Thursday, March 26, 2009

Talks like a duck !


Eli's first day of school was yesterday. We arrived a little early and met Mr. G. the interpreter. Eli was surprised that Mr. G could speak Chinese. Mr. G said to Eli "that is because I am Chinese but I can speak English too." This was fascinating to Eli. Mr G. told Eli that he too would learn to speak English and Eli replied (in Mandarin), "that is good because everyone here sounds like a duck!" We all had a good laugh.

The day went pretty well. Eli seemed very tired when I picked him up. I was thankful that he had the additional support on his first day.

I did call and talk with Mr. G last night to see how the day went and if there was anything that Eli voiced concerns about. Mr. G told me that Eli's biggest anxiety is communication. He said that Eli talked about his foster family in China. He said that he thinks Eli will do very well and that he just needs time to adjust to the culture and learn the language. Mr. G said that Eli is very smart and 100% proficient at Chinese - Mr. G said Eli is well above grade level in China. I am hoping this will help him as he acquires his new English language skills.
This morning I woke Eli and he got dressed quickly and tried to go out to the van. I showed him the clock and explained that we had time to wait. He kept wanting to leave - he was so excited to go again. I am so thankful.....
We have decided to have Mr. G privately tutor Eli on T/TH after school. We feel that if Eli gets the additional 1:1 help this will help him both academically and emotionally. Mr. G also said that he will use this time to reinforce house/school rules or communicate anything we need him to with Eli ...
I did ask Mr. G yesterday to tell Eli that we are very proud of him and that he is a strong boy !
To think that 17 days ago his life was completely changed and now how well he is doing it's really amazing. I am sure there will be challenging days and issues to come but I feel so blessed that he is doing as well as he is right now ....

9 comments:

C's Mom said...

A duck? Now that's funny.

Barbara said...

Quack quack ... I am so glad to hear he likes school. It is giving me hope! What a great kid!! (AND great family he has!!!)
Barb

LaLa said...

Too funny....hmmmm...never thought about it before.

So happy he is doing well : )

Ron said...

Sounds like everything is going great. Can't go wrong with interpreters:)

Chelley said...

Well it it was like a duck quacks like a duck then it must be a duck!!!

I am so happy to hear that Eli had a good first day!! And so happy to hear that he is so excited to go back!!

Carrie said...

A stranger in a strange land........boy that's even how I feel from time to time. I too marvel at his intelligence and I know this will help in many ways. What a true blessing that you have the interpretor to support Eli in this transition. I can hear the sighs of relief from your heart!

Amy said...

I think getting Mr G was a real good idea. What a gift to know your son is so smart!

The Montieth Family said...

Shelly-

I laugh everytime that I read this post...QUACK! :) I told Greg about it and even my Mom! Poor Eli-it must feel insane to hear a foreign language 24/7. Thank goodness for Mr.G!

Sophie is MUCH YOUNGER than Eli, but I sometimes I wish that she had a Mr.G! ;)

Megan

Don and Be said...

Was that ... Peking duck?
How wonderful for Eli that he is adapting incredibly well.