Triumphs and Trials

I became a Mom at the young age of 22. I am the oldest of five and at one point I had two step-brothers. You would think this would set me up for becoming a mother, right? Sure, it helps but nothing prepares you for becoming a mother except of course...becoming a mother. 

© Dayna Stevens Photography

Talon knew his ABC's by 2 1/2 and could even recognize the uppercase letters. He could count to 10, knew all his shapes, colors, and much more. When he started preschool last fall, I thought he was ahead of the game since he already knew so much. 

Talon didn't finish pre-school because we PCS'd 2 1/2 months before the school year ended and I didn't want to put him through too much change by switching his school once we made it to Florida, so he started summer vacation a little early.

A few photos Talon's pre-school teacher took during class.

The end of last week was an eye opener for me after attending open house. I went expecting to hear how well my child was exceeding. His teacher passed a handout to all the parents and the first thing on the handout was talking about everything Talon should already know. I'm not sure if Pennsylvania school systems are behind on their curriculum or if Talon's pre-school failed us but there were several things that Talon did not know. 

After the first few weeks of pre-school I considered switching him to a different school and I wish now I had done so. Anytime I showed concern to his teacher, she always assured me he was doing great. He never came home with activity sheets working on his letters, numbers, site words, etc. He mostly brought home sheets of paper with scribble drawings or scraps glued on them.

A few of Talon's pre-school creations.

This is where I should have stepped in. If his pre-school teacher wasn't working with him on these things, I should have been. This is where I failed as a parent. I have a hard time working with Talon on these things since I am Mom and he doesn't really want to do these things with me and it turns into a fight. I'm not a teacher and I am still learning how to be a parent even though my son was 4 years old at the time and now I am learning how to be a teacher too.

So for the next couple weeks Talon and I will be working on our letter sounds, recognizing lower case letters, writing our letters correctly both upper and lower case as well as numbers 1-20. 

I've searched blog after blog, site after site for ideas on how to keep him interested and I am feeling really good about it, we will do this...together. 

Came across this great site for FREE printable worksheets!

When everything was first brought to my attention, I was angry. Angry with his pre-school teacher, angry with his current teachers, angry with the school system. It took me time to realize the only person I should be angry with, was myself. I am Talon's FIRST teacher, I am his MOTHER. 

I'll post updates throughout the next couple of weeks on how things are going. Since last Thursday I already feel like we've come a long way.

These lowercase letters are driving Talon crazy. On the bright side, if he joins the Navy...he will do most of his writing in all caps. ;)

Kellen has even joined in on the fun with learning the sounds each letter makes. Teaching two at the same time.

Do you have any fun ways of making learning interesting for a child with a short attention span?

My 1st week of Kindergarten!

Summer has ended!

I officially have a "big kid". My oldest son Talon started Kindergarten last week. Some days it is really hard to believe I really have a FIVE year old and that he has grown into his own little person. He is such a sweet loving child who is full of personality.

I woke up at 6am so that I could have breakfast ready, lunch packed, and clothes laid out. I not only have to get Talon ready but also my youngest son, Kellen. Around 6:45am I woke the boys up and they ate breakfast while watching Disney Jr, showered, and got dressed for the day. We left between 7:45-8am and arrived at school between 8-8:15am. Each morning Kellen and I walked Talon to the cafeteria where he would socialize with other classmates until the bell rang at 8:25 to begin his day. 

I was not sad to drop him off because he was full of excitement. Anxious, to meet his teacher! Excited to make new friends! Eager to LEARN! How could I be sad? Sure, I would miss him while he was at school but this is an exciting milestone in his life. I'll look back later when he is grown and be sad then.  

1st day

So anxious, I arrived at 2:30pm to pick him up and the 30 minute wait to hear about it day seemed like an eternity! As soon as Talon got in the car, Kellen's face lit up. I asked how his day went and he started telling me about his teachers, his new found friends and how he can't wait to go back tomorrow. Every morning he woke up more excited about school than the previous day.

Our first week of Kindergarten was a success and I am looking forward to PTA meetings, class parties and school field trips. 

2nd day 

3rd day

4th day

5th day! Clearly over these daily photos.

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