Today at 11.45 I met with Lily’s teacher, Mrs. Daniels.  I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, but I also knew that based on the few conversations I’ve had with her, Lily was doing fine. 

This entry is hard for me because I don’t like bragging about my kids.  But today I have to give Lily kudos. 

Lily has done exceptionally well so far in Kindergarten.  She’s well-adjusted, doesn’t cause problems, and in the words of her teacher, is an “ideal” Kindergartner.  She’s not perfect, but like me, she has that ingrained need to please that makes her popular (at least in the younger years) with the teachers.  Apparently during recess she sucks up to all the other K teachers and spends a lot of time hugging and being hugged.  One of the things I like most about Lily is her warm personality. She’s very sweet and concerned with others (except Arden).  For example, one of her K friends was out sick all last week, and she repeatedly told me that she hoped Riley would be able to Trick or Treat.  She told me today that Riley was able to go, and how happy she was for her friend.  I’m really glad she has that kind streak, because I do not want to raise “mean girls”.  If I can do nothing else, having girls that aren’t mean to others would mean I was victorious as a mother.

And Eileen’s advice was wonderful.  My friend Eileen taught Kindergarten before staying home to raise three kids.  When I was panicking about what to do last year, and all the other parents were signing their kids up for “early reader” programs, or tutoring them constantly to see who’s child would read first, she talked me off the ledge of insanity.  Her advice was to leave the reading teaching to the Kindergarten teachers, and that often if you push your kids to do things too soon, they will be very bored in Kindergarten.  Although the public schools offer some enrichment, Kindergarten is not geared toward 5/6 year olds who are already reading at a 2nd grade level.  So Eileen - if you are reading this - Mrs. Daniels told me how awesome your advice was.

That being said, Lily is interested in reading and I spend large portions of every day sounding out or spelling words with her.  I was expecting her teacher to tell me she was going to be in the low reading group because she didn’t do any of the early reading programs. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was actually placed in the high reading group.  It will be work for her, but based on her test scores, she’s ready.  (A side note:  It’s freaking me out that I’m already talking about test scores!!!!) 

I was really proud of her achievements and how easily she adjusted to Kindergarten.  I know that a lot of people think I sucked because both girls were in preschool or some kind of day care for so many years, but you know what?  It may not be perfect, but it sure makes socialization and adjusting to school a lot easier on them. 

Also, we’ll be getting a report card soon.  I’m glad Mrs. D warned me.  I’m the typical clueless Kindergartner mom!  Report cards?  In Kindergarten??  Apparently, yes.