Fast times and wild living with (the former) Baby Whozit…
Posted in First Grader, Jessica, Simon says... on Sep 30th, 2013
Ideally, a no-presents class birthday party comes after several careful conversations with one’s child in which you discuss the reasons for it, acknowledge possible disappointment, and otherwise ease your child into forgoing what for many is the most exciting part of a class party. Another option is to spring it on the kid once it’s […]
Posted in First Grader, Jessica, Simon says... on Sep 26th, 2013
I’ve just finished reading Brian Epstein’s book, The Sports Gene, which I recommend highly. Among the most interesting parts for me were the discussions concerning the physical traits required to become an elite athlete in a given sport. Distance runners need long, skinny legs and some exposure to moderate altitude. Think Colorado or Kenya as […]
Posted in First Grader, Simon says... on Aug 30th, 2013
This one is short and sweet. First grade has offered four amusing bits so far. 1. Simon’s school is doing Spanish this year, and his new teacher is Colombian and is taking an immersive approach. Which is to say that on the first day of Spanish, Simon’s teacher chatted away to his class in Spanish, […]
Posted in Elementary School, Jessica, Simon says... on Jul 17th, 2013
Simon loves a hypothetical question. The problem is, he doesn’t always realize that a given question is hypothetical, and won’t take my explaining as much for an answer. I offer you a typical exchange: “Mama, how hot is it on the sun?” “I don’t know exactly, but crazy hot. Hot enough to heat our planet.” […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on May 7th, 2013
Ever been shopping and found yourself suddenly overtaken with a strong desire for chocolate-chip cookies? Here’s how to get some for free, without waiting in line or—for that matter—without even having to ask. Take your 6-year-old shopping for his best friend’s birthday present. It’s really that easy. Here’s the scoop. The Lovely Caroline (TM) had […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on Apr 28th, 2013
Simon’s reading has officially exploded. Just before bedtime on Saturday night, he announced plainly: “I am a reading machine!” Screamed it even. And he was right. Simon is recognizing ever more words, is doing better at sounding out new words, and is just excited as can be about the whole thing. So excited that he […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on Apr 22nd, 2013
You know that dream you have where you are outside on familiar streets or inside a familiar building, but somehow can’t find your way? The streets or halls all seem to go on forever and don’t lead where they are supposed to, presenting a surreal and very frustrating version of streets and buildings you navigate […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on Apr 4th, 2013
We’ve been waiting for a reading explosion for some time now. Off and on for nearly two years, Simon would sound out a word or two, maybe even string together an entire sentence or simple book, and Matt and I would say to each other, “It’s coming. He’s about to take off with his reading.” […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on Mar 28th, 2013
Behold a crude mapping of what I have sussed out as the brain organization of one Simon W. Whitworth. So far as I can tell, his brain features four major lobes: The Baby Kitten Lobe: This part of the brain is responsible for Simon’s alter ego since I can’t remember how long ago, Baby Kitten. […]
Posted in Jessica, Kindergartener, Simon says... on Mar 4th, 2013
Friday was parent-teacher conference day at school, my first at Brandeis. Since Simon isn’t having any academic or behavioral problems, the conference was much for free-flowing than I expected. In fact, Mr. Sowder’s opening gambit was “Do you have any questions or concerns you want to discuss with me first?” To which my response was, […]