Plain & Simple

By yesterday evening, I wondered if all of our efforts at the school were for naught.  C refused to participate in any of the lessons Mrs Babb tried with him as part of the group or individually and failed to follow classroom rules.  Then in Spanish, he did the same for me.  Plus, he and Charlie both got in trouble for talking during class and kicking each other during lunch.

Amazingly while Charlie managed to passed his piano song C had a great reading lesson, and  -- even sounding out a few short words.  All three of us were thrilled with these accomplishments, leaving me wondering if our efforts were better concentrated at home -- maybe having C at JICS was going to be too much for everyone involved.

After a few tears (mostly mine) I explained it to C as clearly as I could -- if he doesn't follow directions and participate in class, he can't stay there.  He doesn't have to know the answers, but he has to try or ask for help.  And I instructed him to replace his default, "I don't know" which he repeats over and over in increasing volume and shrillness with a simple, "Please help me."

I also explained to Charlie that even though he has been at JICS for a year and a half, he, too, could find himself kicked out if his conduct doesn't improve -- getting written up every single day means that his behavior is unacceptable and not going unnoticed!

As I dropped them both off at school this morning, my hopes weren't very high.  We had reiterated the simple truth time and again through the evening and morning and found every possible chance to compliment C for trying and Charlie for behaving, but my expectations were still pretty low.

So I am thrilled to report that while both got warnings for talking in line before lunch, neither lost any minutes and according to Mrs Babb, "C had a much better day."  She didn't say whether or not he actually did any work...but I'm going to just take it at face value.

Our goal right now is for an equally good Thursday (Team 1 is leading chapel in the morning, so their classroom time should be shorter than usual), and while I may be getting ahead of myself, I am really hoping that with enough preparation C can get a couple right on his Spelling Test on Friday.

Of course, those are our goals.  We have our first meeting with DSS in an hour...no telling what her goals for us may be...

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,immovable, 

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

(I Corinthians 15:58)