Sometimes it's discouraging when your child isn't like everybody else's. But I am figuring out that it does way more good to let her know that she is accepted and loved just the way she is, as opposed to focusing in on her weaknesses and working to change them. When we succeed at doing that, many of those weaknesses change on their own.
I really love her. She has shown dramatic improvements the last few weeks in regards to her school work. Dan and I are really proud of her. And even though this meeting has brought up some issues, I won't let it stop our little celebration.
So in honor of Ava, and some of the things she is absolutely great at, here is a little list:
1. Ava is a magnificent artist. Starting in her 3 year old preschool class, her teacher remarked on her artwork. Then last year at her parent/teacher conference with her 4 year old teacher, she just went on and on about Ava's artistic abilities. She made me promise that I would continue to keep her involved in art as she got older.
Her teacher now, says she has a hard time getting Ava to finish her work sometimes because her drawings are so detailed and elaborate.
She is always exceeding expectations in art on her report card.
I have so many saved pictures, it's crazy. I don't know what I will do with them all, I try to be selective, but there are so many wonderful ones that I just can't part with.
2. Ava is keenly aware of other people. And she cannot stand to see someone upset. She has been known to lay down on the floor with her brother while he has a tantrum, try to bring him treats and blankets, and make him extensive, unrealistic promises to help him feel better.
3. Ava is very sensitive to the spirit. She recognizes it easily, not by the words she says but I can tell by the expression on her face. She loves to sing and hear church music and she tries so, so hard to be good.
4. If you tell Ava the way something is or is going to be, she may not like it at first, but once she's over it, she's over it, and it becomes the right and ONLY way to do it.
5. She is always reminding us to say the prayer and read our scriptures.
My little doll face is her own kind of girl. And she is my kind of girl.
9 comments:
Mine too!
Such gorgeous photos of a gorgeous little girl.
I'll still never forget the time I started whispering mid conversation, when I probably wasn't saying something very nice about someone, and Ava piped out loudly, "Why are you whispering?"
Have you looked into transferring some of Ava's drawings over to fabric for embroidery? I love this idea: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2006/08/lite_crafting.html
She looks so old in her pictures! She's growing up. She has a beautiful spirit. Love that Ava girl!
You are a good mom! My new credo is "Let kids be kids." I don't know what is happening to society with their expectations of children, especially in regards to education. Stick to your gut. My mother in law, a teacher, says kids catch up and really even out by third grade. Before that, the spectrum of abilities is pretty wide. Ava really is turning into such a beauty.
I love that photo of her and max. So,so sweet.
She is so precious! Every child learns at a different speed and will excel in some areas and find more challenges in others. In most cases, by 3rd grade most everyone is on the right track/caught up etc. Continue to bask in her talents and sweet personality--she's a gem!
When I was in kindergarten we each had foam mats and we took naps every day. Now it's all about the testing and how the school compares to others. I agree that kids aren't any smarter upon graduation. And where's the grade for kindness and compassion? Sounds like Ava is amazing! Give her a big ol' hug for me.
Love your approach to her learning-you are an awesome Mom! She is so beautiful!
Keep being her biggest fan and keep telling those teachers not to worry and don't worry her. Us smart girls always get it figured out and usually have it figured for good. Marin can totally back me up on that. Love you all so much.
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