First, it throws off his normal schedule. He is so used to his school routine. He is always the first one in class. He has his language arts time, science or social studies, lunch, math, recess and then the daily special (art, library, music, etc.) and going home. On a PSSA day, they have testing all morning and even one or two afternoons. No specials, but they do get recess.
Second, there is A LOT of reading and writing that has to be done. SJ has some trouble reading in his head, so his aide has to take him to another room to stop him from interfering with the other test taking students. The math days aren't so bad, but reading days are especially frustrating for him. He has to read passages and answer questions about the passage. Sometimes, they have to complete a writing prompt about the story as well. I have it in his IEP that his aide scribes for him. It is still his words, but she will write his answers for him. He has weak muscles in his fingertips (not uncommon with a child on the spectrum) and he complains terribly when he has to write extensively.
Third, he hates being pulled from the classroom. It is to his benefit, but he hates being singled out. He knows he is different, but he wants desperately to be one of the typical students. Hopefully at some point in his life, he will realize the teachers and aides did this to help him. Right now, he just knows that the pull-out time makes him special (and he definitely doesn't want to be special!).
Today is going to be a particularly long day for him. They are doubling up with the testing. Reading is in the morning and math is after lunch. I am hoping he is not too exhausted when he gets home. I may just have to get a treat for him for afterschool. What to get? What to get? Maybe a juicy drop pop. Always a favorite!
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