My son hates school.
I can’t really blame him. The
school environment is not conducive to his learning style. Ryan is busy and physical and totally learns
by doing. This might be partly to do
with his learning disabilities and also just the way his brain prefers to
process information. Now that he is in the
Arrowsmith program it’s even worse. He
is totally 2 sides of the coin with his new school. On one hand, he likes the teachers and kids in his typical
class. He hangs out with them during
recess and gym and genuinely enjoys their company. He is finding social success at this new
school. No one has called him “crazy”,
or “stupid”. No one has intimidated him
or threatened him with physical harm. He
has not come home early from play-dates (sorry…from “hanging out”) and he has
had amazing times at birthday parties.
Never mind the fact that he’s been invited to birthday parties.
However, his Arrowsmith classroom is very small this
year. There are only 5 students
(including Ryan), down from 11 last year.
Ryan does not like 3 of the 4 students left in his class and these are
the students he spends most of his time with.
Ryan is only at grade 3 reading and just moved into grade 4 math. However, he is still in the tutoring sessions
with the younger kids. He wants to be
with his buddy who is a grade ahead of him.
The Arrowsmith program is also really demanding. I mean, REALLY demanding. I wouldn't choose to do the intensity of work
that Ryan is doing. He mostly tolerates
things but it’s really hard for him. It
sounds counterproductive but it’s SO important to follow the program to
maximize the results. Ryan doesn't have the
life experience to realize that short term pain will produce longer term
gains. I know that sounds like some 80’s
workout video slogan but we, as adults, know it to be true. How do I explain this to my 10 year old who
simply doesn't buy it?
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