A Good Report

Tia Pachi with Isabel

Tia Pachi with Mati and friend

Yesterday, I had an end of the year conference with Isabel’s teacher. She gave me such a good report on Isabel’s progress! The word she used over and over to describe Isabel was “perseverante” (persevering.) The following are some highlights of our conversation.

Isabel works hard and diligently to complete her work, insisting on finishing no matter how long it takes and trying hard to do her very best. She is quite independent and does not like to accept help from others.

Isabel is very aware and sensitive to what is going on around her. She seeks verbal affirmation of her work. Tasks requiring fine motor skills (cutting, holding a pencil properly, etc.) are difficult for her due to her CP but she pushes herself to do a good job.

It was already our intention to do so, but her teacher encouraged us to evaluate Isabel carefully after next semester in order to decide whether she should continue on to first grade in the American system or complete another semester of kindergarten. She feels that for Isabel’s emotional well-being, she needs to be on par with the other children concerning her abilities to complete schoolwork. (If she were a little older than some of her classmates, it might level the playing field as far as her physical abilities.)

Isabel’s teacher commented over and over about the impression Isabel has made on her with her diligence and perseverance, and her sweet nature. Except for first thing in the morning – her teacher says Isabel arrives “muy enojada” (very angry) most mornings and practically growls at everyone but “después se le pasa” (then it goes away!) I think we have a non-morning person on our hands! (:

I am very proud of our little girl who has had many obstacles to overcome and faces each one with determination to succeed. We love her and are so thankful for our Isabel Hope!