I am so discouraged. . . .

[Guest guest]

I guess I'm just not as good a teacher as I thought. I am teaching a reading

program put out by Edmark. was on words 60 (meaning the 60th word they've

taught). We did a pre/post test and he missed words all the way back to number

32. I have to start all over. This is the same program that he's been on for 2

years. It only teaches 150 words total. I'm just feeling so discouraged at

this point, I don't know what to do. I don't want to start this whole program

over again. For one of the first times I feel like saying, " Why God? Why did

you do this to me? " It makes me wonder if I should just put him back in school

and let them baby-sit him again. That's all the school here is good for. He

was in a self contained class where he was the highest functioning and was so

totally bored that he was a behavior problem. But he just lost a year's worth

of work here at home! I just don't know what to do.

I know, I'm not really seeking answers, I just know this is the one place I can

go where everyone understands the frustration. Thanks for listening.

Loriann from Hawaii

Wife to Dewight

Mom to , 10 years old, DS-ASD, ADHD, ODD

And , 13 months old

[Guest guest]

I did discover something recently. I got a book on learning styles. I always

thought we clashed because he needed more structure than me. According to this

book (and I can see it now), I am the type of learner that likes to know exactly

what's coming next, I like workbooks, and I need to be prepared in advance.

likes to learn spontaneously, likes games over books and hates everything

regimented. I guess we're exact opposites, and opposite to what I thought. I

did take advantage of a teaching moment this week. We were weighing boxes to

mail and showed an interest in the diet scale we were using. So, I

gathered some items from his room (with him helping to decide which items) and

we weighed them, with him writing down the weight. I guess that's progress.

I talked to a friend of mine after writing the original post, and she pointed

out all of his advances in behavior. I guess I have to face it, those kinds of

advances are more important than academic to . He doesn't really care if

he can read.

Loriann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/8/00 4:27:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

hsmyangel@... writes:

<< I talked to a friend of mine after writing the original post, and she

pointed out all of his advances in behavior. I guess I have to face it,

those kinds of advances are more important than academic to . He

doesn't really care if he can read.

Loriann

>>

Loriann,

I was always told that our kids concentrate in one area at a time. If

behavior was what HE was working on, great! This year it might be physical.

I don't think any Mom teaching her own kids can goof up as bad as the school

system does. At least in my area! Your posts sound to me like you have made

progress. (((((hugs)))))

Gail

[Guest guest]

<<? " It makes me wonder if I should just put him back in school and let

them baby-sit him again. That's all the school here is good for. He was

in a self contained class where he was the highest functioning and was so

totally bored that he was a behavior problem. But he just lost a year's

worth of work here at home! I just don't know what to do.>>

Hi Lorianne,

I know what you mean about this. You must be a good teacher. Ted

won't even do anything. I also don't know what to do.

Gail

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/8/00 5:45:14 PM Mountain Daylight Time,

smilinggail@... writes:

<< I don't think any Mom teaching her own kids can goof up as bad as the

school

system does >>

and another quote to save!

thanks, Gail

Ann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/8/00 3:42:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

hsmyangel@... writes:

<< It makes me wonder if I should just put him back in school and let them

baby-sit him again. That's all the school here is good for. He was in a

self contained class where he was the highest functioning and was so totally

bored that he was a behavior problem. But he just lost a year's worth of

work here at home! I just don't know what to do. >>

No way Loriann. Maybe he lost work, but at least he learned something at

home. It sounds like if he were at school, nothing would have been gained.

I'm sure you are very frustrated. I know is high functioning and

world's apart from Maddie, but I understand your discouragement. Sometimes I

wonder where the things went that Maddie used to be able to do and why they

go. Then she'll surprise us by doing something new. Don't berate

yourself; you're doing a great job!!!! Just hang in there.

{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/8/00 4:27:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

hsmyangel@... writes:

<< I did take advantage of a teaching moment this week. We were weighing

boxes to mail and showed an interest in the diet scale we were using.

So, I gathered some items from his room (with him helping to decide which

items) and we weighed them, with him writing down the weight. I guess that's

progress. >>

That sounds like fabulous progress Loriann!!!! Some kids are sensory

learners. My friend who is a first grade teacher told me that she teaches

the kids to count and add by jumping up and down steps. She figures if the

kids can feel it with their whole bodies, they'll grasp it better. Plus, it

sure is fun for 6 year olds! And they always remember something fun. Our

kids' second grade teacher is really neat. She makes up rap songs and dances

while she teaches, so the kids can remember.

Donna

[Guest guest]

Lori Ann:

I think you do a lot of really creative things with . I'm in awe of

your ability to try to keep going forward when you have the responsibility

for learning and living with him and being his *mother* 24/7.

With Andy's Ed Assistant nonexistant, and me filling in, I am acutely aware

of the need for a break. I usually know this during the summer, but our

summer was fantastic this year--with me getting some time to get a little

work done every day. I've always said that I couldn't be my children's

teachers.....

Hang in there.

j