So Far So Good

Dean and I attended Ben's first Parent Teacher Conference yesterday. I was inexplicably nervous, which both amused and confused Dean. It turns out my worries were completely unnecessary as Mrs. Carlson had very positive things to share with us about our Benny Boo. He is exceeding expectations in all areas and the only thing she marked him down on is that she doesn't think he always give his best effort. He is really interested in being the first one done with his assignments so he rushes through and though his answers are correct, he could probably do things more neatly and completely. My dad would say this is being "half assed" and he would also say Ben gets this from his mom. He would be right. The only other thing Mrs. Carlson said that wasn't positive was that Ben and his best friend Nathan are the kids everyone wants to be friends with (I guess all the kids write their names (Ben and Nathan) all over their papers, how funny is that?). She said that Ben and Nathan can be pretty exclusive and want to play together and sometimes shut other kids out. Ouch. I really don't want Ben to be the mean kid and I know Nathan's mom (Stacey, whom I have become good friends with through Nathan and Ben...love that Ben is now introducing me to new friends!) doesn't want that either. We are going to work on the boys and encourage them to be kind and share their coolness with those around them. HA! Mrs. Carlson did share with us that Ben is a very strong reader, which we already guessed. He has passed all the kindergarten standards and is reading at a first grade level right now. She expects him to be at a second grade level by the end of the year. Ben LOVES reading, which thrills me to no end. I pray that he keeps this passion and I look forward to seeing him grow in his ability and love of reading. We are so proud of you, Ben. You are doing a wonderful job at school and we are glad that you have found a good friend in Nathan and hope you continue to be kind to others and continue to love school.