As September comes to a close, it’s time to pause and reflect on the month’s activities, celebrate the wins, and consider the lessons learned. For us, this month has been a journey of discovery and growth, not just for Theodore, but for me as well. From learning more about his unique way of processing language to adapting our routine when things didn’t go exactly as planned, September was a month filled with progress.
This blog will review the goals we set at the start of the month, evaluate our progress, and share some exciting plans for October.
Discovering Theodore’s Learning Style
One of the biggest revelations this month was discovering that Theodore is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP). Simply put, GLP means that he learns language in chunks or “gestalts,” rather than picking up individual words first. Instead of learning words one by one, he memorizes phrases or whole sentences and breaks them down over time. Understanding this helps me better tailor our learning activities to his unique needs.
We also came to realize that his repetition of sounds and songs is actually echolalia, which is common in children learning language. Echolalia is when a child repeats what they hear, sometimes immediately and sometimes much later, as a way to process and learn language. It can be a positive tool for language development when properly supported.
Celebrating September’s Wins
Despite a few bumps along the way, we had a wonderfully productive month! One of Theodore’s biggest achievements was mastering the alphabet and counting not just from 1-10, but all the way to 20! 🎉 Seeing his excitement as he recognized letters and numbers made all the hard work worthwhile. These small victories add up to big progress in the long run.
Lessons Learned
While we had many wins, there were also moments where I felt things could have been better. One challenge we faced was not having an ideal outdoor space for Theodore to play and learn. The weather was scorching hot, and it often made outdoor activities uncomfortable. I’ve realized the importance of creating a space that’s both fun and safe for him, and that will be something I aim to improve going forward.
Adjusting the Plan
There were definitely days when we couldn’t stick to our learning plan—and that’s okay! I’ve learned to be flexible, especially on the days when Theodore wasn’t in the mood to sit down for structured activities. We’ve started incorporating his favorite toys into learning time, and that’s made a big difference. Whether it’s learning colors through toy cars or practicing numbers with his building blocks, I’ve found ways to blend playtime and learning, which has been a win-win for both of us.
Planning for October
October is just around the corner, and I’m so excited to dive into new themes and activities that I know Theodore will love. He’s recently become fascinated with pumpkins and the idea of trick-or-treating, so I’ll be preparing learning materials that focus on those themes. We’ll also be incorporating fall-themed crafts and maybe even a little Halloween fun into our routine!
A Gratitude Practice
As I look back on this month, one thing I’ve realized is how grateful I am for these moments with Theodore. The messes, the laughter, and even the challenges all form a part of this journey, and I wouldn’t trade any of it. I encourage you, fellow parents, to reflect on the past month and find something you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a new word your child learned or simply the fact that you made it through a tough day, every moment counts.
I’d love to hear about your own experiences this past month! What were your wins, lessons, and reflections? Feel free to share in the comments or connect with me on social media.
And if you’re looking for tools to help you reflect on your own journey, I’ve created a Reflection and Planning Worksheet that you can download for free on my Resources Page. Let’s keep learning and growing together—one day at a time.
