From Badges to Goals: A Girl Scout’s Adventures in Soccer, Nature and Thriving with an IEP
I wanted to write a blog about a well-rounded and kind person who is very tuned into other people’s feelings. I wanted it to be about someone who needed a little help in one area. I thought of the perfect person and asked her mom if I could interview her about her daughter. Thankfully, she said yes, and I want to show you all the wonderful qualities this girl has and how an IEP can be a gift for some people.
As a high-energy kid, she plays soccer which is the perfect sport for her. She plays offense and has great ball control, and foot skills, and can strike the ball hard. She loves watching professional soccer on TV and her favorite team is Manchester City. Her favorite player is Messi. Read her mother’s answers and see how an IEP was the perfect solution for her daughter.
Q: What is one thing you wish teachers knew about your child that is not on the IEP?
A: Laurel is incredibly kind and really in tune to others’ feelings, emotions, and needs.
Q: Scores on tests do not define the child. What is something your child is really good at that is not reflected on tests?
A: Soccer!
Q: How important is homework for your child? Is it just a burden, or is it a helpful learning tool?
A: Homework is 100% a burden. Our children are in school 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. Besides reading a bit before bed, there is no way they need to come home and do a half hour to an hour’s work of homework in elementary school. They need downtime. Their brains need a rest. Laurel is busy with soccer practice 3 days a week as well. Honestly, homework is our last priority after the school day is finished.
Q: How old was your child when you first knew he/she might need some extra help?
A: Kindergarten, when she was just learning to read.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone who has a newly diagnosed child?
A: As their parent, you know your child best and are in tune with their needs. Do the best you can to help support your child, but don’t let it become a burden. Children learn at their own rates and in their own ways. Communication is key with your child, their teachers, school, etc.
Q: What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?
A: Meatballs, pizza, tacos, pasta, and fruit are our top…and ice cream for dessert. Sorry, I couldn’t name just one
Q: What advice do you have for parents wondering if their child should be on an I.E.P.?
A: Reach out to your child’s teacher and past teachers, especially if there is one teacher you’ve cultivated a relationship with and really trust. Any good teacher wants each child to succeed. Getting Laurel tested and on an IEP is 100% helping her gain confidence and succeed with her reading skills. It looks at her as an individual and makes accommodations to help her learn in the best way for her! Honestly, nothing is more personalized to your child’s individual learning needs than their IEP. It also holds the school and teachers accountable for helping meet your child’s needs.
Q: What activities do you recommend to other parents to foster self-care?
A: Get outside. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders for clearing your mind. I personally like to be active, whether walking, biking, or kayaking. Reading a good book always helps my mind escape and relax.
Q: Are there any support groups that you recommend for parents or children?
A: I personally am not a member of a group pertaining to children with IEPs, so I can’t speak to that.
Q: What are your favorite family activities?
A: Camping, soccer, riding bikes, hiking/walking, and reading books together. Recently this summer, fishing became pretty popular in our house. The kids and my husband play video games together as well.
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
A: I can honestly say that once Laurel received her IEP I felt a huge sense of relief that she will get curriculum and support catered to her specific learning needs. Standardized and reading tests instantly became less of a burden for her and her scores improved.