With all this talk about BTS (back to school), I think my denial has become a reality; I AM a mother to a middle school boy (sixth grade) and a second grade girl, who also has dyslexia. Between both children, they clearly have different needs, plus add in our three year old, and it’s all a bit overwhelming. This year will be a year of “firsts” for us, for sure!
This year, our prepping for the upcoming school year was a little different; the class list for him was shorter. Prepping for sixth grade includes purchasing deodorant and a cool (but not too cool) pencil bag or binder, plus a school planner. Also, I have found out most kids use a brown paper bag for their lunches! Seems like common sense, but it was not; at least not for me. Buying the school planner is a necessity; I’m hoping it teaches him independence and resourcefulness. Also, I know part of our prepping for back to school means a STRICT CURFEW on FORTNITE!!!
You read it right, you are thinking the same about Fortnite! Pick up a book, my child, and challenge your brain in different ways! One day I will miss all this Fortnite stuff, I am sure, but right now I am over it. So new screen time curfews, new routines, practicing more accountability, etc., for my sixth grader.
Then comes Layla. Layla’s needs are different than Tristan’s. Last October, we found out Layla has dyslexia. It feels really good to know the culprit and with our seven year old, we are proactive (momma bear here) and have gotten a plan together and are figuring out how to get Layla any interventions she needs for spelling and reading. With Layla being dyslexic, she has specific accommodations to help her succeed. Each year, these need to be modified depending on the needs of the child. I sure hope this year we modify her spelling lists, time to take tests, oral exams, etc. So it’s quite critical that she has an educated momma like me to stand beside her and advocate for her.
One way I am preparing for this school year is to create a binder for my daughter that contains every piece of paper that has been in her student records. So I bought a binder, dividers, paper clips, and am organizing the hundreds of papers and forms. I feel it makes everyone accountable for my daughter.
Mentally this year I am controlling what I can; what I cannot, I say my prayers and trust it will all be okay. I have prepared all I can and am excited for the year ahead. I am encouraging you to do what you can, practice teaching patience, get up early, stay organized, and have a fabulous school year!
