James' first week of Kindergarten

We've been having major problems with getting James on a bus route, so I have been having to drive him to school and pick him up. It's a long story...

But other than that, his first week in Kindergarten has gone SO, SOOO well! He LOVES kindergarten, and he is surprising me and impressing me with his great courage!

He was nervous about starting in a new school and a new class. He asked me a lot of questions, and didn't want to go without Mommy or Cora. But I told him that it's just like Teacher Kelly's or Teacher Aaron's class, and that he's a big boy, and he can do it.

On Monday, he, Cora and I all went to school together for the first day. It was just an orientation. He enjoyed himself, but he was thinking SO hard... taking it all in...

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Cora went to school with him, and she trained all of the staff. On Tuesday he threw up and had to get his clothes changed, but other than that, he had a great day. On Wednesday, Cora said the aide was getting more comfortable and better at interacting with James.

They told me about a little girl in his class who played with him and did a "stitching" activity with him. They couldn't remember her name... 

On Thursday, I went to the school to do a presentation for the other kindergarteners about James, his wheel chair, and to answer questions they might have. We did three presentations - one for each kindergarten class. The presentations turned out SO good. James even spoke in front of each class! I was surprised, and so proud!!

I talked about how the other kids might be curious about James' wheel chair, and let them know that it is okay to ask questions about him. I talked about how everyone has things about them that are the same as other people, and things that are different. I told them that James' wheel chair is a tool for him to use, to help him move around wherever he wants to go. I let them know that he likes having friends, he likes learning, and he has the same responsibilities that they have.

James shared what his interests are. He said, "I like watching movies like Sesame Street and Caillou, and Sid the Science Kid. I also like baseball and golf." He also told them about his brothers.

I let the kids know that they can be a good friend to James in many of the same ways that they can be a good friend to anyone else. By talking to him, and listening to him, and helping him, and sharing with him. And I let them know that he will be a good friend to them, too.

Some questions that the kids asked were:

"Why does his hand look weird when he waves?" (a little girl politely whispered this question in my ear!)

"How does he get into the car?"

"Does he need help going to the bathroom?"

Today I brought James to school, but he rode the bus to Playcare in Magalia after school. The school nurse, Janine Roy, called me twice today - once to find out what the plan was with the bus, and once just to let me know how much James is already charming her!! She said that after James was on the bus and ready to go, a little girl ran up to the bus and said, "He's my friend! Can I say good-bye to him?" 

I don't know if it was the same girl who did stitching with him or not!!

I e-mailed James' teacher and a whole host of staff members this evening about the bus problem. This is the response e-mail that I got from his teacher:

Lynae,  I'm so sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble with the bussing.  I didn't realize that you had been transporting him all week--yikes!  I wanted to let you know that I thought it was a great first week for James in the classroom.  He usually seems happy and engaged.  He almost always has a big smile on his face and seems to love the songs and stories.  He is playing at choice time and other children are joining in to play with him and or near him. 

Glenda Anderson from BCOE was in to observe for a while today and she sent me an email expressing how thrilled she was to see him participating, using his arms and hands in our movement songs, and raising his hand to answer questions.  It sounds like she is willing to help with any hands on materials we need for him so she should be a good resource.  With her permission I will forward her email on to you.

I certainly hope the bus situation can get ironed out.  James is so delightful.  I already love him!

Have a nice week-end.

Suzy Janosz

So, as you can see, things are going REALLY well. James is making his momma burst with pride and joy, and he's charming everyone he meets - just like I KNEW he would!!