[walnutmeg]

Wow, first of all I just want to say this thread has been so great to read. When we first adopted in '94 we didn't have this group to relate to and felt so alone!

We are currently adopting an 8 yr. old who has now turned 9. I am really praying to get her home before the end of the school year so I can get her "immersed" in learning English. Her hogar has an English tutor for her right now but when we visited in Nov. she really didn't know much at all.

I spoke with the principal at the kid's school. They have an ESL (English Second Language) program where she could go to a self contained classroom of ESL students. But, those students speak predominently Hmong so I don't really feel that would be the best place for her either.

I changed jobs this fall in anticipation of this adoption( I also used to be a teacher) My job is still within the school district but 60%(3 days a week) Technology Director. I love the job, but getting used to less money is still taking some getting used to. My DH travels alot for work so I needed more time at home to help manage the family! Anyways, I'm planning to take family leave when we bring Kaya home and go to school with her the first few weeks to help her get acclimated. (I speak a little Spanish) There is also a traveling ESL teacher that will be able to work with her 1 or 2 times a week. I also asked the school if some advanced high school Spanish students could come over and tutor her during this period and they thought this was a great idea, the students will be able to get credit for this as an independent study.

Finally I went out and bought Hooked on Phonics yesterday so I can work with her at home learning to read. My son adopted from Guat at 3 is in 3rd grade and has dyslexia so hopefully it will help him as well.

I hope this helps...It sure helped me to talk it through!

(We are getting new pictures this week...we should start a pic parade of our older kids!)

Lisa