Thanks everyone for the thoughts. Always very helpful.
One thing that has occurred to me since then... I wonder if the teacher is just celebrating what she feels she can bring to his day and to his year in school. Maybe she is telling us as his teacher one of her goals is to get him to be a little silly and explore that side of himself more?
I should point out English is her second language (and she teaches in Spanish) so some of the things she says I have to remind myself not to read too much from the tone or wording...
On the other points raised -- I think I know him well. I did ask if it was causing any problems in class or socially and she said no, so I think it's okay.
He's such a neat kid. He really, really is.
I wish everyone could see his silly playful side, but he saves that for home. The same night I wrote this original post I was trying to get a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree... could. not. do. it. The first one he turned around and stuck his tush out at the last minute.
The next one he was dancing. And so on and so on. Cracking up. Some kids are just shy and reserved in class. Surely his teacher is aware this is the case?
I think I'm feeling better about it now. Regardless she seems to care about him and she has been a very involved, flexible teacher in terms of his strengths and needs in the classroom. I really am grateful for her.
