The Presidential Truth Comes Out

Mike and I spent a very fun 30 minutes with Miles' teacher yesterday. I mean, what could be better than hearing great things and funny stories about your child? Since this blog is the one place I now store all of these precious memories, here are few highlights:

Election Day
On school election day, Miles' teacher hung up pictures of the candidates and told the kids about the election process. Someone asked how to tell the candidates apart. She told them that if they 'looked closely' they should be able to see differences. She said Miles immediately raised his hand and announced to the class "I really like Barack Obama because he has big ears!" He then proceeded to the art center where he drew a picture of Obama and then single-handedly led the class in a "Go Barack Obama!" chant (raise the roof style). Love the passion -- regardless of the way he determined his presidential choice!

Hats
Miles' teacher told us that how much he loves art. She said a lot of the kids in the class love art this year -- but she said that Miles loves art all-the-time. She said that many of the kids love art during their "center time", but Miles spends a lot of time on his drawings when he's doing in class assignments, etc.. She also said that whenever the have "open center time", he usually selects the art center and she said that recently he's taken to making hats. She said that he first draws/cuts out a picture which becomes the front emblem for the hat, then he cuts strips of paper and staples them together until they all fit around his head. She said he'll often make one in the morning and wear it all day. She said that he has started a trend of kids wanting to make hats just like his. Love it!

Math
Turns out that Miles has quite an aptitude for mathematical concepts -- another characteristic to make him a mini-Mike. I'd better get studying if I'm going to help him with his homework while Mike's on the road (either that or we'll need to invest in some video-cams by 3rd grade!).

Spot Sound Challenge
I wrote in an earlier post about Miles' earning the Spot Sound Challenge (demonstrating knowledge of all of the letter sounds). Miles' teacher said that Miles was the student most excited about accomplishing the challenge. She said that its the first year that she's given out medals (she used to give our stickers) and that Miles will often arrive to classroom in the morning wearing it (he keeps it in his book bag). She was beaming when she told us (so excited that her teaching/testing method had such an exciting impact on Miles, I think).

Standing His Ground
Miles' teacher told us that he has really come out of his shell since school started, which is great to hear. She also said that he gets along with everyone but is definitely not the type of kid that will be pushed into doing something that he doesn't want to do. She said, "oh...Miles will stand his ground!" Hallelujah!

It was the only conference we'll have all year...from now on we'll just be getting report cards (report cards?!). Hard to believe how quickly Miles is growing up...but so much to be thankful for.