Okay, Frances!

Today was the end of the second week back at the Gray School. So far, so good.

Narrative comprehension: We had another little break-through today! We were reading our abridged version of "Bedtime for Frances" again. At the part where Frances gets out of bed, the Lark said in a playful-scolding voice, "Okay, Frances!" This is a level of involvement in a story that is brand-new for the Lark.

Imitation: The Lark was very engaged during our spring dance-songs. Here are some signs that all of the imitation activities we do are helping:

1. The Lark has picked up some expressive gestures that he never used before. For example, when he's enumerating something, he sticks out the fingers on one hand and, with the index finger of the other hand, he touches one finger at a time as he lists the items. Also, the other day, he pointed to his head to show that he was thinking.

2. The Lark mirrors my intonation and facial gestures in a very pro-social way when we're talking. For instance, we were having a conversation about all the things we could do during our upcoming trip to Miami. I said, "We can go to the be-each," with a rising intonation, and he responded, "We can swim in the poo-ool," with the same intonation and expression.

These things are more important than any specific skill.