First week down without a hitch

Isaiah had all green days last week. That was awesome and amazing at the same time. He has homework every night and after the third night of doing work, he made the statement that school was just too hard.

He didn't like me telling everyone what his teacher's name was and kept insisting that it was just "Mrs. B." Probably a good thing her name is Mrs. B to them. It's much safer than what it really is.

We spent every night last week going over the basic words and he gradually got to where he recognized more of them. Amy had him show me he could read part of Green Eggs and Ham, which is one of his favorite books. Some of it I'm sure he's memorized. But, memorization is a good way to begin and he can always branch out from there.

First day of first grade

Isaiah started first grade yesterday. His para was there waiting for him when Amy got him to school, so that was nice for him to see a familiar face. I'm sure he's got some of his friends from kindergarten in his class but we don't know which ones yet.

His teacher's name is Mrs. B. That's what everyone calls her because her last name is a mouthful for an adult to say, let alone a first grader. It's a hyphenated name and personally, I would have just left off the first half. But, she obviously likes her name so that is OK. Just a really tough one to say.

Mrs. B has a very set schedule which, for Isaiah, is a very good thing. He likes to do things in order. Once he's learned how things are to progress, he doesn't really like to deviate. Spontaneity is not quite in his vocabulary yet. When Amy explained to Mrs. B that Isaiah likes routine, she said that was great because she did, too. They should get along splendidly - we hope. Isaiah's version of "routine" may involve doing things his way and I'm sure her version of it involves doing things her way. I wonder which one will win that one?

Isaiah brought home a piece of paper with three columns of words he's supposed to know how to read. Hmmm... that's one of the concerns we had about him going into first grade. He doesn't know how to read these words. They include: see, two, to, four, for, where, what, that, the, look, little, her, me, he, you, we, him, three, blue, yellow, five, I, and a. I read them all to him and then asked which ones he could read. He got "I" (of course - it's his "I") and "a" - and with help got a few of the others. Then, I had him read them with me and asked him again which ones he could read. He got a few more. We read them one more time together and then he read them back to me. I would say that he was able to remember about 1/3 of them.

I don't have any training on how to teach someone to read so I don't know if I'm doing it correctly or not. We shall see how we both progress this year. It promises to be interesting.

The Birth Experience

Isaiah volunteered today just how he came into the world. I swear, we truly needed this on video tape. Those who know him and how expressive he gets when he talks will have to use their imagination. For those who don't - well, all I can say is that you've truly missed out on some great experiences.

This is Isaiah's description of how he was born.

"When I was your age, I was a baby in mommy's tummy and I tried to get out. I pushed with my belly (as he demonstrates arching his stomach out), I pushed with my bottom (as he's bent over with his rear in the air, shaking it as he goes), I pushed with my hands (punching his fists), and I pushed with my feet (kicking). I pushed and I pushed but nuffing happened.

Then, the doctor pulled me out. Then, you tried to feed me but it didn't work so they gave me a bottle.

And, I was born."

Keeping me company

Isaiah doesn't like to be alone when he does his "big job" in the bathroom. As such, he's decided that I don't like to be alone and he needs to keep me company any time he's here and I excuse myself to go to the restroom.

Isaiah, shut the door. I'm trying to use the restroom.

Just a little bit, Grandma. I don't want you to be alone.

But, I want to be alone. I don't need company and I don't need to leave the door open.

OK... Grandma?

Yes, Isaiah.

If you need anything, you just call me and I'll take care of it for you.

Thank you, Isaiah. I'll be sure to remember that.

I spy with my little eye

Grandma, do you know how to play I spy? Do you know the rules?

Yes, I know how to play but why don't you go ahead and tell me how it is done.

OK, I say "I spy with my little eye" and find something to see and then you say what it is. I'll go first. OK? I spy with my little eye something black.

Hmmm - black. Is it on my dash?

No.

Is it my purse?

No.

Is it...

No, it's in the car and I'm wearing it.

You're wearing it? I don't think you have anything on that's black.

Yes, I do. It's on my head. You give up?

I guess because I can't see anything on your head that's black. You can't see your head.

Yes, I can. It's my hair. You give up. My turn again.

Isaiah, you can't see your own hair. It's too short.

Yes - it's my hair. You gave up. My turn. I spy with my little eye...

I think I was had.