back to school
August 26, 2012 § 2 Comments
The rain has washed away my family’s plans for the day allowing me a moment to curl up in the company of my children and reflect on the past week.
Monday our daughter visited her new classroom, introducing herself to her teacher and visiting with the familiar faces of her support staff. We shared summer stories and named our hopes for the coming year. Last year we identified learning disabilities undermining our daughter’s education, breeding toxic feelings of inadequacy and inability. This year we are embracing resources that will nurture confidence and create classroom experiences that will facilitate her independent efforts.
We share a similar journey with our son. As a child with special needs his education is individualized to build on strengths while challenging him to grow in areas of weakness. To foster communication with his teachers we met briefly on Tuesday to exchange introductions and outline expectations, creating a dialogue of partnership.
Wednesday morning we set aside apprehension and uncertainty for hope. After a fleeting breakfast together our son left early for the bus stop eager to visit with friends. On Thursday our daughter navigated the short walk to school independently, her footsteps weaving between old memories and falling alongside neighborhood friends. I found myself standing on the threshold of new milestones grateful for our children’s demonstrations of confidence.
In the midst of new school experiences my husband and I revisited old expectations, encouraging both children to claim ownership of their knowledge alongside their questions; reinforcing the experience of learning as a natural expression of a curious mind. We are measuring success by effort, demonstrations of intention against abilities and needs. We are working alongside teachers to inspire and celebrate a new year of discovery.
scribblechic 
The very best of luck to you in negotiating the school year. Sounds like you have a great team in place.
Thank you! I feel deceptively at ease, but I could not be more grateful for an easy adjustment to the new school year and an open minded team of educators.