January 24, 2005 - Monday
I actually got Harry's Pre-Kindergarten evaluation last Friday afternoon, but didn't get to speak with Miss Maria about it until today. Although, even today the conversation was rather brief (I got the impression that Miss Angela did more of it). For the most part they listed Harry as average and age-appropriate in just about every way, with a few areas where he is listed as age-appropriate, but on the still developing side of that. Some of that I think I understand pretty well. They say he needs to work on like self-help & responsibility and social & emotional, as well as behaving in positive ways, following directions, taking responsibility, caring for personal needs, etc. I know, for example, that when Harry gets focused on what he wants or wants to be doing, he often doesn't pay enough attention to other suggestions, tries to rationalize them away, argue, or otherwise think about number one first. I kind of equate that with the slightly lower listening and following directions mark. But the thought that he doesn't "behave in socially responsible ways" is more surprising, as is not following routines and expectations (if that is different from not following directions). I have to wonder how much of that is the result of "pack behavior," trying to be friends with a group of young boys. Of course, if I'm reading this right, none of these are causes for great concern.

I did confirm that Harry being a "chatty" and "talkative" boy is a positive thing, rather than a distraction. I was surprised that they didn't say that Harry was better than average with his speech and language skills as every other of his teachers has done. Perhaps his early advantage is evening out in that regard.

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