Jackson's First Report Card and Parent/Teacher Conference

*Disclaimer: This blog is for my memories and I want to remember everything GREAT Jackson's first teacher had to say, do not read if you're looking for an unbiased, modest post about my son.

A couple weeks ago, I had my first conference with Jackson's teacher.  Unfortunately, Nick had an interview so he couldn't join me but I filled him in on all the details and was even able to "blame" him for Jackson's stubbornness since he wasn't there to defend himself :)  All in all, the conference went very well.  I wasn't too surprised because I can see at home how Jackson is developing academically and socially.  At the same time, a couple of weeks before the conference, his teacher called me out of the blue to tell me that Jackson is such a joy to have in her class and he impresses her daily.  I thought it was very sweet but was also wondering why she called instead of just telling me a mere ten days later at his conference.  While I was telling a friend of mine who is a teacher, she told me teachers are told to tell parents something nice before conferences where they will be getting bad news.  So I was a little timid but luckily Mrs. K. was really just calling to tell me how much she enjoyed Jackson.

Mrs. K. gave me a report card that had a list including everything from knowing colors to reading and the children were rated from 1 - 3 with 3 being the best.  Jackson only received one 1 and that was for not saying his months.  Apparently every morning they dance the "Macarena" while singing the months and Jackson doesn't like it so he refuses to participate (see stubbornness note above, clearly inherited from his father).  Jackson has known his months for about a year but just didn't like the dance, Mrs. K. wasn't too worried because he had recited the months to her but she had to write that on his report card. 

Other than that, she went over details of what they do daily and weekly and how they are learning their letters, sounds, etc.  We get a lot of worksheets sent home every day and some of them are stamped with DI, which stands for differentiated instruction.  SJN makes sure each child is taught according to their skill level.  Get ready for my modesty...Mrs. K. told me Jackson is almost READING!  They change the activities they do for him by covering up the picture and making him sound out the words instead of just showing him the picture and asking him what it is. 

Jackson is also very good at his numbers.  He can already count to 100.  I have no idea if that's normal but I know they haven't gotten to 100 in his class yet so I'm excited.  And Mrs. K. sent home a note last week that said, "Guess who's adding?  I'm so proud of him!"  I guess it pays to have all those mathematicians in the family ;) 

He does need to work on his writing.  He knows his letters and numbers but chooses to write in all capital letters unless specifically asked to write lowercase letters.  He also writes some letters and words small and others very large so we're supposed to work on sizing and spacing of his letters at home.  He also needs to work self control...very shocking for a 4 year old, haha!  Mrs. K. said he tends to talk out of turn or blurt out answers instead of waiting to be called on.  Other than that, she said socially he was great, no conflicts with his classmates, not overly emotional, and listens extremely well.  When I heard that last part, my face couldn't hide my surprise because she immediately asked if he wasn't a good listener at home.  I will never understand why children behave differently and usually better for others.  Needless to say, I left my first parent teacher conference one proud Mommy!