Pumpkin Time

Let’s talk about the fall & Pumpkin time.

IT was the end of the school year, second half of second grade: My 7-year-old child’s teacher called to suggest my child go to bed earlier at night-as she frequently covered her head and put it down on the desk. I always do my best to support Teachers.

In this discussion with her Teacher, I explained her regular schedule for bedtime was 7:30 pm. That was as best, I thought I could do– as a single parent (& Hosp. Lab Director with 57 employees). Together, we decided that both would try to observe her behavior. ***We also had her tested for reading issues & with an Individual Educational Profile IEP. This IEP purposefully was given — as it took this child a few too many calls by her teacher each time- to get up and join the reading table. And…when her turn to read aloud was near; she was jumping around a bit in the class also, and to frequently as a result had to be isolated from the group. ( I truly did not see this behavior at home until I really had time to watch a year later… and then only with the help of a tutor).

Special Services: What was found in the IEP was “a short-term memory deficit and auditory deficit” also Attention Deficit ADD was suggested. I was totally blown away, I saw —none of these behaviors at home). Then, I took her to a good Medical Eye Doctor—no problem with her “medical eye acuity”. It was better than normal (20/10). So in-school with Special Services (SS) she would receive help.

Another long year would end—with no progress. Notably, this child’s behavior is getting difficult both school and home. (Meanwhile, I , her parent am getting my Masters degree in Behaviors.

Standardized National Reading/ Math Assessment Tests.

Now, Pumpkin time Teachers in 4th grade know this time well! The middle of October & in their classrooms our 4th grade Students would be taking their Standardized National Reading/ Math Assessment Tests. This is a time of general concern for all! The teachers see it as a time for evaluation of their ability to be effective teachers. And the kids get extra work focused on Reading and Math. Some kids are not proficient in either reading or math, and may get additional Ed Tech support.

Back to the child, This 4th grade year the student Reading score is still at 3rd grade. She is almost 9 years old in the 2nd half of 4th grade Soon, it was I, who was jumping up and down-this time with the Asst Principal. (She tested the child again–MacMillan Reading test-3rd grade still and it would stay there- one- more years.

This after 4th grade summer….

The Asst. Principal sent her home with 10 books, she did have very good intentions –but the child could not read any of those books & now with a Reading Tutor (a wonderful Maine 4th grade Reading Ed Tech – her grandmother). She saw the problem& described it as—something funny with her eyes. Meanwhile for these 2+ years I was still actively researching 4 libraries & across the nation by phone—no internet yet. Looked everywhere no help, 2nd year of Behavioral masters degree! Something had to give—her behavior was changing and not for the best. Many symptoms were displayed in her behavior—who knew?

As her 5th grade began in early Oct. the child fell running around the pool! She was on crutches for a long while- (a month+) as her foot, just bruised, was sensitive (but also an attention getting-distraction). This child was very smart and used a lot of conditioned avoidant behavior to decrease her stress and anxiety.

– At school she was avoiding her 3rd grade reading group (3.4 Woodcock Mastery Test).

Meanwhile, on a bleacher I heard a Doctor’s name. We got an appointment with THAT Doctor in October 1995 & with that result from this special doctor—I went to church because she needed glasses and therapy. Insurance did not cover the services needed-they are not medical they are well health and clinical educational supportive work. Got the money, that night I rented out our house for 2 months.

“Today my mom found out what is wrong with my eyes.” Meanwhile……. that day, my child writes in her daily journal at school after the help was found for her Reading Skills Recovery.

Angry Man was really her Mother—it had taken so long to find the answer for her child (and all others) but when she looked up she was truly GRATEFUL!

From there on, Life is good in school.