Mr. Moody

You love this Shel Silverstein poem. Actually, there aren't too many S.S. Poems you don't like. You totally get his humor.

The Worst

You only have two full weeks left of school and come to think of it, I don't think I got a May homework sheet for you, which must mean they are cutting you some slack for the last month of the year.

Don the Dragon

I used to beat myself up about over the fact that I taught you very little before you started Kindergarten. I used to wonder what other mother's had in them that I didn't. It's true that some women and men are gifted with the ability to teach and some are not, but I don't think that's what happened here; because I tried, but I always failed.

I stopped and thought about it recently and I think I've figured it out. Mom is not a teacher. Mom has never been a teacher. Mom has never been anything but Mom to you. You were six months old when I first handed you over to someone else so I could work. Those people that came after were all teachers to you and when you got home, it was play time and fun time and dinner time and bed time. That's the way it has always been and when I've tried to veer off that route, you've been resistant because I am not your teacher, I am your Mom.

Long Haired Boy

You got to go to the treasure box again today, and you picked out a Matchbox Airplane; of which you proclaimed: "It must have cost a fortune!".

My Noses, They Growses

You were finally rewarded for your good behavior with a trip to the treasure box today. I really don't think I've ever seen you so excited over a Happy Meal toy, but that's because you worked so hard for it.

Jester

Nana's here! You still have to go to school, but boy oh boy do you love your Nana. You love your Papa too, but you rarely get to see him. When you were about two years old, they came to visit us and Nana suggested that we go get lunch while you guys waited for us in the food court at the mall. I had no idea how that would turn out, as you were shy and Papa is a big, intimidating guy. We came back and you two were getting along fabulously. It reminded me of how I felt about my own grandpa, your Papa's dad. He was a big, intimidating guy, but he looked like a teddy bear to me. Man, I adored that guy.

I'm glad to see you feel the same way about your Papa.

Tight Hat

I don't let on that I notice, because I know you notice, but you are not the golden child at this school like you were your last. I don't think it has anything to do with you, but more to do with the fact that this teacher bonded with the other children at the start of the school year. I know you are a good student at school; I've asked your teacher numerous times how you are doing and she's never sent home any negative remarks. I can't tell you WHY you haven't received a bravo sticker toward the prize box, I can just tell you that you shouldn't be good just for the prize, but you should be good because it's the right thing to do. You already know this, I know, but I'm trying to soften this a little for you, because it's hard for me not to be hurt for you. How dare this woman not treat you like every other teacher has? Can't she see what a treasure you are? What a wonderful, kind, sweet, and occasionally mouthy (at home, only) little boy you are?

I am realistic, I know you have your moments (and so do I!) and I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, but this is the school that cancelled the Kindergarten Winter Program because five year olds were stepping out of line.

Before the school year started, I was pretty resistant to your first school because it had failed AYP the year before; but I think because of that the climate was more nurturing and encouraging and you learned more. You are too young for me to have a real opinion on standardized testing, but I wasn't impressed when your principal said "I know there are differing opinions on standardized testing, but we must realize it is here and it is here to stay." He's just going with the grain and this school has been VERY successful at going with the grain. I'm not sure that's really the best way to gauge a school's success.

Still, I'm not giving up on this school. The transition was rough. I have no plans to move and I really think that having a full year in one place will make all the difference in the world.

And maybe I'll join the PTA and let that principal know just what I think about his standardized thinking.

Drive Through Pick Up

(Another fine SIDEWAYS picture. Grrr. BLOGGER, I'm looking at you.)

Shel Silverstein is wearing off on me. When I explained the pick-up situation at your school to your dad, I told him:

It's a drive-through pick-up

you order your kid

and they bring him right up

Totally on the fly.

Hamburger James

(I'm not sure why blogger is insisting my pictures be turned sideways, but it's really starting to irritate me.)

More Shel.

Sidewalking

EVERY kid knows this tale. Don't step on that crack! Do you know how many crack's I avoided as a kid?

Falling Up

I bought "Falling Up" for you two years ago and at that point in time it might as well have been a brick. You had no use for books without color or extravagant pictures. I was pleasantly surprised when I told you to pick out a book to read recently and you gave me this. Now, it is hands down your favorite. You don't know it yet, but I got you "Where the Sidewalk Ends" for Christmas. Shel Silverstein was a bit twisted, I think; but it's so much fun watching you enjoy his words.