When we last checked in with Mayberry’s newest havoc-wreaking kindergartener, Nathan Runs™ was careening through the hallways being greeted by teachers (not his) who were inadvertently encouraging his bad behavior. It should be noted there was also some unapproved climbing.
It’s probably no surprise that Week Two started pretty much just like Week One had ended. Nathan’s aide (who, it should be noted, isn’t assigned EXCLUSIVELY to Nathan) was forced to physically hold onto him every time they left the classroom and needed to be within an arm’s length when they were in the classroom.
As you can imagine, it was not ideal.
And as you can see in the shot of his daily folder above in my reply to the notes from Day One of Week Two, I was probably not as sympathetic as I should be, because…well, I don’t know why. Probably because a part of me is just thrilled that there is someone else in the world who Feels! My! Pain! because most of the time people just assume since he is always smiling that he is also always compliant. Seems reasonable, but so inaccurate.
Woefully inaccurate.
And let’s be honest here – I have to laugh about it because otherwise I would go bonkers. I’m confident they won’t actually lose him so best to ride out the storm with a little humor, right? Probably not, but that’s what I’m going with, because that’s the best I can do. 🙂
But then something wonderful happened.
On Tuesday, the aide spoke with his preschool teacher from last year, and she apparently gave them some great How to Deal With Nathan tips. On Wednesday morning, I got a text with the following photo:
It’s Nathan. In the hallway. Standing perfectly in the line with his hands in a “duck tail” behind him. Word on the street is that he did so well as to be able to get to be the Line Leader by the end of the week. Well played, ladies.
I’m a new reader and I’m just commenting to let you know that Nathan is absolutely adorable! I think it’s awesome that his teacher talked to his preschool teacher to get tips on how to help him. Sounds like he is in a wonderful school. Best wishes for a great school year for both your kids.
Thank you so much! His cuteness is what gets him into trouble. 😉 We have been very happy with his school and his teachers!
I’d love to know what tips the preschool teacher shared because my three almost four year old is also a runner and is starting preschool this year.
I’m not sure! I know some of it had to do with immediate consequences (if he needs to go to Time Out, it has to happen right then, no matter what – waiting until back in the classroom doesn’t work). He also likes to be a “leader” (not necessarily officially), so I believe he was encouraged to “show the others how to do X”. Beyond that I don’t know!
Great job Nathan!
Nathan looks like someone in a marching band. This comes from someone in a marching band.
Love it all
As a mom of 2.5 yr old Jack with DS I look forward to your posts about your beautiful kids. Jack is the youngest of 8 kids and I sometimes wonder if we do “too much” for him. He is a wonderfully sweet boy and just starting to try to speak. I’m wondering if Nathan is verbal? I can so see Jack doing the things that you chronicle Nathan doing. Keep up the great work.
Debbie
It’s certainly tempting to do more for them than you should – I have been guilty of that with both of my kids. Nathan, in particular, has milked that at times by pretending he can’t do things. Nathan is verbal, although his speech is delayed. He avoids talking in sentences, but he is able (just not willing). His speech also isn’t very clear at times, but he has made huge leaps over the past several months,