It was back to school in the Wooden house this week. The boys moved from a center based program at Ken-O-Sha, which serves the counties special needs children with the most acute needs, on to Ada Elementary. At Ada they are in a special education preschool classroom. It's a good sign - moving to a less restrictive environment with fewer supports!
Tanner was very excited about going to his new school, and talked about it all Tuesday morning before the bus picked them up at 12:45pm. However, every ounce of Tanner's excitement translated to more anxiety for Alex who would retort/whine 'No new school, just old school!'.
What a transition this year! Old school (where they have been for 2.5 years...basically their entire memory) to a new school. Old friends to new kids. AM school to PM school. Afternoon naps to no afternoon naps. Needless to say, the first few days were pretty ugly. Lots of crying and discontent.
By Friday however, the new routine was engrained, and Alex (my more sensitive little guy) was on board with the program. He woke up talking about his new friends and ready to go to school. Check out this pic - pj shirt, boxer briefs, socks, sandals and backpack. It's 8am - and school is not until 12:30pm! I was happily informed by the little dudes that they were waiting for the bus. I'm taking it as a good sign that they like the new school!
4 comments:
How exciting! I'm glad the boys are getting into their new rhythm. Transitions are so hard for the little kids -- I imagine it's that much worse for your sensitive kiddos. But it must be so much fun to see their excitement about going to school! Remember when school was fun instead of drudgery?
My heart breaks seeing the picture of them going off together, comforting each other and giving each other courage to face the unknown. But then a few days later ready to go hours early.
Great kids!!!
How exciting! I know change is so hard for them. I expected it to take longer than 1 week to become confortable with the new situation. Wow!
This day had me in tears. I remember how the first day of school was an production of anxiety, excitement and possibly upset stomachs for Jim and Heather. They were pretty good to each other also, but Heather, being older coached Jim through some of the rough parts and let him know what to expect. The fact that the little guys were ready to go in their underwear after a week seems to be a positive statement; especially in light of their separated classes. (yes,I read ahead)
They would only be capable of comforting each other and then brave enough to go on because of what they have been taught at home . You guys are doing an amazing job with two amazing boys. I am looking forward to spending some "Grandma Jeanie" time with them in October.
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