Parent teacher

Well, who would have thunk that I would find myself waiting outside Eitan's classroom on a chilly Thursday evening for a parent-teacher conference? Madeleine's review follows shortly. Mrs Reynolds, Head Teacher of the Hedge Hogs (Eitan's Year 1 class), notes that Eitan is "positive about learning. He takes everything in stride and knows how to focus. Eitan enjoys school and appreciates that it is about a bit of fun." Other comments from her: "He absorbs learning, works hard, and sets a high standard for himself." Mrs Reynolds concludes that Eitan "is a star" which of course comes as no surprise to me. Further comments:

"Eitan's reading is coming along nicely and he is able to spell "high frequency" words correctly (the, they, must, etc). His progress is excellent."

On numeracy: his numbers work is "good" and he can count forwards and backwards in tens. His calculation is strong to 20 and he is "comfortable" in this medium. Eitan loves music, is active and coordinated in playground PE (the kids play "hockey stick"); he recognises coins, appreciates the concept of "heavier and lighter", can name 3-D objects and is learning how to use a computer key-board. In class the kids are studying China and science: healthy foods and the body. Eitan knows the difference between healthy food and sweets.

On Eitan's inter-personal skills: "he shows good empathy, communicates easily and is well liked by the other children and his teachers. " All children are asked to set a goal for themselves; Eitan's will be to "eat my lunch more quickly". When asked to think about an accomplishment, he says "I no longer rush when leaving for Football Saturday morning."

I ask Mrs Reynolds if Eitan is sufficiently challenged, and she says she keeps a "special eye on this." Bravo.