I know it hasn't been that long since I wrote about Kaelan but I'm doing one for each boy, and let's face it, there's ALWAYS more to say about this guy. As I mentioned in his birthday post a few weeks ago, the kid is reading already and all the time. I finally remembered to record his abilities with the books he brings home from school. All of the following examples show his 1st attempt at each book so he understandably has some trouble with a few words. However, it's his decoding skills that make me the most proud. He also is in the habit of rereading once he figures out the trouble word which helps with comprehension.
Happy Monkeys What's in the Soil? Our Land
All of this he has done on his own. I wish I could tell you it's because of me, or even because of school, but it's not. It's ALL him! I'm not sure why, but they don't do any sort of guided reading groups in his class. That might not seem odd to most of you since it's only kindergarten, a land that we knew to be filled with coloring, cutting and pasting (or paste eating for some of my young classmates), dressing up in the home center, and fun songs. But it's a whole new world we learn in now. Reading, writing, and even math facts are academic standards from the very beginning of school. I'm thrilled to say that based on his most recent progress report from last week, Kaelan has met all of the kindergarten standards except for knowing his math facts through 10. He can easily figure them out, and knows some of them immediately, but they are supposed to know them fluently (reciting the answer without needing to do any actual figuring - instant answer) by the end of May. I am also NOT, I repeat NOT a fan of the way school systems (at least those here in South Carolina) do elementary report cards now. They are apathetic and encourage mediocrity and doing just enough (by giving symbols such as "+", "*", or "-") instead of striving to achieve an "A". In my opinion, and the opinions of every parent and teacher I know within this system, it is absolute CRAP and does not at all prepare kids for what's to come later in school or life for that matter.
Ok, I am now off my soapbox and ready to share some pictures of my Kaelan!!!
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| One of his most recent drawings - Hawkeye, Captain America, Ironman, & Spiderman |
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| 100th Day of School celebration |
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| Valentine's Day party at school |
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| The boys recently had the opportunity to go to Build-a-Bear for the first time for a friend's birthday party. Here he is with "Simon". |
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| Our only snow this winter (none last year). It wasn't much but luckily enough for a few snowballs. :) |
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| I think this may have been Max's first time playing in the snow since we didn't have any last year. |
* I should have my camera back shortly so December posts, yes that's right - DECEMBER, should be coming soon. :)
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