On Tuesday evening we went in to talk to Ibuki Sensei about Jolon. She'd mentioned the week before that he sometimes looked a little stressed or sad at school. I'd written in the notebook that he'd been acting up some at home and asked how he was at school. What she had to say was basically all good. There are certain times when he gets bored/frustrated like when long books are read and also when they sing songs, as he only knows the words to the short ones. Jolon loves school and never complains or says he doesn't want to go, so we know that whatever stress he has, it's not overwhelming. Our only real worry is that he'll start to think that he's not good academically and give up too easily. But she said that quite often they'll find him listening intently to their explanations, and sometimes he'll answer questions directed to the class. Recently they went on a field trip and the teachers reiterated the rules throughout the day. During the final assembly, Jolon, was the first to yell out what they were.

Ibuki offered to make a recording of the songs and give us a copy of the words, so we can listen at home with Jolon and learn them together. One day last week Kachiku Sensei was explaining something during assembly. Jan was there to pick up Jolon, he watched Jolon listening very carefully and straining to see the poster that Kachiku was writing on as she spoke. We asked Ibuki if Jolon could sit closer to the front, which might help him concentrate better and also see the board, book, etc. better because he probably depends on the pictures more than anyone else. She agreed that would be good, but said he always chooses to sit in the back...with some of good friends who are also prone to play rather than listen. She said the kids are free to sit where they want so maybe we could encourage him to choose to sit up front. We talked about it with him and the next day Jan saw him right up front! Not sure that will last but interesting that he remembered and did it. Ibuki went on to say lots of nice things about Jolon...he's kind and good at "rhythm," and his friends love him, even though he can be a bit rough with them sometimes. She met with us for more than 45 minutes, starting at 5:45, after what I'm sure was a very long day for her. We love both of his teachers so much.