Sunday, February 27, 2011

Haha - follow up

Ok, the great thing about dialogue is the realization things are not as they seem.


I received a very nice email from Munchkin's teacher this evening stating the issue with the conduct grade was a typo. 


I reassured her the purpose of dialogue is discovery so all is well.
We are still going to meet to discuss the brilliant child.  But I'm sure glad the conduct grade, at this point, is ok.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wanting a Dr. Pepper and debating helicopter parenting

That was a random title.  Yes, I know. 

So, I get these wonderful grade triggers for Munchkin's grades.  I have a trigger set to let me know when there is something that goes in so there won't be surprises at the end of the six weeks.  99% of the time, Munchkin's grades are stellar.  Conduct grades seem to be the place where she struggles. 

I've said a number of times I'm looking forward to not getting the "tattle-tale" sheet home every day with a smiley face (or something else).  Yes, I know we can help reinforce good classroom behavior by being consistent with behavior at home.  And we do.  But, when push comes to shove, I'm NOT in that classroom from 7:30am-3pm and, therefore, am NOT in control of behavior - that's the teacher's world and her responsibility.  Am I wrong here?

Frankly, I'm a little weary of getting the little notes home letting me know she "was a little too talkative" or "had a hard time sitting still" or, my favorite, "had a hard time getting along with classmates."  That's not to say we won't hold her accountable for her behavior BUT what can I really do?   The best discipline is immediate reinforcement.  Up to eight hours after the whatever it was that irked the teacher that day is a little after-the-fact and totally counterproductive. 

We've done retesting on her for our exceptionally gifted program.  She was 10 points from qualifying.  What that says to me is that, while I'm glad she's getting that enrichment one day a week, what happens the other four days when she's NOT getting that higher level of learning?  Giving her extra work isn't the way to go either. 

I don't know the right answer.  I feel like it's my responsibility, as her mother, to make sure she's getting what she needs.  I won't make excuses for her behavior but she is BORED.  I've read enough about super-bright kids to know the danger we face if she remains habitually unchallenged at school.  She will begin to check out. 

I've asked/offered to send workbooks, story books, etc. to school with her but have been told they would be a distraction and my requests were always politely declined.  I don't know what else to do at this point. 

We will meet with her teacher, principal and the elementary advanced academic facilitator who tested her.  Hopefully, between the group of us, we can figure out how to help Munchkin enjoy school and NOT be a fartknocker. 

*sigh*  This parenting gig is tricky, you know?

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Cereal diaries - NO NAP! Edition

OH this baby. She naps like a pro in the morning. But, come afternoon, when Mommy wants to nap, there comes a battle of wills. Oh, she's sleepy. There is much ado with yawning and eye-rubbing but she firmly refuses to actually go. to. sleep.


*sigh*


Good parenting tomes direct me to put her safe and snug in her bed and let her fuss it out. They've never met the iron will of my little tyrant.*laugh*

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I Believe! (Devotional)

Passage Romans 10:8-17
Prayer
Dear Father,May the word of Christ always be on my lips and in my heart. May I make known to everyone in every place that Jesus is Lord and that you have raised him from the dead. Remind me continually that I have no cause to be ashamed of my faith.Grant not only that I myself should believe but that I should also become partners with others in sending them to proclaim the Good News to the world.Thank you that Christ is preached. Thank you for the belief you have put into my heart. Thank you for the salvation that comes from this.In Jesus' name. Amen. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-pwp/~3/Bi0gG-F-nI8/pwp.pl #Bible http://j.mp/hSqMD9


It's been a really hectic few months and my blogging has slowed down to a crawl.


I need to blog about Annie, the recent show I was just in. I need to give an update on the never-ending adventure in parenting.  You get the picture.


For this morning, though, I really connected with this devotion and thought I'd share.


It is my prayer my words and actions would always reflect Christ. I know they don't but that is the sweet promise of the cross;  despite our countless failings, we can rest safe in the arms of Redemption.


Have a great day! Be blessed!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Cold Weather

There's something about this crisp weather that makes the sky seem bluer, chili taste better and hot chocolate compliment every meal.


Some people love this weather.   Brisk weather agrees with them.


Not me. I hate this weather. LOL


Hate is a strong word, I know.  I'm a summer girl. That's all there is to that. I love hot days and balmy nights.  This weather is only fit for hanging meat. Not wanting to liken myself to a slab of beef, I prefer to stay inside on days like today - 20 degrees with 25 mph winds.


Naturally, my best friend is a polar bear. He would have to be a coach of a sport that plays outside during the coldest time of year in Texas.  I'm tellin' you, you've never been cold until you sit on metal bleachers. Thank goodness for hand warmers, sleeping bags and stadium chairs.
And, as much as I gripe about the weather, I'm looking forward to the games. Yes really.


I know. I'm goofy. But you're not surprised, are you?