3rd Grade

I know I have not posted in so long.  What can I say?  I have gone back to work in nursing and after taking care of patients at work and coming home and taking care of my own 4 kids, I am exhausted most days!  I am glad to be back at work, I did miss it.

One thing that I feel guilty about, however, is not being able to volunteer at school or be involved at school like I used to be.  This has been kind of a tough year for Alex.  They say that in 3rd grade the focus goes from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" and that this transition is difficult for many children.  Alex is having a hard time with the new demands: note taking, book reports, geography.  Mostly, though, he struggles with just the "housekeeping" of school: remembering his name on his paper, remembering to turn things in, remembering his homework, and yes, even remembering to go straight to class from the bus.  He has 13 (THIRTEEN!!) tardies because he does not go right to class from the bus.  On top of his difficulties, we are strapped with a teacher who apparently does not think it is important to communicate with parents.  Extremely frustrating!!!

Alex takes it all in stride.  He has 2 friends who come over to play regularly.  He just finished basketball (he is a great defensive player) and is ready to start soccer.  He still loves to swing and jump on the trampoline.  We got him an inexpensive laptop for Christmas and it is his pride and joy.  Best investment I ever made.  We also recently found out he has asthma and he is independently using his inhaler and taking his other new medications with very little guidance from me.  It is amazing to me how much he is capable of when just given reminders and a little guidance.  Makes me wonder what is going on at school sometimes!

I hope all is well with you my friends!