We All Have Our Days...

September 4, 2013

2:07pm

Was today as great as yesterday was?

Not as great, but definitely not bad. Jay seemed to be a little less interested in today's lessons. But, it's ok! I don't expect everyday to be as awesome as his first day. Stephan and I noticed something about him. Jay functions so much better when he's standing up, shifting in his chair, and fiddling with his pencil. He is a lot more focused when he's busy doing something. He pays attention to the lesson, retains the information, and has tons of insight to contribute. His teachers in public school really didn't give Jay the chance to be...Jay. 

What a bright child Jay is. I knew he was smart, but I had no idea just how smart! Between today and yesterday, Jay demonstrated the exact opposite of what his former teachers used to say about him. I almost feel like I want to march right in that school and shout "YOU DIDN'T GIVE HIM A CHANCE!" But, what opportunity is any child given when they're constantly being told "Sit down and be quiet"? I remember when I was in the second grade, Mrs. Colby (a witch of a woman) put me out in the hallway for leaning over to quietly ask my classmate to loan me a sheet of tablet paper. I felt so misunderstood and immediately labeled. Kind of like the scene from the first Harry Potter movie when Harry was taking notes on Professor Snape's opening lecture, and the Professor mistook Harry for not paying attention. He had him "pegged" from that point on. It's hard to shake the prejudice off. Once someone has their mind made up about you, it seems you have to fight tooth and nail to get them to see otherwise. No one wanted to try to understand Jay. Well, with the exception of one teacher, Mrs. Erb. She turned out to be pretty cool. It was just difficult for her to let him do his thing when she had 25 other children in her class. Jay's a visual learner and a doer. Very hands-on and enjoys action. It helps me, because I'm able to gear my lessons toward his preferred style.

Sorry, folks. I'm so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open to type! I'll continue tomorrow. For your viewing pleasure here is a self-portrait of Jay. I expect it'll be worth millions in about 10 years, so I don't mind not receiving monetary compensation for my efforts...for now. *Lol*