Measuring progress

My girls are always doing amazing little things that make me so happy to be their mom. It seems like every day they are learning new things, reaching milestones, and exceeding my every expectation of being a parent. A few recent examples: Kennedy remembering her manners and not wanting to answer a question someone asked her at the funeral lunch because her mouth was full of food. Macy being able to stand totally unsupported on her own for at least five seconds. Kennedy choosing her clothes and getting dressed all by herself. Macy saying "dog" for the first time last night when Jeff's dog Sage came to Sunday dinner. And hearing how well Kennedy is doing in school when I went to her parent-teacher conference on Friday. Here's her "report card" for the year (I just love some of the things they measure):

MOTOR SKILLS:

1. Gross motor/analysis of movement

Running - Proficient (P)

Jumping - P

Marching - P

Riding Vehicles - P

Hopping - P

Balance Beam - P

Walking on a Line - Strong Progress/Interest (S)

Dancing to Music - S

Comments: Kennedy is very active, she loves her playtime.

2. Fine motor/refinement of the hand

Spooning - S

Dough - P

Painting/Chalkboard - P

Gluing - P

Pouring - Working on (W)

Stacking Rings - P

Locks & Latches - S

Containers & Lids - S

Paper Cutting - S

Tweezing - P

Comments: Kennedy enjoys cutting, pouring, and spends a good amount of time at the chalkboard.

3. Hand/Eye Coordination
Puzzles - P
Bead Stringing - P
Drawing with Crayons/Pencils - P
Comments: Kennedy enjoys all types of hand/eye coordination and almost always completes them with ease.

PRACTICAL LIFE:
1. Care of Self
Undressing/Dressing - shoes, socks, underpants, etc. - S
Hand washing - P
Hair brushing - Introduced (I)
Eating - P
Comments: Kennedy always gets herself ready for outside, sunglasses and all!

2. Care of Environment
Dusting - P
Sweeping - P
Plant Watering - P
Table Setting - I
Comments: Kennedy is aware of her environment, and if asked will happily help clean.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:

Initial adjustment to classroom - P

Relationships with children, adults, new people - classroom, playground, group lessons - P

Comments: Kennedy is very friendly and can easily enter the room alone.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Flexibility - P

Cooperativeness - P

Independence/Initiative - P

Frustration/Tolerance - P

Acceptance of Routines & Limits - P

Comments: Kennedy is very good to use her words and talk out disagreements.

LANGUAGE:

1. Vocabulary development

Books - P

Naming Objects and Pictures - P

Music - singing and listening - P

2. Ability to express needs, verbally and non-verbally
Verbal Expression - P
Non-verbal Expression - P
Introduction to sound trays - M, A and T - P
Comments: Kennedy is very vocal and enjoys her time with books.

TOILET TRAINING:

Independence in undressing/dressing skills - S

Uses toilet with reminder - P

Shows willingness/interest in using toilet - P

Uses toilet as needed - P

Wears underwear - P

Comments: Kennedy listens to he body well and just needs some reminders from time to time.

MATHEMATICS:

Number trays 1-10 - P

Spindle Boxes 0-4 - P

Associates #1-10 with quantity - P

Comments: Kennedy loves working on number jobs. She understands the concept of quantity.

Overall comments: Kennedy is a very happy, active little girl. She shows compassion for her classmates, teachers, and environment. It has been a joy working with her! (Teachers Miss Kate and Miss Diana)

Her teachers really seem to love having her in the class. She is very helpful to all of her friends at school, but she enjoys herself, too. I love these two stories that they told me about her:

Kennedy and some other kids were in the kitchen helping Miss Kate bake some play dough figures. One boy started running back to the class, and Kennedy said, "Alex, we don't run in the halls. We need to help our new friend Nikhil learn the rules." Apparently she just about repeated word for word what the teachers had been saying earlier. Moments later when they were all back in the classroom, Kennedy was standing on the table... and needed to be reminded of the rules herself!

The kids had all finished their snacks and were getting ready for circle time. Miss Kate was eating a few of the left over veggie chips, when Kennedy walked up to her and asked if she could please have a few more. Miss Kate told her, "No, snack time is over." And then she went over to help another child with something. She looked back, and there was Kennedy with her hand in the bag of chips! She said in a very sincere and matter of fact way, "Miss Kate, I just need to have one."

Kennedy really is quite the communicator. She has figured out how to use tone of voice and facial expressions to get what she wants - or at least try. She's able to convey all kids of emotion with her glances, grimaces, scowls, and smiles. I wish that I could capture them all because I find it so interesting, and often hilarious.