Third Grade Field Trip
THIRD GRADE FIELD TRIP = 80 KIDS + 20 ADULTS + 2-HOUR BUS RIDE EACH WAY + OREGON COAST AQUARIUM + LUNCH AND EXPLORATION AT THE BEACH
I have things I want to say about this adventure but the words seem hard to come by tonight.
Some stories simply aren't easy to document because the layers run deep.
There's my story, his story, and our story (the intersection of the two).
I'm wavering between facts and feelings and the parts that were fun for Simon and others that were a bit tough for my heart to witness. He's getting older and the kids are getting more socially sophisticated and that gap is getting bigger.
And yet, he is happy. He loved having a field trip, loved going to the beach, loved seeing the fish, loved having Doritos in his sack lunch, and he loved having me come along. And more than likely that's really all that matters.
My son is 5 and on the spectrum. And happy is what matters (and my boy is so very very happy, always has been). But oh yeah, do I get that widening social gap. (And my family is just on the cusp of it getting bigger and bigger...) Yup. I get that intersection of stories, too. That's a vivid part of being a mom, for me.
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Gentle hugs. <3
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Our son is 10 and going into the 5th grade and I am deathly scared. Damian isn't at all because it's just another school year and it's no big deal to him. He is in full inclusion with an aide and we are phasing her out this year. Well that is the plan. He has come far but socially and emotionally is not up to par with his peers. But he does not think he is different, thinks everyone is his friend. I know that's good but it hurts sometimes to see him follow the kids and they do not always respond.
He would rather research topics of interest online or play tag. Not alot of 5ht graders like to do that. He is in a social skills group that has helped a little but as the years go on we see the gap as well.
I have 4 other kiddos and he is great with them socially, still learning the "rules" but is good.
I know how mixed emotions can come into play. I used to worry about field trips but he does okay because HE enjoyed it and loved telling us about it. Not that all into details of course but we get the point :)
I don't know any other families with children like mine so it is comforting reading about your experiences and the obstacles, joys and dreams you see through your son.
Thank you for that.
Simon would love to play tag with him Marisa - that's his favorite.
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I'm commenting late and don't know if you go back to reread posts. Just wanted you to know that teachers also feel that knot in your throat, pain in your heart, and desire to make the world "correct" for those students walking to a different beat.
I've been observing it for decades and it doesn't get any easier. But I can look for all kids strengths, teach the class friendship lessons, set limits on behaviors, but mostly enjoy the golden moments. Like the smile on a child's face as he swings alone every day on recess. There is something about swinging at that moment that creates that smile.
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[...] Third Grade Field Trip (aliedwards.com) [...]
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There's something so special about the Mother and Son bond... my nine year old (that thinks he's 15) still reaches for my hand to hold. Enjoy these moments, they go so fast.
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