Savannah came into the garage after playing in the yard and handed me a piece of plastic.
"Here Mommy. I found this piece of trash in our yard. . . I am just trying to clean the world."
The beautiful thing is that she said it with sincerity. She believes that one person can make a difference. I wish I had that conviction.
In turn, we used buckets to empty the pool today. Our flowers enjoyed the water and Savannah got satisfaction from not wasting the water.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Measurable Progress!!
I have always wanted to say that I see MEASURABLE progress in my girls. It is easier said than done. Watching your children develop day in and day out muddies the water. Since we were going to be away for 10 days and both Mommy and Daddy were going to be with the girls, I figured we could find away to "measure" progress during our vacation.
Before leaving, Alex and I sat down and made a list of things to work on with both girls. Although there are many areas Lila Grace could improve upon, her list was more general and (I hate to admit it) less focused. Not so measurable! Adeline's, on the other hand, was very specific. It contained the following:
Point to pictures when asked to do so in a book
Use the signs, car and cracker
Wave on command
Follow the commands "Give the _____ to Mommy." Take the ______ to Daddy."
Look at her family members when asked, "Where is Savannah etc."
Follow the command, "Go get Bunny."
Stack four to five blocks
Although the list seems rather simple, Adeline wasn't doing any of the items constantly and most not at all.
After working with her for about 15 to 20 minutes each evening, I am very proud to report that Miss Belle is doing most of the above. She points to pictures in a book and, at times, will isolate her index finger to do so. She isn't always willing to point but I would say that she consistently does it 75% of the time. While reading her favorite book, "Good Night Moon'" she pointed out the red balloon, fire, kitties and star multiple times before her nap today. I have also observed her stacking four blocks (not five and not often). During our evenings together, Adeline would take things to Daddy and then to Mommy. It took direction and encouragement but it is a start. Finally, her signing is what surprised me the most. Within a day or two she was using cracker and car without prompting. She also picked up open and all done. I guess we need to get going with these signs!!
I don't know if measuring her progress is more for me or her. It holds me accountable and gives me hope in the cognition department. I think it gives Adeline more one on one time with her parents which makes her light up. Do I dare say she is most teachable after 9:00 p.m. I believe everyone in this family has the night owl gene except Miss Grace.
Let's hope I continue to follow through with "Mommy therapy sessions." It seems to be much easier when Daddy is around.
Before leaving, Alex and I sat down and made a list of things to work on with both girls. Although there are many areas Lila Grace could improve upon, her list was more general and (I hate to admit it) less focused. Not so measurable! Adeline's, on the other hand, was very specific. It contained the following:
Point to pictures when asked to do so in a book
Use the signs, car and cracker
Wave on command
Follow the commands "Give the _____ to Mommy." Take the ______ to Daddy."
Look at her family members when asked, "Where is Savannah etc."
Follow the command, "Go get Bunny."
Stack four to five blocks
Although the list seems rather simple, Adeline wasn't doing any of the items constantly and most not at all.
After working with her for about 15 to 20 minutes each evening, I am very proud to report that Miss Belle is doing most of the above. She points to pictures in a book and, at times, will isolate her index finger to do so. She isn't always willing to point but I would say that she consistently does it 75% of the time. While reading her favorite book, "Good Night Moon'" she pointed out the red balloon, fire, kitties and star multiple times before her nap today. I have also observed her stacking four blocks (not five and not often). During our evenings together, Adeline would take things to Daddy and then to Mommy. It took direction and encouragement but it is a start. Finally, her signing is what surprised me the most. Within a day or two she was using cracker and car without prompting. She also picked up open and all done. I guess we need to get going with these signs!!
I don't know if measuring her progress is more for me or her. It holds me accountable and gives me hope in the cognition department. I think it gives Adeline more one on one time with her parents which makes her light up. Do I dare say she is most teachable after 9:00 p.m. I believe everyone in this family has the night owl gene except Miss Grace.
Let's hope I continue to follow through with "Mommy therapy sessions." It seems to be much easier when Daddy is around.
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