So the other day, I mentioned Miles' transfer to the Spanish Immersion school felt like a sink or swim situation. He is trying his best to understand instructions but the reality is that it is very challenging to decode Spanish for 5 or so hours--especially because we don't speak Spanish at home (I need to change this!). This week he started crying before school, saying he didn't want to go. When I asked him why he doesn't want to go, his answer has been, "I just miss you and daddy. And I'm not use to it yet and I feel scared."
We knew this transition would be challenging. It's hard to see him cry about school, not wanting to go, when he was happy to go to his old school. It makes us think about whether or not transferring him was the right choice or not. Naturally, we feel guilty. These decisions are never easy. Miles was use to being on top of things at his old school. It has been challenging for him to not understand what his teacher is instructing. Knowing that Miles is also very hard on himself when he doesn't "do things right"--being unsure of what he is doing makes him anxious. That makes me anxious just knowing that he is uncomfortable.
After speaking with his teacher, we decided to get Miles a tutor to help him. Hopefully, regular session for a few weeks will get him caught up and make him more comfortable. I am hoping that he doesn't get traumatized and start hating school. Once he gets a better handle on basic Spanish, Miles will feel more confident again in learning.
Things we can do to help him besides getting him connected to a tutor includes volunteering in his classroom more and continue to listen to what he is saying and feeling. Also, as I mentioned before, Justin and I have to learn Spanish too. What other ideas do you folks have?
Honestly, seeing my son anxious, upset, and dreading school makes me want to pull him out and home school! But I know that time will really tell. We have to give Miles some time and extra help to grow comfortable enough to learn in this new environment. I have to suck it up as his parent and not try to shelter him from the world and all the growing pains. We have some work to do ahead of us and one thing I am hoping he will learn from this whole experience is to never give up, just keep swimming.
2 comments:
Getting a tutor sounds like a good idea! Then Miles can come home and 'tutor' you guys. You and Jus can ham it up and tell him how hard it is to learn Spanish and my goodness, how does he do it all day?
Kids learn best through music and play so having some jams on with Spanish lyrics at home would be good. Bilingual playdates maybe? To help with Spanish in print, you can label things around the house in both languages. I'm thinking there may be some fun video games or educational websites too. Hmmm, I'll keep thinking of ideas but for sure, you're doing the right thing by having him persevere. He's just adjusting now but he'll pick it up in no time :)
Thanks for your suggestions Keri, really great ideas! I bought a Spanish cd which I have yet to put on my iPod to play in the car...need to get it together! I love the idea of labeling things around the house. Hope you guys are well! Aaron told Justin that Paulo has become a Star Wars expert :)
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