Adelie also does well in school. She behaves well. She is smart and has no difficulty with her school work. But when Adelie gets out of school for the day, she is done. All the energy and movement that she has held in all day long at school needs to come out. When Adelie gets home from school, she needs to run and jump and hang upside down and be active. Keeping it together all day at school means that when she gets home she needs to let it out. Movement. Emotion. It all comes out when Adelie gets home from school.
Staley had the same kindergarten teacher that Adelie does. This teacher sends home optional homework packets each Friday. The kids can complete them and turn them in in exchange for caring coupons. Staley always wanted to do her homework and have it ready to turn in on Monday after the week-end. She would often finish it in one sitting. A few weeks ago, Adelie brought home her first homework packet. She wanted to get the caring coupons, but she just couldn't do it. The work was easy and Adelie got bored, she got antsy, she got sloppy, she got emotional, and even with my help, she only lasted about 5 minutes before she (and I) couldn't take it anymore. Then and there Adelie decided that there were other ways to get caring coupons and doing schoolwork at home was not worth it.
I know as Adelie grows and matures, she'll improve with her ability to complete learning activities at home. I know that there will be times that she'll have to complete work at home whether she wants to or now. I know that she does not currently need the extra practice that Kindergarten homework will provide. Adelie is doing well at school, and for that I am so grateful. Adelie loves her school time, but she needs her home time to meet her other needs, and right now, homework just doesn't fit into that picture.
Same, but oh so different.
