When I taught elementary school there was a student mainstreamed into my class from the behavior special education unit. One day I caught him looking off his neighbor’s papers during a spelling test. Naturally, I reported to his special ed teacher.
“Do you know what S did today?”
The special ed teacher waited for the news.
“He was looking on other students’ papers during the spelling test.”
“Really?”
“Yes! I know I shouldn’t be excited he’s cheating, but he’s trying to work like the other students.”
“Finally.”
It was a huge step for this student to want to act like the rest of the class. He rarely tried to do any work on his own or conform to classroom procedures. Maybe he missed something in his formative toddler years–the stage my youngest is now entering.
My youngest is getting into the swing of family life. He likes to imitate his brothers and sisters in everything which makes for some entertaining Family Home Evenings. Here’s a peek at Monday’s FHE.
We opened with a prayer:
Then we had an opening song:
Next up was Family Business which involves each of the children showing us something they’ve been working on. My oldest read her Freedom Essay which was chosen to be read at her schools’ Veteran’s Day assembly. Then the youngest read us his essay:
And right now? He’s putting his fingers on mine to type this entry.
He is SO cute!!!!
I loved your writing in setting up this family story. I really expected the student to get in trouble for cheating. Having the outcome so different completely grabbed my attention. Very effective.
Hi there! I really liked your post. You sound so much like me. And thanks for stopping by to visit my blog. I love to run too, but my fallen arches give me grief.
I have five kids also and am on a budget. I love to write and have to wear glasses when I drive! lol
I love meeting people I have so much in common with.
@Annika, we think so too.
@Jenni, That’s high praise coming from you. I’ll store it away like the treasure it is.
@Melissa, Thanks for stopping by. It’s always fun to meet another mother of five–and you even run!
Thank you for posting this. Sometimes I get caught up in how kids ‘should’ act rather than loving how they ‘do’ act. I forget that the years before they turn 5 are way more important than the years after. Please thank Karen for sharing your blog with me. It has been a pleasure to read. From a mom of 6 trying to clear out the nonsense to make room for a happy family, Thank You!
Your post reminded me of long ago family nights when our youngest tried to be big… and just like Emily, I needed the reminder of the “do” vs. the “should”. Thanks for the smile!
@Emily, Welcome! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. This is such a fun way to get to know new people.
@Krista, Glad it made you smile. Thanks for stopping by.