Blogging about life in Minnesota, raising our six kids with Down syndrome while battling Breast Cancer.

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says, "Oh shit! She's up!"

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Asher 3rd grade program

It was just a little over four years ago (December 2011) that we brought this tiny little boy home. We named him Asher. He was so very tiny when he came home. Seven years old and looking like a mere toddler.



His 8th birthday, his first with us, he wast just starting to understand about birthday celebrations, and he loved it.

We waited a few months before Asher started school, starting kindergarten just before his 9th birthday. The first few months were tough for him, learning to function in a school setting. There was SO MUCH going on in a classroom for him to process, in addition to not understanding English. But then, after much discussion and many meetings, the school district agreed to give my suggestion a try and hire a 1:1 interpreter/assistant to work with him and give him communication as well. That is when Ms. M. entered his world, and she has been nothing but a gift ever since. 

Ms. M. has given Asher a true voice in his school. She has helped him learn to navigate the playground, lunch room, and classrooms. She is teaching him his first sight words and his first friendships, I have  no doubt Asher would not be where he is today without Ms. M.

 Every year Asher has participated in his school music program. Tonight was his 3rd grade program, and I am so very proud of him. He has come so very far. 
There are two people who really want to see this video. I'm sorry he's so far away. (click on it to make it bigger)  He's on the far left, front row in the bright blue plaid shirt. For those who haven't been here to see him every day, I wish I could describe to you how much change is represented in this video. From that tiny baby of a boy who came home 4 years ago to now. 


1 comment:

Adelaide Dupont said...

Leah:

Many Europeans are right when they know it is time to start school at ~8. Yes, even the Brits and their prep school process.

Here is this bit:

"Ms. M. has given Asher a true voice in his school. She has helped him learn to navigate the playground, lunch room, and classrooms. She is teaching him his first sight words and his first friendships, I have no doubt Asher would not be where he is today without Ms. M. "

And where he is today is a great place.

This 3rd grade programme merits a big screen!