Summary by Sandy

As a teacher I am very familiar with writing progress reports. In fact, I have 29 progress reports that I need to write between now and Valentine's Day...but, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Each teacher has their own style of writing reports on their students. I like to use the pro-con-pro sandwich method. Except mostly my sandwich is the kind with huge bread (pros) and very little filler (cons). Sometimes report writing is easy. Sometimes, reports are hard. But, at the end of the day, though you have to be honest, you must remember these children are the most important thing to their parents ...that and that these kids are just that-- little kids.

For your viewing pleasure, I present Shelby's first progress report from November 2012. I did remove her personal information but other than that, this is unedited. It describes Miss Shelby perfectly! (and it REALLY made me laugh!) (especially the personality section)

November 2012

1.Initial Adjustment:

Shelby experiences no separation anxiety when entering the classroom but is sometimes reluctant simply because she is comfortable in the entire school and thinks of the whole building as a home away from home. Once settled, Shelby enjoys going from lesson to lesson while waiting for her friend, Austin to arrive.

2.Personality:

Shelby loves being dramatic whether it’s squealing with glee or giving Scarlet O’Hara a competitive performance. She throws her whole self (sometimes literally) into whatever she is doing and is not very accepting of any deviations to her self appointed plan. Shelby is assertive, which is the beginning of a freethinker and a confident human being.

3.Social Behavior:

Social interaction plays a large role in Shelby’s day. She tends to be a leader and her presence in a room invites her peers to follow. For the most part, she does still play alongside others or will do her own thing with 3 other children following behind her.

4.Particular Interests:

Shelby enjoys anything that pertains to music or instruments themselves, particularly drums. She sways while playing drums or bells; but when playing a dulcimer or music box, she focuses and becomes much more calculated in her movements. The skills developed when using the more intricate instruments help her accomplish tasks such as setting the golf tee, building towers, sorting cylinders, or grinding eggshells. Shelby is currently learning to lace beads on a string and use tongs to transfer objects.

Though many lessons in the classroom target fine motor skills, Shelby does prefer to use her large muscles (i.e. running or jumping down the hall.) Ironically, the first thing she asks for on the playground is the swing. We are working with Shelby to help her use her energy in an appropriate way which will hopefully allow her to naturally focus and calm herself while in the classroom.

5.Daily Routine: (table manners, nap time, toilet training)

A.Table manners- Shelby is learning to use her utensils efficiently and says “please” and “thank you” when wanting and receiving seconds. Shelby, frequently needs a reminder to not walk around with food and to remain sitting at lunch until she is excused. However, on days, the lunch appeals to her, Shelby will be the last one finished and puts away her dishes with little to no difficulty.

B.Nap time- Shelby usually falls asleep within 10 minutes or so and enjoys having her back patted. She still sleeps the full time and, most days, is extremely perky when waking up.

C.Toilet training- Shelby enjoys sitting on the potty at school. At this time, she does not seem to notice when her clothes are wet or soiled. She is learning to undress and dress herself and enjoys any wardrobe changes which may occur throughout the day.

6.Motor Skills/Coordination:

Shelby’s fine motor skills are developing more every day. She uses her fingers more purposely when doing the screwdriver lesson and the tongs transfer. Her coordination is age appropriate, and she enjoys walking across the balance beam outside or vacuuming in the activity room.

7.Language:

A.Vocabulary: Shelby has a broad vocabulary and learns new words throughout the day during picture file lessons and conversation.

B.Conversation: Letter baskets and the sandpaper letters will help Shelby enunciate her words clearly. However, she still communicates effectively using facial expressions and gestures when words simply are not enough.

Taking into account the way she purposefully ignores an instruction or correction when it interferes with her plans, it would appear that her receptive language is advanced. We are

working with Shelby on being respectful by listening and following instructions.

8. Independence/Experimentation:

Shelby enjoys exploring her environment and shows no hesitance around new people or new lessons. She uses her problem solving skills in a variety of manipulative lessons, which will help her to apply the same skills and principles in her day to day life (i.e. lacing beads becomes lacing her own shoes or opening jars and containers becomes the ability to fix her own snacks.)

9.Mathematic Concepts:

Shelby enjoys counting and shape sorting. She is learning concept of one to three and relating the concept to the written number. This will set the foundation for preschool lessons she will see in the future. We also talk about the calendar daily to help expose them to the concept of time.

In November we took an impromptu weekend trip to the beach. It happened to fall on the weekend of Mr. D.'s birthday! Little did I know at the time that it would literally be the best beach vacation that we have ever had. We decided that this is going to be the site of our annual beach trip for years to come. We had the beach to ourselves the whole time. We loved every minute we were there and hated leaving. I am glad we got away because life has been over scheduled and on fast forward every second since. Enjoy the photos.

*this is the first and only photo in which I think Shelby favors me. If I can find the similar photo I have from my childhood, I will post it.