Hard Work Pays Off

At the beginning of the year Savannah's class started sight words and learning to read. I had no idea that all of this was started before Kindergarten, crazy. On top of what they were doing in class, her teachers were sending home little worksheets and lists of words for us to go over with her at home. About a month in her teacher brought up to me the fact that Savannah was having a little bit of difficulty remembering her words and that at times it seemed like Savannah would just guess instead of try to give a real answer. She suggested that we do flash cards and some other things at home that might help her. Let me tell you, working with a 5 year old on reading is frustrating at times. Especially when you know they know the answer and for some reason they sit there starring at the page like they have no clue. For some reason Savannah get very nervous and unsure of herself under pressure. It has taken a lot of patience and work to finally get her a little more confident with her reading. Over the last couple of weeks, I had been noticing improvement at home, but wasn't sure if the same improvement was coming through at school. So you can imagine how happy I was to see the little note that her teacher wrote on Savannah's daily sheet she sent home on Thursday. Eric and I were so happy, high fives and big hugs were given to Savannah, and huge pat on the backs for us. Now I understand how my dad felt all those years of school, sitting down to do homework with me and my brother. I feel kind of bad that we would be so difficult at times... I remember crying out of frustration when doing math with my dad. I am dreading those days with Savannah. Oh, and it's only the beginning... so many more years of school work ahead of us.

I'm curious if my family picked up on the fact that Savannah is doing "very well" at math. I mentioned to Eric a few weeks ago that math seemed to come easy to Savannah. She was immediately confident and sure of herself when doing her addition with us. Very little hesitation and confusion when answering. I laughed while telling him that because anyone that knows me knows that math is not my friend. Reading and writing are my friends... math is my worst enemy. Funny that Savannah loves it. I am aware that it is very early on, and clearly things can change with her... still funny though.