Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mainstream Preschool

Well, Kevin has adjusted well to his mainstream preschool this week. He loves it and is doing so great! This is the same school as his brother went to, so I expected him to like it, but he really LOVES it! He is so proud that he gets to go to his own school now. I guess he doesn't consider his auditory-oral school a big boy school. I think he understands that this is different because he is the only CI kid here. There are only 12 kids there and so far, he is hearing and understanding what is being said. He came home singing a new song that they learned today. I was very impressed because that tells me that he is really hearing and understanding what is being said.

I gave a little presentation today to the class about cochlear implants and gave out some coloring books to the kids on CIs. They enjoyed holding a CI and trying to put it on their head. Kevin all of a sudden said, 'See, when I pull my ears off (and took his coils off) I can't hear you. (then he put them back on again) And now I can!'. It was really cute!

I am just so proud of him and how much he has accomplished. My other son started Kindergarten this week and I am already taking notes about things that will be difficult for Kevin in a large school. At least we have 2 more years to work even more on his hearing!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I think I decided to take the Summer off of blogging since Kevin took the Summer off of his therapy schedule. So much to report since it has been 3 months...

IEP update: Well, the IEP process ended up being a very positive experience once we got the right people involved. Kevin will be attending the local auditory-oral school for preschool and speech twice a week and will also go to mainstream preschool twice a week. While I don't like the idea of him going to school 4 days a week at 3 years old, I am thrilled that this is what his schedule will be. My son will be mainstreaming next week! I always knew he would have the opportunity to do it, I just didn't know when it would be. 3 years old and he is already talking better than most 3 year olds. I think he will do fine in his class. We'll see next week!

He attended an art class this Summer for 1.5 hours a week and did great. I always asked the teacher if he seemed to hear him or just follow along with what the other kids were doing. The room is noisy and there are a bunch of kids in there all working on art. He told me that Kevin definitely does hear him, but doesn't always listen to him. Yes... that is the Kevin I know. He is very 3 and only 'listens' when he wants to, but he definitely hears me! I'm glad his teacher thought so as well!!!

Kevin talks in full paragraphs and processes information very well. An example of his understanding is I read him Green Eggs and Ham about 2 months ago. A couple of weeks ago, he didn't want to try some food, but I was trying to get him to try it. He finally did and said, 'Hey, I like it!' And then he said, 'Sam I am'. I almost split my seam!!! Yes, Kevin gets it just fine.

He and his brother are best friends right now. I wish I could freeze frame this point in our life. The two boys get along great, play all the time and talk to each other all the time. Sometimes I stop and think about how different our life would be if Kevin didn't wear cochlear implants. These devices have allowed our family to continue living in the hearing world and allow the boys to play together like all the other siblings I know. I would do everything again in a heartbeat!

I hope I can update more regularly!!!