Last week, ESY ended for both Ballerina and Music Man -- because of the storms, Music Man continued through last Wednesday. Overall, it was a good transition for us. In the morning, I would tell them that it was time for "school camp" and they would get ready. And now that it's done, it's "No More School Camp", and they're fine.
Who would've thought?
Overall, it seemed to have been a good experience for both of them this summer. Music Man had a chance to say good bye to his teachers and friends. He's still young enough that I don't think he sees this as a real goodbye, but who knows. He got to do it in a more relaxed atmosphere then during the school year and I think he was happy both to see it start and to see it end.
Ballerina had a different experience this summer. Her ESY program was designed to give these kids a chance to learn what would be expected from them when they start kindergarten later this month. It was taught by a general-education kindergarten teacher (coincidentally, the one who had been working with Ballerina since February) and she treated them just like she would treat an incoming kindergarten class, with those same expectations. In our phone conference, the teacher explained that these kids are all preparing to enter a general education setting or an Early Learning Center setting (similar to the class Music Man will be starting) so these expectations will be set for them during the year as well. Ballerina responded well and didn't have too many behavior outbursts. The teacher also explained to me that she really does seem to take her cues from the other kids in the class.....if they are having a bad day, chances are, she is having one too. While this piece of information doesn't really surprise me, it is something that I hadn't thought of, and I will have to remember to pass this information along to her kindergarten teacher once I learn who she is.
Right now, that's probably the biggest outstanding question for starting kindergarten -- who will Ballerina's teacher be? I sent a note to the principal asking if this information was now available (her CAPP teacher from last year has offered to give her a social story and this information would be EXTREMELY helpful), but he informed me that the classes won't be finalized until August 13. So, we're going to have to wait another week to get this last piece of information. Then we will be all set for the final preparation of entry into kindergarten!
But, in the meantime, there are other skills kids have when they enter kindergarten. They know how to play, and to play appropriately. This is something that we have always had issues with for Ballerina and Music Man. But over the weekend, this happened......
So, now it appears they have found this skill. After all, they have a ready-made playmate right beside them.....now we just have to encourage them to continue this new behavior!
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