A couple of days ago, when Alexander and I drove home from school, I told him about something silly that happened in my childhood. I don't exactly remember what it was I told him, but what warmed my heart and excited me, was that he was paying attention and understanding what I was saying. It's hard to explain - but although Alexander understands the meaning of a lot of words, it is still hard for him to get meaning from words that are put together to tell a story. So the fact that he was listening, smiling, and waiting for the punchline made me think that just maybe he would be ready for me to read non-picture books for him.
I knew Harry Potter (although it's an amazing series) would be too difficult to understand, but I thought maybe the first book from Little House on the Prairie would be simple enough. I also figured since it has stories about kids, animals, scary wolves and such, that he might find it interesting.
So off to the Kindle store I went, and I got the first book of the series. At bedtime we cuddled up, and got ready to read. I read the first page, and quickly found I had to "translate" it into smaller concepts that he might grasp. By the 3rd and 4th page, there was no question that he was not able to follow along with the story, but I finished the chapter - having a hard time giving up hope that it would work. We had a cuddle after this, and he asked if next time we could read a book with pictures in it.
Although not disappointed in Alexander at all, for some reason it was very hard for me to let go of this. I love reading, and as a mom I have always looked forward to when I could read kids novels for Alexander. At this rate, by the time he can understand the story, he'll be able to read it by himself.
Today I have new resolve to "get over myself", and I'm trying to let it go. I will try again when he's 8 1/2, and when he is 9 if needed. I still do selfishly hope that some day we can read kids books like Harry Potter or any Roald Dahl book together, but for now, we will continue to enjoy the crazy world of Robert Munsch, all the creatures in "The Napping House", and empathize with friendly sharks who scare away would-be friends.
You Light Up My Life
Friday, February 22, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Overwhelmingly impressed!
Alexander went to his first "Motor Group" physio-therapy today. It is group physio for kids with motor disorders, as well as developmental delays and behavior issues. I had assumed that since it was "group" in stead of 1:1, that it wouldn't be as good as just going to a physio therapist. Boy was I wrong!!
I can't stop smiling!
For the first time since I can remember, I was completely at ease with Alexander in a group activity/sport. Usually I worry about him not understanding, worry about he kids teasing him, and I worry about him worrying about not being "up to par. Yes, I am very good at worrying.
Well today was different. It was a group of 6 children, some like him, and a few with higher challenges both mentally and physically, and all in his own age-group and size. They started the hour with each child introducing themselves, and for the first time Alexander didn't stick out. It made me tear up, but in a good way.
I had expected that there would be the physio-therapist and 1-2 aides. In stead there was a physio therapist, a sport skill instructor, 2 kinesiologists, a PT assistant and 2 kinesiology students. Yes, that's correct. 8 adults and 6 kids!! That's more than 1:1 isn't it? In later sessions there will also be an occupational therapist yoga instructor, and a physio therapist ski instructor! I am blown away.
The environment was one full of positivity and "high fives", while encouraging the kids and cheering them on.
The first half hour was spent cycling through stations, working with all the different professionals doing things like weights, balancing, playing basket ball, jumping, and playing soccer. All of it was done 1:1 with one therapist per child. Then the second half hour was spent rollerblading!! They had roller blades and pads for all the kids, and they taught them how to get up and how to fall, then how to roller-blade. Alexander and another girl caught on fairly fast, and got to go roller blade in the hallway with their respective therapists. Alexander was VERY proud of doing 7 laps, and he told me he is a star!
In the coming weeks they are doing cross country skiing, lacrosse, inside hockey, curling, yoga, bowling and rock climbing.
The most important part of today though - Alexander was beaming the whole time. He looked so happy and proud the whole time, and his attitude about skiing next week has already changed from "I can't" to "I can".
I can't stop smiling!
For the first time since I can remember, I was completely at ease with Alexander in a group activity/sport. Usually I worry about him not understanding, worry about he kids teasing him, and I worry about him worrying about not being "up to par. Yes, I am very good at worrying.
Well today was different. It was a group of 6 children, some like him, and a few with higher challenges both mentally and physically, and all in his own age-group and size. They started the hour with each child introducing themselves, and for the first time Alexander didn't stick out. It made me tear up, but in a good way.
I had expected that there would be the physio-therapist and 1-2 aides. In stead there was a physio therapist, a sport skill instructor, 2 kinesiologists, a PT assistant and 2 kinesiology students. Yes, that's correct. 8 adults and 6 kids!! That's more than 1:1 isn't it? In later sessions there will also be an occupational therapist yoga instructor, and a physio therapist ski instructor! I am blown away.
The environment was one full of positivity and "high fives", while encouraging the kids and cheering them on.
The first half hour was spent cycling through stations, working with all the different professionals doing things like weights, balancing, playing basket ball, jumping, and playing soccer. All of it was done 1:1 with one therapist per child. Then the second half hour was spent rollerblading!! They had roller blades and pads for all the kids, and they taught them how to get up and how to fall, then how to roller-blade. Alexander and another girl caught on fairly fast, and got to go roller blade in the hallway with their respective therapists. Alexander was VERY proud of doing 7 laps, and he told me he is a star!
In the coming weeks they are doing cross country skiing, lacrosse, inside hockey, curling, yoga, bowling and rock climbing.
The most important part of today though - Alexander was beaming the whole time. He looked so happy and proud the whole time, and his attitude about skiing next week has already changed from "I can't" to "I can".
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