Nathan is in Chinese Immersion. It's his 2nd year and it's not easy. They have two teachers - one teachsuer does their Spelling and Reading in English, and then the other half-day they move to the classroom next door and their Chinese teacher does their Math and Science, but in Chinese. They end up learning the same things as "regular" school, but with Chinese thrown on top of it.
This last fall, we went to parent-teacher conference. His teachers had good feedback on Nathan.
When I got home, I pulled him into my lap and said, "Your teachers say you're doing really well. Your reading has improved, you do a good job with spelling and math. Your Chinese teacher says that when she calls on you, you always know the answer, even if you hadn't raised your hand. I'm really proud of you for working so hard and for doing your best."
He grinned, the special smile he does when he's thrilled and trying not to let it show. It's restrained but you can see in his eyes that he's bursting with joy.
"Will you tell me that again?" he said.
I snuggled him some more and told him the same words again.
He took a shower and got ready for bed. He came to me before bedtime and said, "Tell me again what my teachers said", still reveling in the news that he was succeeding.
The next morning, he came into my room before my alarm went off. He climbed into bed with me and said, "Mama, tell me again what a great day I'm going to have at school today!"
I try to tell them when they're doing well and praise them for trying. It was a good reminder that maybe there are never enough kind words rained on young, growing hearts.
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