Learning for Little People

Kindergarten, as it turns out, is not the same today as it was 'back in the day' when I attended. Not so much for the naps and easy going, let's get used to school fun times. Now it is aggressive learning with specified 'outcomes' expected at every turn. Since the school Bryce attends does not have full day kindergarten they have to cram everything in and are scheduled literally down to the minute. All of that is fine and good for those parents whose children experienced the structured environments of daycare and preschool, but ours did not. Now, I know many of you would say that those environments are not structured. Trust me, they are more structured than what we provided. We are very proud that Bryce has a good understanding of morals and ethics, grasps the importance of acting in a virtuous manner, and is willing to apologize and ask for forgiveness when he fails to do so. That said, lacking the structure others have been exposed to makes for a very difficult time paying attention. He has a wonderful teacher and we are very thankful. It is disappointing to nearly every day have a report from her asking for our help because he struggles so much to pay attention or do his work. We are working on it, but it is certainly a challenge.

More recently the problem has been highlighted because Bryce cannot yet write--not even his name. They are supposed to be able to write stories by the end of the year, but forming a simple B is a true challenge for him. Rissa and I just spent literally hours getting to an almost acceptable letter with him. I realize now we needed to have spent time on this over the past year, but alas we cannot go back in time. We can only move forward. The good news is that he demonstrates amazing aptitude for math, memorization, and reading. When fine motor skills are called upon, however, the joy of the journey turns into the sorrow of the struggle. We are praying for patience, encouragement, and discpline. Every kid eventually learns to write, right? :)