KINDERGARTEN BLUES!

I have to say, Jackson's Kindergarten experience has been vastly different than some other kids I know.  Our cousin, Mackenzie, has this wildy creative teacher who has super cool class parties and is generating memories Mackenzie will have forever.  Jackson had some lame Valentines party that ended with some other kid pushing him and jacking his bag of valentines (interpreted:  he either lost them or was messing with them at extended day and got them taken away. I firmly believe if he had been mugged of that bag by another student, a full-on melee would have resulted possibly ending in a brawl).

Jackson, is also busy collecting a conduct sheet covered in "OOPS" remarks.  Covering the gamut from talking, wiggling, poking another student, disrupting the class, saying No to the teacher (early in the year, we don't do that anymore), getting out of his chair without permission, coloring on another kids Poetry book, you name it.  And honestly, from my perspective, nothing that is not expected from 6 year old kids.  However, a bad report from school will not be ignored in our house even if I think it was not warranted. All of this, but still being able to pull the highest possible marks in every subject on his report card.

Last week it was so bad, I finally asked for a Parent Teacher conference.  I had consulted my other cousin, Stacy, who has a very expensive education in Early Childhood Development to ask her opinion on A) is my kid the absolute worst, B) do I have to talk to the teacher, who I am developing a strong dislike for, C) HELPPPPP!   Side note:  I asked Jackson at one point if he was the worst kid in the class and he replied very matter of factly; "no, I am the 3rd worst kid".

Stacy advised I start with Parent Teacher Conference and gave me some tools to help Jackson better adjust (although I still think he is well adjusted) to his Teacher's mis-managed classroom.  So, we printed some Work Don't Stop strips that are visual cues to make sure his body is ready to learn - (eyes on task, lips still and quiet, hands where they should be, body in chair, feet still).

Most importantly, we got a 24 x 24 piece of carpet that represented Jackson's personal space at carpet time (his most challenging part of the day).  We practiced on the carpet square that during carpet time, not a toe, not a finger-nail needs to leave his square.  I will be honest - when I was first told by another friend that children have to be taught how to be quiet - I thought what a bunch of psycho-babble hooey.  But at the time, since school began, we have only had 1 or two weeks that were "OOPS" free - so, I gave it a try and it worked.

I was not looking forwad to talking with his teacher, I didn't think she would be open to the new "tools" that Jackson and I had been practicing with to help improve his behavior, but she was very receptive.  To the point that I don't feel the need to call her Broom Hilda anymore (never in front in Jackson).  One of the most important things I needed to get across to her, Jackson was starting to dislike school.  And I have way too many years ahead of us to start that nonsense.  I also needed to know what her expectations were from us as parents in regards to these OOPs.  Each one received is a privilege removed at home and it seems like the poor kid has been grounded from one thing or another since school started.  Mostly video games since that seems to be the thing he cherishes the most.

The meeting was on Tuesday and we have not had single OOPS this week (haven't gotten the report from today - crossing fingers).

Have I changed my mind about his teacher?  To some degree, but will she ever be the creative genius that is making Kindergarten magical for Mackenzie?  No - so I will do what I can to make sure it is a positive experience that leaves at least a happy memory for him, not one of being grounded forever and day.