Olem and I (well, especially I) have been struggling with the decision of where to send CB next year for Kindergarten. We will settle on a decision and then I will second guess, and throw in another option. Olem mentioned the idea of writing about what each of us would envision as the ideal plan for CB. Maybe this exercise would help define what we ideally want for CB and maybe help us finalize our decision. So here goes :).
In my perfect world, we wake up around 7:00am, follow our morning routine, and start our walk to school around 8:00am. CB casually strolls to school checking out the trees, cars, the cracks in the sidewalk, and works out some of the morning energy on the way which helps him prepare for the start of the day. The school is a small neighborhood school with a population in the ballpark of 400-600 students. I walk him to his classroom where he greets his 15 or so classmates and his energetic, kind, compassionate, aware kindergarten teacher. He/she greets us at the door, expresses her excitement about seeing CB, mentions something specific she loves about CB, mentions some of the fun things they will do that day, and gives CB a hug/high 5 or some other physical comfort. The teaching assistant warmly greets CB, as well. The classroom room is setup with centers, visual schedules, a small mostly enclosed sensory area, and open space on the floor. Each child finds out their assigned role for the day. They all know how important they are to the entire class and that they are as important as the teachers. The kids enjoy a schedule with mathematics, reading, social awareness and acceptance, language and writing, recess, music, and pe. When a child has a difficult time, the teachers incorporate positive techniques to redirect the behavior and motivate. The teachers feel supported and have the flexibility to teach to the children’s interest. They also can teach to the different children’s levels. The curriculum allows for children to work on different materials so the teachers do not feel that they have to teach to the middle/lower performing children in the classroom. The teachers feel that the most important values they want their children to learn are 1) that learning is fun 2) everyone is different and that is a positive thing 3) how to be a good friend and 4) that they are loved and supported. For 4 days out of the week, CB attends 20-25 minute ST and OT session. For 2 days of the week, the OT sessions are for the entire classroom and followed by the privae ST session. For the other 2 days, CB receives private OT followed by group ST sessions. If a child within the classroom needs extra help, the teaching assistant is available and happy to help. She will help with anything from how to hold your pencil, to how to share, to how to be a good friend. She tries to provide the help to the entire group where the child resides so he does not feel singled out. This kindergarten teachers and school understand that the children learn through play and plan the curriculum accordingly. Because CB receives therapy in school, he has his afternoons free most days of the week. He still has swim class one day a week, and may choose to have one outside therapy like horse therapy. CB feels confident, supported, valued and happy.
This school does not exist but I think it does help me realize what I think is most important. We will see if it helps narrow the decision.