Good Night

Last night was so good at my house. My youngest is actually eating more solid-like foods and seems much less apprehensive about swallowing choking. He got his homework and went to bed on time.  It wasn’t a perfect evening though. There were a couple of meltdowns, but I feel like I am responding (or not responding) to those better. It was a nice break after what felt like an all-consuming week to me. Here is my recap of the week and ASD trials with my 8w notations:

 Explore each of the 8W's. Click on the link for each of the Ws below to read about this aspect of inquiry.

§ Watching (Exploring) asks students to explore and become observers of their environment. It asks students to become more in tune to the world around them from family needs to global concerns.

§ Wondering (Questioning) focuses on brainstorming options, discussing ideas, identifying problems, and developing questions.

§ Webbing (Searching) directs students to locate, search for, and connect ideas and information. One piece of information may lead to new questions and areas of interest. Students select those resources that are relevant and organize them into meaningful clusters.

§ Wiggling (Evaluating) is often the toughest phase for students. They're often uncertain about what they've found and where they're going with a project. Wiggling involves evaluating content, along with twisting and turning information looking for clues, ideas, and perspectives.

§ Weaving (Synthesizing) consists of organizing ideas, creating models, and formulating plans. It focuses on the application, analysis, and synthesis of information.

§ Wrapping (Creating) involves creating and packaging ideas and solutions. Why is this important? Who needs to know about this? How can I effectively convey my ideas to others? Many packages get wrapped and rewrapped before they're given away.

§ Waving (Communicating) is communicating ideas to others through presenting, publishing, and sharing. Students share their ideas, try out new approaches, and ask for feedback.

§ Wishing (Assessing) is assessing, evaluating, and reflecting on the process and product. Students begin thinking about how the project went and consider possibilities for the future.  (Annette Lamb’s 8Ws)

Monday (Labor Day)—My youngest was still not eating. I continued to scour the Internet for information regarding ASD and fears. I did search some IUPUI databases for articles regarding the issue and found a few-I’m just sad for my son. He said he does want to eat things like pizza and chicken nuggets (yes, we’ve been bribing him with the foods he loves). He also said he feels like he can’t. We resolve to take him to see the pediatrician recommended first thing Tuesday. Watching, Wondering, Webbing

Tuesday—We saw the pediatrician first thing and she recommended Prozac. My husband I were disappointed that she didn’t spend more time talking to us about other options. She said that he’ll eat when he is hungry and advised us not to talk about his choking experience again. So…as soon as I got him off to school in the morning, I took a lot of action. I was calling and emailing pediatricians, school psychologists, teachers, searching online for books at my local library and the Temple Grandin movie. Yes, I probably went overboard that day, but I wasn’t sure what else to do. She even emailed me with support group information. In turn, I emailed the support group to learn how I RSVP for the meetings. Watching, Wondering, Webbing, Wiggling, Weaving, Wrapping

Wednesday—The school psychologist, ASD specialist, and teachers informed that we would sit down to a case conference next week. I believe the agenda includes Brandon’s anxiety and his reading skills. The great thing about Wednesday was the chance opportunity to talk to an acquaintance about the situation. Humans just need to vent sometimes and it was really helpful to me. Brandon is still only eating soup, pudding, and mashed potatoes in very small portions. Wondering, Webbing, Wiggling, Weaving, Wrapping

Thursday—Brandon had his best day at school yet (he didn’t mention feeling sick to his teacher once J) despite the fact he’s still on his normal diet. I took a trip to Indianapolis Marion County Public Library for the first time), got a card, and checked out the books that I had found when I was searching on Tuesday. Watching, Wondering, Webbing, Wiggling, Wrapping

Friday—Received email regarding the support group. I plan to attend their next meeting on Sept. 16^th. Weaving, Wrapping

Saturday and Sunday—Same old diet for Brandon and I have been reading tips to try to get him to branch out and eat more solid foods. Watching, Wondering

I am beginning the process of weaving and waving as I have come to some conclusions and revisited prior conclusions in this recursive project. I feel like been wishing throughout the process as well.