Emmitts Second and Third Week Learning to Read.

Our first week went so well, Emmitt is very excited and determined to learn to read. Although this excitement and determination hasn't changed, our second week and third week didn't go near as well.

This past 2 weeks Emmitt did not want to work on school. I was able to get him working on the Bob app for a short time only twice and no other work was done. It's difficult for me not to be disappointed, but there are a few things I am reminding myself today.

First is that this is a process. Rome wasn't built in a day nor is a daily home school routine. This is the first time I have attempted a regular schedule with Emmitt. Although Easton, my oldest, thrives on structure and routine, Emmitt needs flexibility. It will take time for us to find the sweet spot for Emmitts home school routine.

Second is that this is only a paragraph in a much larger story. Emmitt has unique needs, as I briefly mentioned in my week one post. As I reflect I feel that Emmitt oftentimes needs a break after a high sensory or high intensity experience. He needs time to process and come back to a balanced place. It was a big deal beginning our reading journey and an exciting arcade night reward his proud father gifted him and it's probable that Emmitt needed some time to digest and bring his stress level back to normal.

In this phase of reading I have been taught it's best not to take a break from daily sight words, and push through frustrations until the big ahha moment.  But Emmitts needs are his needs, and they need to be met more than he needs to read. It is only a few weeks in a greater experience, and only one experience in a life journey. I am remembering that one or two weeks doesn't mean he wouldn't learn to read and if it takes him longer to learn, than so what; it took him longer.

So I would be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated and struggling to put on my happy face.  But it's not easy being Mom with a special needs child, because Emmitt needs me to sort through these things he is not yet able. He needs my flexibility, needs me to see the needs he can not express, he needs my happy face. He needs to see I believe in him. And I do.

So I am very encouraged to see we are starting week four with a self initiated phonics and sight words activity. I think he is ready to jump back in.

So as a final word I would like to say that I stuck to my guns this past 2 weeks and did not express anger or disappointment when Emmitt refused school time. I offered frequently different activities and neutrality explained why be needed to do some school work. I offered options such as alternative reading activities or doing it at a later time. The answer was always no, so I respected his decision and let it go. Each day I tried again. Emmitt choose to do lots of free time art instead and made some seriously amazing pieces.

I strongly believe that this approach to my special needs child is best for his unique needs. It provides a safe space for him to learn and grow. It would not be the best approach for my other two children, who respond better to a more structured environment (for example, I wouldn't let Easton take a week off school whenever he felt like it, or he would just take advantage!). But that's okay! I try my best to give each child what they need to succeed, even when it means they need different things. It can cause jealously sometimes (my oldest really struggles with jealously), but I help them deal with those feelings when they arise and am careful to show each child they are loved, appreciated, and that I will always be there for them.