Sofia Starts School

First Day of Brent Elementary

For over a year now Sofia would walk around Brent Elementary like she belonged there - bossing bigger kids around and talking to the teachers. But when it came time to think about starting school she refused. And when Sofia refuses something there is little room for negotiation. I'd start to talk about school and she'd just scream her piercing scream to drown me out. She was not going. Ms Sadowsky came for a home visit and we went to visit the classroom which appeased her just enough to test it the first day. She did great. So great in fact that we got a very sweet note from her teacher. She came home beaming. She loved school....until she realized she had to go everyday and nap time was mandatory. It's been about two weeks and she loves school but hates naptime. I'm not sure if it's a proxy for another concern but naptime is bringing back the shrieking refusals. Another comical/challenging aspect is that Sofia doesn't like to wear clothes. It's been so hot recently that everyday after school she takes off her shirt and runs around half-naked. I pick my battles with her and I quickly realized that this was not one I would win.

Sofia's friend walked her to class

1/2 naked Sofia and Ruby "hiding" in the hall

Charlie has Ms Mashari who seems very nice, but his classmates aren't his favorite. It's such a bummer that he gets stuck in a class with only one friend. There are many sweet kids in his grade, but they all seem to be in a different class. Charlie does fine/well but lacks some discipline. If I ask him to do his reading, he'll wander in circles, find some toy he hasn't ever been interested in, suddenly remember a song he wanted to add to his playlist, brush his hair and basically just wait until I get increasingly annoyed about the fact that he isn't doing his reading.

Diego loves his teacher this year - Ms Yokum. She is very thoughtful, positive and never harsh. Just what Diego likes. I just hope he'll turn a corner on reading this year. He is so creative and curious - he hunts bugs and brings them to his science teacher, he loves the artifacts my mom collects and he loves to be read to but reading is not a strength.

Diego and Rupert with Cicadas on their shirts

With fall comes more work trips and I was gone all last week and will be traveling a fair amount the next few months. This last one was tough for everyone - probably because it was the first in awhile. I had to be in Geneva Labor Day Monday at 8am which was hectic timing. Everyone survived but not totally happily....