Midsummer Medley and School Report

Pirates

On Monday Tom had his Midsummer Medley performance at school.  All the infant school children dressed up as pirates (thankfully one costume I can do) and

And more pirates

performed their pieces.  The eldest class had made up rhymes, recited poems and did a dance.  The middle class told jokes and did a action rhyme and Tom's class did 3 action poems.  It was all very lovely, the jokes were terrible.  Some kids really shone - Finn being one of them reciting a poem beautifully.  Tom was at the back, not really concentrating.  At one point he and Freya who were sitting together (never a great idea) were playing with a piece of paper and getting stern looks from one of the other teachers!!!! However, he joined in and even managed to do one poem pretty much perfect which is an improvement on past performances, although I wouldn't say he added any volume to it and he still spent a lot of time looking behind him.

He also got his school report on Monday.  It was pretty much what we expected after parents' evening.  Thankfully he is now socialising well within the class and joining in with other children, actively playing with them and talking to them etc which is a relief.  However, although his concentration and listening has improved since his op, he still isn't great and isn't hitting expected levels.  His writing is also behind, not letter formation - but writing unaided.  Children his age should be wanting to write things unaided using their knowledge of phonics.  However, he doesn't.  He doesn't because he's scared of making mistakes, when he's at home he's the same, not wanting to write anything unless he's sure of the spelling.  Is it so wrong to be sure of spelling before writing?  He also doesn't lead any play, doesn't come up with any ideas, but is happy to be told what to do and join in.  He has always been this way (it's the reason the girls like him because they can boss him around!)  Sometimes he will take an age to complete tasks which really shouldn't take too long, I think this frustrates Mrs P!!!  He is on track with his reading, drawing (really - his drawing is awful compared to most in his class!), maths, technology use, p.e, music, etc etc.  He likes construction toys (lego etc) playing outside and the role play area the most but will do another activity if asked too.  He won't do craft unless he has to.  It also said that he is well behaved in class and shares nicely etc so that's good.

On Wednesday, the school had an open evening where we got to see all the work they have completed during the year.  I was pleased to see that he has been writing, and has been doing sums quite well.  Some drawings were surprisingly good.  We had a chat with Mrs P about his report she said that she's not worried about him and is confident that everything will click in place soon, we just need to keep building on his confidence.  I felt quite reassured by what she said.  We brought a lot of pictures home with us - I think the fridge is about to get a change of clothes.