The Blessing and Laughs a Great Teacher Brings

Aiden started kindergarten on Aug 4.   I really didn't want this to happen.  First and foremost he is my "baby".  He isn't supposed to grow up.  Second he is hyper, he is past the "all boy" stage and runs on high octane jet fuel always going.  I knew I would be hearing from his teacher on a regular basis.  I knew it wasn't going to be all sunshine and roses from her.  

What I didn't know, however,  that our emails back and forth would make me laugh out loud.  I have been reading some to my best friend and she keeps telling me "you have to post these on facebook!"   I decided I'd put a blog post together to share these little nuggets of wisdom.... laugh with me people.  This woman has taught kindergarten for 17 years.  She assures me she has seen much worse... poor woman.  

We shall call his teacher Mrs. K   ....  School started Aug 4.   Email 1- Aug 6

"Aidan is such a sweet kid.  He does like to play a good bit, but we talked about it today and hopefully tomorrow will be better.  I am also changing his seating in the room which I think will help.   ...  I hope Aidan still enjoys kindergarten, even though he missed some of his recess today!  He really is a good kid! -  Mrs. K "

This wasn't too bad.  There was a note in his folder that he wouldn't sit still and wanted to "play" too much.   To be expected of a 5 year old that didn't go to pre-k.   I emailed her back and assured her we also addressed his behavior with him and that I appreciated her keeping in contact with me.  I love that she does this.  I next hear from her at the end of day 3.

"Thank you for the support.  It makes my job easier when the parents are supportive.  Aiden really is a good student and is doing very well.  He does have a tendency to be slightly active, but so far it is manageable.  I have relocated him in the classroom to a different table.  He is now sitting between two of my “calmer” students.  Hopefully, they will have a positive influence on him.  We are all in the process  of adjusting! 
Have a great day!"

Not all that funny you say.... just hang on... On day five he comes home with his brand new glasses scratched all to heck.  So I email her and let her know that he isn't wearing them the next a.m. and why.  I didn't want her searching everywhere for them.  She emails me back that  "I made sure they were on his face when he got on the bus"  

We make it to the end of August... almost...  a few days "on yellow"   a couple "red days" but mostly green.   I then receive this.

"Good afternoon, 
Aiden had another rough day.  He came in this morning full of energy, so I spoke to him about trying really hard to stay on green today.  I sat him at my table to do his work, but he got up during the math activity and pinched a child.  Then he proceeded to put his hands around a girls neck while walking to lunch.  He sat at the silent table for lunch and missed his recess.  I’m not sure what provoked him for either incident.  He could not give me a reason for doing it.  I have isolated him as much as possible.  He is very sweet and has good intentions, but very impulsive.  He talked and played all during naptime.  I’m not sure how tired he will be when he gets home, but I know how tired I am!  However, I will get a good night’s rest and be ready for round 2 tomorrowJ 

Hope you have a good afternoon!"

This is when I know how this woman has taught for 17 years... she keeps a sense of humor!!   We AGAIN talk to Aiden.  Explain about keeping his hands to himself, about obedience, and not disturbing class.  I emailed her and let her know that we had spoke with him again.   I get this the next day:

"Aiden is really a good student and he tries really hard.  I appreciate you also taking the time to work with me to help Aiden do his best.  He is a bundle of energy, but I have dealt with a lot worse. It also doesn't help that he is so darn cute! Since the silent table is near the teacher table, he kept staring at me during lunch yesterday.  I couldn’t help but feel guilty and it was not good for my digestion!  Therefore, we are going to work extra hard today to be good.  I have already re-positioned him in the classroom, so we shall see! I will let you know this afternoon how his day went. " 

 So, after two days on red I get this awesome email at the end of the next day...before he had even gotten home on the bus.

"He got GREEN today!!  He worked really hard today and I am so proud of him!"

On Monday he bounded out of bed at 10 minutes after 5... yes A.M.  It was like he was possessed by tigger.   He was running all over the house, mouth going a mile a minute.  I wrote her an email (as she usually reads them first thing in the a.m.) 

 Subject Line:  FAIR WARNING:

 - my message to her read:  

Aiden bounded out of bed with the energy of 10 cheetah cubs this a.m.   I wish sleep had that affect on me!   Hope he has calmed by the time he gets to you.  Have a great day.

At the end of the day as I was walking to my car...I notice an email on my phone from her.... I pop it open and begin to read as I am walking....  and by the time I get to my car I am laughing so hard.... 

Thanks for warning, but I read this a little too late! He has been at full speed all day!! If only we had a ¼ of his energy.  He did get on yellow today for playing in the restroom.  He was putting his hand in the toilet while another student was flushing it.  Of course, no logical reason was given.  I sanitized his hands, told him how nasty that was and if he did it again his hand might fall off (not sure he believed me).  The things they do for entertainment! 

And so it begins folks....