Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Good News and Bad News

Austin started Grade 1 last Thursday.  Overall everything went very well and Austin is adjusting to school nicely, he even likes to go!  YAY! :)  There was one subject though that brought him to tears because he was "scared" to be in the class, French.  You see, in Québec even though Austin is in an English school, he must take French.  They do not speak any English in the class as a rule, so Austin was terrified when he could not understand anything at all!  Poor guy!  I felt so badly for him.  I had to do something...

I wrote a letter to his teacher explaining the problem and asked his aide at school to translate for him, if possible (she does not speak French fluently she told me ... sigh...).  In the letter explained that Austin has receptive and expressive delays.  This is a boy who just this summer has learned how to ask "why", "what", "where", "when", "who" and "how" questions on demand.  (We never spoke French to Austin because we did not want to confuse him or take away from helping him with his speech development in English.)

There is good news to report, the aide is translating the words to Austin in English.  (She said they are very simple so she can do that no problem, thank God!  She is a really lovely lady.  We are very grateful to have her with Austin.)  I am also very happy that this situation was dealt with quickly and the French teacher has allowed Austin this courtesy so he may learn and be comfortable.  My husband and I are also doing our part by teaching Austin new French words each day and have downloaded flash cards from iTunes to help him learn independently as well.  (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the iPad?  FANTASTIC!)  He was thrilled when I picked him up on Tuesday because he had learned new words in French class ... YAY!  Well done buddy! :)  Mommie is so PROUD of YOU!  Je t'aime! ox :)

*HUGS* to all ... "Sweet Dreams" is coming up next!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fragile perseverance! I love it! Keep inspiring us Heather and Austin!!

Mommie that Gets It said...

Thanks Glenn! :)

Victoria said...

The poor thing! I imagine it would be scary for him! I hope he adjusts as the year goes on.

Thanks for dropping by my blog and for the words of encouragement. Nights like tonight I really wonder if it'll get better but I have to hope.

I really look forward to reading and catching up on your blog!

Mommie that Gets It said...

Hi Victoria,

Welcome to my blog! *HUGS* for you! :)

Yes, he was terrified! It was very hard to see him that upset. He is getting more relaxed in French class and we continue to help him everyday. He is doing better thanks! :)

You're welcome! I really enjoyed what I have read so far. (I am going back to read more today.) I think that you express yourself very well and I relate and empathize so much with you. There is hope, you will see, the changes will come; I understand how you feel completely. Austin is 6 and such a different boy than at 4. It is truly amazing.

Thank you and I look forward to going back to yours! :)

Wishing you all the best! *HUGS* :) Heather