Graduation

It has been a busy few weeks with end of the school year activities. I am worn out physically, mentally and emotionally. I have hit a brick wall which doesn't happen often. I am the strong one who keeps it together. This week has been rough. I have cried more this week than I have in a really long time. Luke graduated from preschool yesterday. He is starting a new exciting chapter in his life and I should be celebrating these times instead of mourning the loss of my "baby". I think my biological clock ticking loudly does not help. I would love to have just one more, but at my age and with my pregnancy history, I know that is not wise. I am also heavy hearted about his Kindergarten placement for the fall. I am requesting an out of school zone transfer due to the difficulties we had with the zoned school when Emily was there. It is a wonderful school where Anna Grace thrived, but I still have so much emotional baggage from the tremendous struggles Emily had. I will not be notified until mid summer if the request is approved. This has added a tremendous amount of stress not knowing where he will be attending Kindergarten. The planner in me doesn't like not knowing or waiting. I am turning it over to God and know that HIS will be done. Not mine.

I am going to the Awards Ceremony and Graduation at Emily's school today. I went last year and it was the most touching ceremony I have ever witnessed. I generally choke up at all graduations so me getting emotional is nothing new. There were two kids that graduated last year, and this year there are 5. I have formed some great bonds with some of the mama's from school this year. They are the strongest group of women I know. I have watched them over the past months and weeks preparing for this day. Although it is so much more than this day. While they have not been helping their child select a college or plan a graduation getaway, they have been filing for guardianship papers. Trying to find places their children can go during the day so they are not stuck at home doing nothing. Finding resources that will enable their children to live full lives well into adulthood. This has been on my mind for so long. I just do not know what the future holds for Emily, yet there is so much planning that must be done for her. Who will take care of her if something happens to me? How independent will she be?

I am so excited for summer, yet I have so much weighing on my mind. I am hoping that I can "graduate" past this point in my life and remain strong for the days to come.

"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

Thanks for reading,
Jessica

Numberland

Les Trois Elles Interactive
Numberland

Numberland for iPhone by Les Trois Elles Interactive is a Montessori based app that teaches numbers 0 to 9. The great thing about this app is it is in three different languages. English, French and Spanish. Perfect for teaching young children to count in another language. Each scene will give your child the possibility to:

- See how to write a number, hear and learn its name and count objects to reinforce the learning,
- Practice writing numbers on a digital notebook using color pencils,
- Learn to count with Montessori* material such as number rods and spindles to understand the notion of quantity,
- Learn in different languages by switching languages on the home page,
- Save his/her artwork by touching the camera.

 Numberland is an engaging educational app that reinforces core learning skills for young children. Luke(5) really enjoyed exploring Numberland in French and Spanish. This app also contains beautifully animated scenes that are engaging for young children. Les Trois Elles Interactive also has another well done app, Montessori Letter Sounds, that teaches children pre-reading skills. Another favorite app in our house!

Numberland in iTunes

Les Trois Elles Interactive on Facebook

 

Tilly's Petting Farm

Tilly's Petting Farm

Thanks to Software Smoothie for introducing me to this app!

Tilly's Petting Farm is developed by JufJannie Apps. They are based in Holland and have several apps in Dutch. Tilly's Petting Farm is available in the United States.

This app has 4 different scenes and two different modes of play. You can touch the pictures to hear the names of the objects/animals or you can answer questions by touching the appropriate image. The voice does have an accent which was at times difficult for my children to understand. However, when in the question mode of play, the questions are spoken slowly and are extremely reinforcing for kids. If an incorrect answer is chosen, you are reminded to "listen carefully" and "pay attention". You are given 5 chances to answer correctly before a new question is asked. After 3 tries a subtle hint is given. The animations in this app are engaging and the colors are vibrant.

This app is extremely beneficial for Emily(age 9, ASD), as she has trouble following verbal instructions. The repetitive questions are helpful in giving her ample time to correctly choose an answer if she is unsure, without causing anxiety. I particularly like the reinforcing phrases. It kept my 5 year old neurotypical son entertained for quite a while.

This app is a great price at $1.99 and has tons of playing life as the questions are randomized.
 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tillys-petting-farm-ipad-version/id438238434?mt=8

As Good As It Gets

Emily has fine motor delays. She has received OT at school since she was 3 years old and we have done private OT since she was 6 years old. She has made tremendous progress in 9 years. She is able to form all letters and numbers and can write her first and last name from memory. She is working on words and sentences copied from models. Her spacing and letter size have greatly improved over the years. However, there has been a few times over the years that she has regressed and then caught back up. She recently had some major regression at home and with private OT. School was still decent so we decided to take a break from private OT, thinking she was just getting burned out with so much writing at school. She would have to do an extra 30 minutes to one hour of writing after school some days. It was decided that we would start back private OT this summer when the schedule was not as full. It was also mentioned that when school starts back in the fall, Emily would be dismissed from private therapy. At her IEP meeting a few weeks ago, her OT time for next year was also decreased as well.

While my check book will feel the ease of having to pay out of pocket over $350 a month from private therapies not covered by our insurance, I want to make sure Emily's needs are addressed. I have seen growth, but I still see so much progress that can be made. The subject of adaptive devices used alongside handwriting has been mentioned.  At what point do we refocus our goals of handwriting and concentrate on typing? After all, computers are a large part of our adult worlds. When Emily first received services, I had such high hopes. As the years have passed, I have seen how difficult the goals in the area of fine motor are for her. I also see the services she receives slowly become less and less. While I know that lack of funds is a huge part of cutting back, I also know that as she gets older, services will become scarce to non-existant.  I am not at a point where I am ready to give up on handwriting.  I am not ready to stop pushing her to be able to journal independently. I have heard that while some kids never learn to print, they flourish when it comes to cursive writing. I can't imagine Emily learning the letters in cursive, as it took her nearly 7 years to learn the alphabet. I am at a crossroads as to the direction that is best for her. I just can't help but think in the back of my mind...

Is this as good as it gets?

This is the best she has ever written in 9 yrs! Copied from a model about Earth Day

Thanks for reading,

Jessica