Please calm me down, feeling some mixed emotions about new school....

[gatorsmom]

And I am completely blown away by the amount of words he needs to learn. In one day??? Is he bringing home all of the spelling lists from the beginning of the year or something? One week is more typical to learn new words IMO, not one day.

Thank you for the kind words. And I agree with you about learning all those words. I really think it's excessive and unrealistic. Part of me wants to tell him that he doesn't need to worry so much about them because we won't be at this school forever, but I don't want him to feel he can slack off whenever he doesn't agree with something.

We'll see what the principal and teacher say tomorrow.

[StantonHyde]

Lisa:

Does the teacher know what your family is going through? I would definitely let her know about the circumstances of your move--it would help her to know. And if you approach the conference with an attitude of "how can WE help Gator?" she will be so willing to work with you. 7 kids--holy moley! She really should be able to work with him to bring him up to speed. Do they have an inhouse reading specialist? The reading specialist at my son's Catholic school is the main reason we are there. She is awesome.

One other suggestion--and I hate to say this because it is ONE more thing on your plate, but I think it would help everyone, would be some therapy for Gator and maybe ChaCha (depends on personality--Gator reminds me of my son--sensitive first kid). My son would have lots of issues around the move and would need a safe place to process. (he knows we love him, but he really needed to be able to tell a therapist how much he hated the fact that he had to be held back a year and be able to rant and rave about it. He knew the answer he would get from us. You might want to try Catholic Community Services for a reference--or heck, ask one of the Social Workers who works with your dad for a reference. 2-4 sessions would be helpful to him, I think.

And one more serving on the plate--I hope that, as you settle in, you are able to get some professional help for yourself. Either in a caregivers support group or a womens group at church. Something like that. YOu will really need it.

Big hugs--there is always tomorrow.

[niccig]

I was a little older when we moved, my grandfather called and asked about our first day. He said "there's only ever ONE first day." And it's true, tomorrow will be a little easier, he'll know the class room a little more, know some of the kids a little more. It will get easier.

[gatorsmom]

And one more serving on the plate--I hope that, as you settle in, you are able to get some professional help for yourself. Either in a caregivers support group or a womens group at church. Something like that. YOu will really need it.

I was actually thinking about this today. I plan to find a nice, comforting support group very soon. I'm looking forward to it. And I like the idea of a therapist for Gator. I think he would REALLY like that.

[gatorsmom]

I was a little older when we moved, my grandfather called and asked about our first day. He said "there's only ever ONE first day." And it's true, tomorrow will be a little easier, he'll know the class room a little more, know some of the kids a little more. It will get easier.

Thank you for this. I'll make sure to tell Gator tomorrow morning.

[StantonHyde]

I was actually thinking about this today. I plan to find a nice, comforting support group very soon. I'm looking forward to it. And I like the idea of a therapist for Gator. I think he would REALLY like that.

DS loooves Dr. Laura--especially if the appointments get him out of school. But she is very good with him and gives us great ideas on parenting strategies that really work/are very practical. He is just an anxious/sensitive kid and he needs the extra support.

I did have to laugh--after the second session, she commented on how much he talked about what was bothering him and how it usually takes a good 4 sessions before kids will talk like that. I thought, "Great, my kid is good at therapy. If there is one thing will help in the long run--that is a good skill to have."

You definitely need support for you--and the good news is that there are lots out there surrounding the oncology community. Good luck!!

[niccig]

Thank you for this. I'll make sure to tell Gator tomorrow morning.

I remind myself of this when I start anything new. There's only one first day.

[egoldber]

Oh goodness!

Is this the classical school?

Like PP have said, I would definitely start by talking to his teacher.

I would assume that with such a small class size, they would be able to accommodate him.

Actually, the concern I would have with a class of only 7 students is that they may not have the manpower in place to provide any differentiation that he might need. So while you are talking to the teacher to see what they can do, I would also start quietly researching other options, including the local public school. I realize that a religious based education is an important goal for you and your kids, but unfortunately, not all small private schools are able (or willing) to provide any needed differentiation.

[WatchingThemGrow]

Unless they did any testing before admitting your boys, they will have no idea where he is academically and what's appropriate for him. I'm sure the teacher will get back with you and set him up for success with tasks that are appropriate for him. The first day is so consumed with him learning where the bathroom is, what the routines and rules are, etc. In all my years of teaching, I've never met a first grade teacher who was unwilling to meet a child where they are. Hope today goes better and he's able to express himself clearly in class. Maybe he and the teacher will get on the same page today!

[KrisM]

I'm sorry the first day was so difficult. Those are crazy hard spelling words for 1st grade! This week's (not day, but week) are: now, let, saw, one, ran, him.

I don't have any better advice than what's been given, so I'll just say I hope today is much better!