Just to let you all know that we're doing well. I lost internet access shortly after yesterday's 'slow as a slug' post, and only just got back on.

Salamander completed his 3rd session at Lindamood-Bell today and he's LOVING IT. He can't wait to get there, and as soon as we walk in he is ready to work. No stalling, no avoidance behaviors, no excessive talking - he has found himself a cozy nook in the loft of the building (the center is set up like a big cozy family room in a farm house; all kinds of fun nooks and crannies that the kids can pick from to do their work in), and he gets 'in the zone'. He didn't even notice me leaving today (as I had to step out for a bit in an attempt to find internet access somewhere).

He is working FAST through the various assignments - some of the skills we are working on are typically taught in 2nd and 3rd grade, and Salamander obviously missed solidly mastering these skills the first time around. And while it is hard work for him, things are starting to make more sense for him. And oh my, that whole piece of being able to visualize a word in your mind? I had the pleasure of watching that process start to take place.

I spoke with the center director for a bit as to how Salamander has been doing so far, and all the therapists that have worked with him so far already are heads over heels in love with him. And they are very impressed with how hard he works and how motivated he is. The center director commented that Salamander has two things going for him: that insanely high verbal IQ of his and the vocabulary to match, and NO behavioral issues (you hear that world-at-large? My Salamander is doing school/reading work that is very hard for him WITHOUT behavioral issues!!!). And because the therapists don't have to spend time managing behaviors, they expect him to progress fairly quickly (if he stays this focused and motivated).

COOL!!!

Salamander commented today, as we left: "Mom, these ladies are really good teachers!". I'll have to tease out a bit more exactly what he meant by that. For now he obviously feels comfortable there; and oh my, every time he collects more 'stones and points' for his score cards (he gets to trade completed score cards in for prizes at the end of the week), he positively GLOWS, his grin lights up the room and he grows 2 feet taller. Think Cheshire Cat; that's how big he is smiling!!

At home I am noticing some subtle differences in his approaches and feelings about reading too. He is shifting from 'reading being a chore and something to be avoided at all cost' to 'reading is fun, reading is something you can do FOR fun."

I so hope this continues.. he needs that boost to his self confidence. He needs to realize that he is NOT stupid, but that that big brain of his requires different approaches. That's all.

We have two more sessions this week; tomorrow and Friday. And on Friday I'll be able to sit in on part of a session, plus I'll be sitting down with Salamander's managing therapist to talk about what's been happening this week. I am looking forward to it.

[one kinda sad thing did happen when we left the Lindamood-Bell center today. Go here]


OK, gotta get out of the house. It's time for me to get to one of my client's and get several 'paying' work hours in.