, supported me and immediately put things into motion so Matthew could move to his new first grade classroom on Monday!
Before we left school on Friday I told Matthew what our decision was. He was sad and he cried. I explained to him that by going back a grade meant he could learn all of the things the other kids already knew. I told him that second grade was way too hard for him and the first grade teachers were excited to get a chance to teach him. We met his new teacher---she made a HUGE deal out of having Matthew come into her classroom. Matthew was able to pick a desk and choose a spot for it.
On Monday when we arrived at school we went to his second grade classroom to say goodbye to his teacher, who just loved on him (yes there were tears) and then we went to his new classroom. All of the children were THRILLED that Matthew was in their room. Many of the kids already knew Matthew so that was a big plus.
This week has gone so well. We were all prepared for some behavioral issues. But there has not been one! Matthew is working independently and loving it! Some of the math is pretty easy for him as this is a strength. But...it is allowing him to see success. He spends time doing phonics and readily tries to sound out new words.
I spoke to the teacher for the first time today. She told me that he is one of the BEST behaved kids in her class!! YES, YES, YES!!!! Way to go Matthew!
We did some homework this week and here is a great example of how Matthew's language deficits affect his learning:
Me: Matthew, let me read you a sentence and then I will ask you a question. OK?
Matthew: OK
Me: Dot lost the cat. Dot lost the cat. Here's the question....The cat is......what?
Matthew: Dot?
Me: No, let's try this: Matthew lost the cat. The cat is......?
Matthew: Outside?
Me: No, now listen. Matthew lost the cat.. Repeat that....(Together we say) Matthew lost the cat. What does lost mean Matthew?
Matthew: That it is lost.
Me: Big Sigh....OK....Matthew lost the cat. The cat is.....?
Matthew: A LONG PAUSE.....Playing?
Me: Analiese, come here. listen to me and answer a question. Matthew lost the cat. The cat is....?
Analiese: lost (and runs away)
Me: RELIEF! Ok Matthew, the cat is????
Matthew: I don't know, he ran away?
Geez....the things we never knew would be an issue when we brought Matthew home!
1 comment:
Please know that you ate not the only one out there...We really need to chat on the phone. We have the same academic issues with Ellie.
Some times I do wonder if she should have been held back a year.
I have always heard in 2nd grade you learn to read and in 3rd grade you read to learn...That's going to be a hard for some one with limited comprehension abilities.
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