1st Grade

 Ben settled in well in Mrs. Martin's class.  It has been such a joy to see him blossoming and finding joy in learning.  He had a great kindergarten year, but really needed to be challenged.  We appreciate that Mrs. Martin sees that.  She has a great way of explaining how the basic lessons are still important, but fills the need he has for "harder" assignments. 
First grade has been a big change in responsibilities and that has been fun to see.  It may be where Ben has grown the most.  We have tried our best to let him handle his own concerns and questions and coaching what he might say.  He was complaining about math homework one day and that it was "boring".  We talked about how he got to do some enrichment activities in class and that he might see if he could bring some home as well.  Mom thought that would be the end of it or that she would be emailing Mrs. Martin after Ben continued on this quest.  Instead, the next day he came home beaming.  "Look!  I have my regular math and an extra sheet!"  He had requested extra homework!  HA!  Mrs. Martin said that she wished she could have recorded the moment for us.  She said it was priceless!  

We also hear a lot about behavior tickets.  If you keep all of your tickets you get a prize on Friday.  Ben claims that he has been "on the edge" several times, but never lost one.  We get the full report of who loses them and how often.  Ben even started using it to describe which kids are role models.  "Mom, I am sure that video is safe to watch as this kid that would never lose tickets is allowed to watch it."

Something new this year for us is the introduction of electives.  Ben goes to Art, PE and Music on a rotating basis.  He still also has library and computer time once a week. 

He is really growing up!!