Ryder. He's such an amazing child.
As a baby Ryder was very needy. As in, always "needing" attention, always wanting to be engaged in an activity with another person and always wanting to learn. He is still like that. He loves to interact and share his findings and information. He is constantly memorizing names of creatures and habitats. Whether he's learning about ocean animals or fictional moshlings, it's amazing to see his little brain stock piling all the information in front of him.
He started playing on the computer when he was two. And back then it was mostly playing. I would have to sit with him and navigate the pages. He quickly caught on to the mouse and playing simple games on websites like pbskids and nickjr. By four years old he was pretty much self sufficient. Occasionally he needed a parent to read a tidbit or two, but that was it. Words like 'log in, scroll down, click, website and .com' were in his everyday vocabulary.
He would sit and listen to as many books as you would read. Sometimes 4 or 5 in a row, fully attentive the entire time. It's quite remarkable. Now with a few months of kindergarten under his belt, he's learning to read. I believe his desire to play all the computer and nintendo ds games on his own motivate him more. I can hear him sounding out words from the other room on his own without being prompted. It makes me so so proud. Words cannot really justify the feeling, Like a peacock all puffed up showing off his feathers, that's how I feel.
Math seems to come easy as well. I think all the sesame street and nick jr helped jump start this as well. The basic sorting and counting that they are covering now are things Elmo and Mickey have been teaching him for years.
But there's nothing like getting the conformation from his kindergarten teacher.
As parents we think he's the smartest, funniest and best kid EVER! When the teacher has nothing but great things to say, the proud parent feathers totally puff out.
Not only is he one of the top of his class, but he's polite, stays still and attentive and shares lots of stories with the class.
Two stories in particular stood out with his teacher, Mrs. Pena.
One was a story about a mother chimpanzee taking care of a wound on her young. The story was great, because Mrs. Pena was having a teacher observation day and the subject matter was animal families. Ryder's story was relevant and in full detail. Good job, buddy!
The second story was also relevant and quite comical to the entire class. They were talking about firemen and their jobs. Ryder shared the story of a time before his second birthday, when he got a potty training toilet seat stuck on his head. Danny was working over an hour away so my mother and I had to call the fire department to help get it off. He remembered all the details. From describing the seat to the fire truck. What I remember most is that as soon as the seat came free, Ryder looked up with a tear streaked face and in the cutest tiniest, voice said, "Thank you, Mr. Fireman."
I asked how hard of a time she has getting him to sit still and stay that way. She said, "Ryder? I never have to remind him to sit down or stay still. He's so well behaved. If I could I would take him home with me." I couldn't believe it. He's so active, constantly dancing around. But now it makes more sense....all day he holds all that energy in. He's focused and engaged. When he gets home he's got a lot to release. (A LOT)
We also learned that he is loved by the upper class kids, teachers and staff.
In a nutshell our first ever parent teacher conference was a smashing success. Our oldest boy is shining like the sun.
We are thrilled for him and love him so so much.
Keep up the good work buddy! You're the best!
And you gotta love those huge school picture smiles. :) "Say Cheese!"
