Josie is wrapping up her first week of preschool today at the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD)!! She has been excited everyday to go and seems to be really doing well. KSD has an all day preschool program since typically the kids that attend have a significant drive to get there. Josie is only going to attend the morning period until the end of the school year and then we will see what next year holds for her stamina and endurance. There are 4 deaf/hard of hearing students and one hearing model student in her classroom, along with 2 teachers and a teacher's aide. The classroom is amazing, it is large and bright, with all kinds of things to do, including a tree house in the middle of the room.
Her classmates have enjoyed helping her get used to the classroom and schedule. I enjoyed receiving these pictures from the teacher after her first day. I knew Josie was short, but I had no idea truly how short she is until I saw the pictures:) She signs 'friends' anytime I ask her about school and likes to look at her classmates pictures at home.
Josie's signing abilities have already improved in the short time she has been going. She is signing three and four sign sentences on a regular basis. Her sign speed has also improved. She is putting together signs at a fast pace, so you really have to pay attention to her when she is communicating. I've also noticed she is using our names more. Yesterday, she would sign to me 'come mom new book' to get me to follow her to the book shelf. In the past she would have just signed 'book'. It is amazing to watch her. Today, when I dropped her off the teachers aide, Mindi, walked with her into the building and I sat there and watched them for a few minutes. Mindi was telling Josie in sign everyone who was already at school and what they were going to do first. Josie was watching her very intently, as she walked. It brought tears to my eyes to know that now Josie has so many people in her life that understand her and can communicate with her.
Josie has the next week off for spring break, which knowing her will probably be a little irritating:) She would much rather go to school. I'm enjoying have her back for a little while, though:)
Josie's signing abilities have already improved in the short time she has been going. She is signing three and four sign sentences on a regular basis. Her sign speed has also improved. She is putting together signs at a fast pace, so you really have to pay attention to her when she is communicating. I've also noticed she is using our names more. Yesterday, she would sign to me 'come mom new book' to get me to follow her to the book shelf. In the past she would have just signed 'book'. It is amazing to watch her. Today, when I dropped her off the teachers aide, Mindi, walked with her into the building and I sat there and watched them for a few minutes. Mindi was telling Josie in sign everyone who was already at school and what they were going to do first. Josie was watching her very intently, as she walked. It brought tears to my eyes to know that now Josie has so many people in her life that understand her and can communicate with her.
Josie has the next week off for spring break, which knowing her will probably be a little irritating:) She would much rather go to school. I'm enjoying have her back for a little while, though:)