Laine

To say that 3rd grade, thus far, has been a challenge would be an understatement.  This is the first year the kids are expected to take the FCAT which adds it own pressures but the rigors placed on these kids is consistently getting harder.  They are expected to go from having their hands held and told what to do in 2nd grade to almost complete independence in 3rd.  There is not much of a transition, they are expected to hit the ground running.  There are no more fun holiday crafts and class parties it is all business with a little bit of fun.  It is not the same 3rd grade my boys went through.  It has been a rocky start but I am so proud to say that Laine (with the help of Mommy and Daddy) has worked her tail off and got all A's and B's on the first 9 week report card.  

We still struggle with reading and continue to pursue avenues that may make reading easier and more enjoyable for Laine.  She is working through some vision therapy and wearing reading glasses to hopefully help her with tracking, focusing and eye strain to ultimately help her to be a better reader. 

To compound the added demands of school, Laine loves to do it all and can't choose which activities she likes best.  She is currently playing soccer on a competitive team that travels for games, rehearsing for a new show, playing the piano and taking gymnastics.  That is an activity every afternoon.  She is very dedicated and organized, she knows school comes first. She realizes that TV time is not going to come other than on weekends and her fun is her activities.  She is doing great and handling it all well so why not let her go and be all that she can be.  Hope we can keep up :)