DS (8, almost 9) was diagnosed with ASD just last May, "just on the spectrum," we have since moved to a new place, and a new school needs to be chosen. DS has been in a French Immersion program since K (just finished grade 3), and he does well enough. Doesn't particularly care for it that much, but does ok. If we were still in the same location, we would probably have him continue, but here's the dilemma:
#1 school is closer...he could walk to and from, and maybe even come home for lunch sometimes. It's a small school, only about 250 kids K-6, which is kind of nice. The issue is that there is no French Immersion, which wouldn't matter that much if he didn't have to take French at all. In this school, though, Grade 4 is when the children start to take French, and DS would be required to be in the same class. I asked when I toured the place, what would that look like for DS...would he be given work more appropriate to his level, and what would that work look like, and she said "that would be up to the teacher, I guess." "He can't opt out of French, but French is not a requirement in Alberta." If anyone can figure out what that statement means, let me know, lol!
#2 school is across town, he would have to be bussed, probably anywhere up to 1/2 hour. It's a little bigger school, dual track, also K-6, can't remember exactly how many kids there. It looked a little chaotic to me when we were there, but it was June, and I think things are generally chaotic in June wherever you are! DS said it looked "fun" as there were some open areas where older kids were doing art projects, and the library was open to the hallway and kids ere in there. He didn't even see any kids at the other school! In the past, DS has had bus problems...not staying in his seat, not keeping hands to himself, seems just "bothered" by the whole thing, and he doesn't like the smell of busses (old apple core smell...I remember it well!). He was down to his "third strike" on the bus in Grade 2, so I just started driving him, as by this time he was sort of "tagged" as an offender, and drove him last year as well. It was just easier that way! He might be better able to handle it now that he's older.
Really, I like the idea of him being in school #1, but the whole French thing stops me up every time. If I could just get some clarification on what exactly DS would be doing during this class, it would put my mind at ease! One thing people keep saying when I talk about whether to put DS in FI or not is, "Ohhhh, FI must be so difficult for him!" Is there something I'm not seeing here, as a mom just learning about ASD? Is it exceedingly hard for him, do you think? I considered pulling him out of FI after Grade 1, just because he wasn't interested, and his teacher talked me out of it. She said, oh he's so smart, and I really think that he needs the challenge!
Anyway, I'm sorry that this got so long. I guess I just wonder if anyone has any insight or experience with this in the context of ASD, that would tip the scale! TIA!
#1 school is closer...he could walk to and from, and maybe even come home for lunch sometimes. It's a small school, only about 250 kids K-6, which is kind of nice. The issue is that there is no French Immersion, which wouldn't matter that much if he didn't have to take French at all. In this school, though, Grade 4 is when the children start to take French, and DS would be required to be in the same class. I asked when I toured the place, what would that look like for DS...would he be given work more appropriate to his level, and what would that work look like, and she said "that would be up to the teacher, I guess." "He can't opt out of French, but French is not a requirement in Alberta." If anyone can figure out what that statement means, let me know, lol!
#2 school is across town, he would have to be bussed, probably anywhere up to 1/2 hour. It's a little bigger school, dual track, also K-6, can't remember exactly how many kids there. It looked a little chaotic to me when we were there, but it was June, and I think things are generally chaotic in June wherever you are! DS said it looked "fun" as there were some open areas where older kids were doing art projects, and the library was open to the hallway and kids ere in there. He didn't even see any kids at the other school! In the past, DS has had bus problems...not staying in his seat, not keeping hands to himself, seems just "bothered" by the whole thing, and he doesn't like the smell of busses (old apple core smell...I remember it well!). He was down to his "third strike" on the bus in Grade 2, so I just started driving him, as by this time he was sort of "tagged" as an offender, and drove him last year as well. It was just easier that way! He might be better able to handle it now that he's older.
Really, I like the idea of him being in school #1, but the whole French thing stops me up every time. If I could just get some clarification on what exactly DS would be doing during this class, it would put my mind at ease! One thing people keep saying when I talk about whether to put DS in FI or not is, "Ohhhh, FI must be so difficult for him!" Is there something I'm not seeing here, as a mom just learning about ASD? Is it exceedingly hard for him, do you think? I considered pulling him out of FI after Grade 1, just because he wasn't interested, and his teacher talked me out of it. She said, oh he's so smart, and I really think that he needs the challenge!
Anyway, I'm sorry that this got so long. I guess I just wonder if anyone has any insight or experience with this in the context of ASD, that would tip the scale! TIA!
