Smarty Pants

When I taught school, I had a pair of jeans on the wall that had smarties pinned all over them. (remember that, Ashlee?) When the students would get 100% on a spelling test, they got to take some smarties off and we would all sing them a little song. Well, I have a smarty pants of my own!

I think everyone knows I was a little worried about Tyler starting school. I had heard some things about his teacher that concerned me a little, plus, I was just worried in general. It's a big deal sending your first born out into that big, scary world! Now one month later- I am happy to report- I had absolutely no need to worry!

Tyler is doing wonderful in school! This is my blog (and journal) so I am going to take the liberty to brag a little bit.

He started off the year knowing all his letters and most of their sounds- but definitely not reading. His teacher sent some sight words home that first week and asked the parents to make flash cards and practice each day and by the end of the month, the child would know them all. Honestly, I was a little doubtful, but we practiced- and sure enough, when we went over them yesterday- he had them down, no problem! I started crying! Yes, poor Tyler looked at me like I was crazy. I tried to explain to him how proud of him, I am. I told him that I thought he was amazing and that makes me cry happy tears. I told him that because each day he goes to school and listens, pays attention and does what he's supposed to do, he is learning so much! I told him that when I used to teach 2nd grade, I had some students that still didn't know how to read. He thought that was amazing! I gave him a big kiss and hug and off he ran to go play outside.



I know 8 sight words really aren't monumental in his education- but they are to this mom! I am so pleased with the way things are going at school for him. I am regularly helping out in his classroom and I just love what I am seeing. His teacher is VERY experienced and could probably do this with her eyes closed. She is very firm and boy, those kids sure know where and what they are supposed to be doing every minute. It's impressive! It's very structured and it seems to be a perfect fit for his personality. He's made some friends, he likes to go each day and he doesn't complain when it's time to do homework each afternoon. He enjoys it! Every couple days his teacher sends home a little book that each child has been working on and without fail, he can read every word without mistakes. He's learning so much. I remember before school started, my friend, Janell, told me that one of the best things about kindergarten was watching your child learn so many new things. She sure was right.

As hard as it was to send him off that first day, it has been so worth it. I love the schedule that we're on now, the structure that the school routine provides our day, the knowledge that he is gaining each week and most of all, I love driving through the loop each day to pick him up and seeing his face light up when he sees me and those little, tan legs run as fast as they can to get to me. Having said all that, I sure love that he only goes 3 hours a day. I'm not quite ready to give him up all day. I sure love that boy.