It's been a while, as my sister pointed out on my Facebook page ;) So here is my latest update!
Things seem to be going really well (KNOCK ON WOOD) in my classroom! L is pushing out in Gen Ed for Math in the afternoon now, so he spends about 2-3 hours out, which is an improvement! M will be pushed out more after Christmas break. C is doing just fine with the amount of time he spends out, and R is actually coming back to me more for some one-on-one. I think, for the moment, I am pleased with where we are at :)
Some days I really fear that most of my time is spent with Behavior Management, rather than instructing the boys... By some days I mean most days. I brought this up during my Team Meeting and some of the other professionals in the Special Ed department assured me that I can only teach as much as the kids let me, unless I set higher expectations. I HAVE high expectations for these kiddos, but I think it would be wise to let THEM know what I expect, and maybe they'll work harder to meet them :) All I can do is try!
I guess that is all for now! I am Specially Educated because I have wonderful people who support me, both in the school and out of the school. I feel truly blessed!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The BIG C Word
Today I am in complete AWE of how I was Specially Educated.
Back in August my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. 4% of the sample they tested turned out to be cancerous. It's a miracle HOW we were informed of his cancer, but it was a blessing to find it so early, allowing him to have more time and options to consider what the next step would be.
A few weeks ago he had 12 more samples taken and sent out for testing. We were informed of three (I think?) possible outcomes: The cancer could have been removed in the previous surgery (where we found out about the cancer), he could go through Radiation Therapy, or could have his Prostate completely removed. Needless to say, the waiting hasn't been easy.
Yesterday, my mom and dad went for his appointment to find out what news they had for him. I'm beside myself with happiness to say that the option I almost completely discounted has become true: MY DAD IS CANCER FREE :) All 12 of the samples came back negative!
When they first told me about this I didn't cry at all, which is odd for me. I guess I feel that I wanted to be INFORMED about what I was crying over. I did have a dream that he had a heart attack that he didn't live through, and woke up sobbing.
Tonight, I was Specially Educated when I realized that I was more worried than I could have imagined, and I didn't know until relief washed over me so quickly and so strong that I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I went to the bathroom and cried quietly, then wiped my face to come back into the living room where Dale was. When he asked what was wrong I completely lost it... I was sobbing with relief and fear... just the idea of my dad fighting something so unpredictable as the Big C humbles me. He has been so strong in keeping a great mindset and not letting it get him down. My mom has been so strong in supporting him. The two of them chose to tell us the news in such a promising, uplifting way and I couldn't appreciate them more for it. Today I learned that sometimes you just have to internalize what you're feeling, but that eventually it all catches up for you. I know that in my teaching sometimes I just have to laugh so that I don't cry, smile so that I don't scream, and shrug so that I don't throw an adult-sized child tantrum.
MY DAD IS CANCER FREE. I can't say that enough :)
Back in August my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. 4% of the sample they tested turned out to be cancerous. It's a miracle HOW we were informed of his cancer, but it was a blessing to find it so early, allowing him to have more time and options to consider what the next step would be.
A few weeks ago he had 12 more samples taken and sent out for testing. We were informed of three (I think?) possible outcomes: The cancer could have been removed in the previous surgery (where we found out about the cancer), he could go through Radiation Therapy, or could have his Prostate completely removed. Needless to say, the waiting hasn't been easy.
Yesterday, my mom and dad went for his appointment to find out what news they had for him. I'm beside myself with happiness to say that the option I almost completely discounted has become true: MY DAD IS CANCER FREE :) All 12 of the samples came back negative!
When they first told me about this I didn't cry at all, which is odd for me. I guess I feel that I wanted to be INFORMED about what I was crying over. I did have a dream that he had a heart attack that he didn't live through, and woke up sobbing.
Tonight, I was Specially Educated when I realized that I was more worried than I could have imagined, and I didn't know until relief washed over me so quickly and so strong that I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I went to the bathroom and cried quietly, then wiped my face to come back into the living room where Dale was. When he asked what was wrong I completely lost it... I was sobbing with relief and fear... just the idea of my dad fighting something so unpredictable as the Big C humbles me. He has been so strong in keeping a great mindset and not letting it get him down. My mom has been so strong in supporting him. The two of them chose to tell us the news in such a promising, uplifting way and I couldn't appreciate them more for it. Today I learned that sometimes you just have to internalize what you're feeling, but that eventually it all catches up for you. I know that in my teaching sometimes I just have to laugh so that I don't cry, smile so that I don't scream, and shrug so that I don't throw an adult-sized child tantrum.
MY DAD IS CANCER FREE. I can't say that enough :)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Oh, that would be gre.....WHAAAAAAAT???"
Today I was Specially Educated when my principal (who has been quoted saying, "I'm extremely uncomfortable and don't like being in the Special Ed rooms.) said to me today that he would love to help out in any way possible, even in deescalating a student when they're having a meltdown. When he said this, I was about shocked out of his office!!!! I was thinking, "Oh, that would be gre.....WHAAAAAAAT???"
SHOCKED.
I also learned that when a student kicks you and yells at you to "SHUT UP!!!" it kind of feels good to be the bad guy... I'm hoping after spending the entire day fighting with me, throwing his pencil at me AND/OR his peers, kicking me, screaming in my face, ripping things out of my hand... I'll stop the list there... maybe he's learned that behavior like that doesn't get him the results he wants.
Must. Be. Consistent.
I was supposed to be observed teaching tomorrow by my principal for the first time and (surprise) it was canceled... So much for my extra planning and work. Some other time, I guess.
SHOCKED.
I also learned that when a student kicks you and yells at you to "SHUT UP!!!" it kind of feels good to be the bad guy... I'm hoping after spending the entire day fighting with me, throwing his pencil at me AND/OR his peers, kicking me, screaming in my face, ripping things out of my hand... I'll stop the list there... maybe he's learned that behavior like that doesn't get him the results he wants.
Must. Be. Consistent.
I was supposed to be observed teaching tomorrow by my principal for the first time and (surprise) it was canceled... So much for my extra planning and work. Some other time, I guess.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Parent/Teacher Conferences
I have had 3/4 Parent/Teacher conferences already this week and I am (exhausted) thrilled with how they have gone :) The Speech Therapist was sitting in on my first EVER Conference as a real teacher and she said that "it's one of the best conferences she has sat in on" :) YES! I simply started with the positive: "Your child's strengths are...", moved on to IEP Goals: progress so far and if we have reached the goal yet, and finished with things we are currently working on/things to continue to work on.
The parents seem to respond well to my comments and ideas, and one set of parents (that I see regularly) even kindly asked me how things are going as a first year teaching, and reassured me that they are grateful for what I do every day with their son :)
My strep throat has seemed to clear up faster than I expected, but two of my kiddos were sick last week, plus my parapro and his wife and two kids ALSO have strep throat... seems to be going around. We sent home notes today about pink eye, so hopefully that one doesn't make its rounds in my room...... oh no!
This week I have been Specially Educated in realizing that no matter how unprepared and nervous I feel, the parents of my students KNOW their kids and know WHY they are in the Basic classroom. They are appreciative of anything I attempt to do to help their students progress emotionally, behaviorally, and academically, and I am increasingly grateful for having such supportive parents for my students. I am TRULY blessed in this classroom, and I only hope and pray for many more years right where I'm at!!!
The parents seem to respond well to my comments and ideas, and one set of parents (that I see regularly) even kindly asked me how things are going as a first year teaching, and reassured me that they are grateful for what I do every day with their son :)
My strep throat has seemed to clear up faster than I expected, but two of my kiddos were sick last week, plus my parapro and his wife and two kids ALSO have strep throat... seems to be going around. We sent home notes today about pink eye, so hopefully that one doesn't make its rounds in my room...... oh no!
This week I have been Specially Educated in realizing that no matter how unprepared and nervous I feel, the parents of my students KNOW their kids and know WHY they are in the Basic classroom. They are appreciative of anything I attempt to do to help their students progress emotionally, behaviorally, and academically, and I am increasingly grateful for having such supportive parents for my students. I am TRULY blessed in this classroom, and I only hope and pray for many more years right where I'm at!!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
If you have not seen this movie, you must. It's magical. Cuddling on the couch under the comforter with the hubby was the perfect end to a dreadful day (and that's a LOT of prepositional phrases in one sentence). This movie was just icing on the cake. He must have secretly known that I needed it.
Today Specially Educated me in a different way than I expected.
Dale Specially Educated me by unknowingly knowing just what I needed. A sweet, thoughtful movie that I love. A nice and easy cry. Cuddles. He's a new man to me every day and I love discovering new layers to him.
L Specially Educated me with the knowledge that I hope to NEVER see another booger again in my life after today... GROSS! Poor kiddo has been sick all week and his mom really toyed with the idea of keeping him home again today. I was SO excited to see him this morning! As the day progressed, the Gym teacher (maybe I should call her the Grinch?) alerted everyone she knew how horribly disgusting L is because after he attended gym class with his Gen Ed class, "there were boogers and snot ALL OVER the parachute..." The Music teacher tolerated him for about 5 minutes before sending him back because his fingers never left his nose. Poor sick kiddo. When I would catch him with his finger up his nose I would make him get a tissue. He then proceeded to place the tissue delicately over his finger, put it BACK up his nose, and pull it out slowly so as to make the booger stick to it (sorry, graphic?), stretch between his nose and the tissue, and then he would wiggle the tissue around in hopes to "make it fly out of his nose."
Boys.
At our last staff meeting (to backpedal a bit) R's Gen Ed teacher wondered out loud why he wasn't on her class list since he spends a lot of time in her room, so my principal decided to jump the gun and suggest he be moved to the Resource Room and told me to call the Special Ed Director (SED) to tell him we are thinking in that direction. Immediately the SED shot an email back saying, "When? Why? Who will observe him?" and I just thought UGH... it was an idea. Let's see.
Every Thursday the Special Ed Team for my school meets in my classroom at lunchtime to discuss "issues" with our caseload. Today, the Social Worker suggested that we discuss R (which made me forget what I REALLY wanted to share with the team...) so we did. The Special Ed Program Coordinator (if that's what her title is really called?) said that there is an unspoken rule, according to the SED, that kids on the Basic Room caseload should spend at least half the day in the Basic Classroom. I was completely unaware of this not-rule, and immediately felt like an idiot, and felt like I completely messed up. By following instructions by my immediate boss (the principal) I upset my more distant boss (SED), and was told that I should not have told the SED at all, and that the Special Ed Program Coordinator should have heard it first so as to avoid this fiasco. WELL. I must say, I wish these "unspoken rules" would have been SPOKEN to me, seeing as I'm new and make enough mistakes without being blindsided. Also, we of course had to discuss this "inadequacy" (in my words) in front of the entire team, which embarrassed/frustrated/disheartened me more. After Team I sent out an email to the Special Ed Program Coordinator and R's Gen Ed teacher saying that I apparently messed up, wished that I had been told sooner/in a private setting, and that I intend to fix it and learn to better support R in Gen Ed, whether or not it be in my room as a Quasi-Resource Room Teacher, or support him in the transition into the actual Resource Room.
This Specially Educated me into realizing that rather than step on the toes of administrators, the only appropriate thing to do is squash my OWN toes and bear the stress and frustration.
Today was almost the second day I cried at school. Three times during the day/right after school I teared up but decided to suck it up and deal with it like a big girl.
So... since my life is an occasion, I am stepping up to it and making it as magical as I can. Even though I'm frustrated.
Thank God for my wonderful husband, mentor (Joni), and the Social Worker for taking care of me and letting me be frustrated.
Today Specially Educated me in a different way than I expected.
Dale Specially Educated me by unknowingly knowing just what I needed. A sweet, thoughtful movie that I love. A nice and easy cry. Cuddles. He's a new man to me every day and I love discovering new layers to him.
L Specially Educated me with the knowledge that I hope to NEVER see another booger again in my life after today... GROSS! Poor kiddo has been sick all week and his mom really toyed with the idea of keeping him home again today. I was SO excited to see him this morning! As the day progressed, the Gym teacher (maybe I should call her the Grinch?) alerted everyone she knew how horribly disgusting L is because after he attended gym class with his Gen Ed class, "there were boogers and snot ALL OVER the parachute..." The Music teacher tolerated him for about 5 minutes before sending him back because his fingers never left his nose. Poor sick kiddo. When I would catch him with his finger up his nose I would make him get a tissue. He then proceeded to place the tissue delicately over his finger, put it BACK up his nose, and pull it out slowly so as to make the booger stick to it (sorry, graphic?), stretch between his nose and the tissue, and then he would wiggle the tissue around in hopes to "make it fly out of his nose."
Boys.
At our last staff meeting (to backpedal a bit) R's Gen Ed teacher wondered out loud why he wasn't on her class list since he spends a lot of time in her room, so my principal decided to jump the gun and suggest he be moved to the Resource Room and told me to call the Special Ed Director (SED) to tell him we are thinking in that direction. Immediately the SED shot an email back saying, "When? Why? Who will observe him?" and I just thought UGH... it was an idea. Let's see.
Every Thursday the Special Ed Team for my school meets in my classroom at lunchtime to discuss "issues" with our caseload. Today, the Social Worker suggested that we discuss R (which made me forget what I REALLY wanted to share with the team...) so we did. The Special Ed Program Coordinator (if that's what her title is really called?) said that there is an unspoken rule, according to the SED, that kids on the Basic Room caseload should spend at least half the day in the Basic Classroom. I was completely unaware of this not-rule, and immediately felt like an idiot, and felt like I completely messed up. By following instructions by my immediate boss (the principal) I upset my more distant boss (SED), and was told that I should not have told the SED at all, and that the Special Ed Program Coordinator should have heard it first so as to avoid this fiasco. WELL. I must say, I wish these "unspoken rules" would have been SPOKEN to me, seeing as I'm new and make enough mistakes without being blindsided. Also, we of course had to discuss this "inadequacy" (in my words) in front of the entire team, which embarrassed/frustrated/disheartened me more. After Team I sent out an email to the Special Ed Program Coordinator and R's Gen Ed teacher saying that I apparently messed up, wished that I had been told sooner/in a private setting, and that I intend to fix it and learn to better support R in Gen Ed, whether or not it be in my room as a Quasi-Resource Room Teacher, or support him in the transition into the actual Resource Room.
This Specially Educated me into realizing that rather than step on the toes of administrators, the only appropriate thing to do is squash my OWN toes and bear the stress and frustration.
Today was almost the second day I cried at school. Three times during the day/right after school I teared up but decided to suck it up and deal with it like a big girl.
So... since my life is an occasion, I am stepping up to it and making it as magical as I can. Even though I'm frustrated.
Thank God for my wonderful husband, mentor (Joni), and the Social Worker for taking care of me and letting me be frustrated.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Special Throw-Up ;)
Some days I sit down and it's hard to make all of my thoughts into a streamlined, understandable idea. So...... here is my day. It's like I'm throwing up ideas ;) It's like breakfast/lunch/dinner bits everywhere!
No L today :( Again. Super sad and super anxious... Parent/Teacher conferences are next week and I have a PILE of assessments that his Gen Ed teacher wants me to get done with him before conferences, but so far this week I have had no little boy to assess!!!!!
Today I feel I was Specially Educated because I again realize that every moment is teachable, and that at any moment, each of my kiddos is going to try to control a situation to come out the way he wants it to. Eek! For example...
M is still making up rules (in his head) at recess and getting ticked when whoever is playing with him does it "wrong". He is SO language impaired that when I asked him, "Don't you think it is nicer to ask politely for something rather than yelling at someone?" and he replied with, "No." So I continued with, "Do you like it when other kids yell at you and don't want to play with you?" with which he replied, "Yes!" Ugh... In this situation, he is NOT trying to control everything. I realized that (unfortunately) M doesn't even understand what the word Nice means. Teach, teach, teach! I wish I could record or take a picture of every moment during the day so that I could label it for M, so when in a similar situation I can pull out those words and pictures and explain something better. If only, right?
R, who I never get to see anymore because he is in Gen Ed so much (YAY!) seems to always find a way to manipulate the system. He seems to talk his way out of projects in Gen Ed so that he can attend more Specials with our class instead of doing his work (which is a new schedule we transitioned him into recently). Today, instead of starting a book report, his Gen Ed teacher suggested he come to our Computer Lab instead, which frustrated me to begin with. When we go to the Computer Lab, I have the boys play on www.abcya.com for 10-15 minutes so that they get SOMETHING educational out of the screen time. Well, R thinks this is the worst, stupidest idea (yes, he told me this in other words) that he's ever heard of, and grumbles the whole time, incessantly asking when he can switch to Free Choice. Today, he kept shouting, "Oh my God!" After the second time, I asked him to stop saying that because it was inappropriate for school. We went over what WOULD be appropriate instead: "Oh no!", "Oh my gosh!", etc. When he continued to say it, I said that he would have to speak appropriately to stay in the computer lab with us, which turned his attitude around. Once back in my classroom, he saw that he earned Gold Star Prize for being on Gold level. He chose a squishy material ball that you play with in the water, put it to his mouth, looked me directly in the eyes, and shouted, "OH MY GOD!" I was frustrated, asked him why he said this, and he couldn't come up with an answer. My take is that when I controlled the Computer Lab situation (having them play educational games), he felt the need to control something else by shouting something I deemed inappropriate. I realize now that I was reacting to this statement, which is what he wanted, but I learned from it.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Hopefully L will be back. I actually miss him :)
No L today :( Again. Super sad and super anxious... Parent/Teacher conferences are next week and I have a PILE of assessments that his Gen Ed teacher wants me to get done with him before conferences, but so far this week I have had no little boy to assess!!!!!
Today I feel I was Specially Educated because I again realize that every moment is teachable, and that at any moment, each of my kiddos is going to try to control a situation to come out the way he wants it to. Eek! For example...
M is still making up rules (in his head) at recess and getting ticked when whoever is playing with him does it "wrong". He is SO language impaired that when I asked him, "Don't you think it is nicer to ask politely for something rather than yelling at someone?" and he replied with, "No." So I continued with, "Do you like it when other kids yell at you and don't want to play with you?" with which he replied, "Yes!" Ugh... In this situation, he is NOT trying to control everything. I realized that (unfortunately) M doesn't even understand what the word Nice means. Teach, teach, teach! I wish I could record or take a picture of every moment during the day so that I could label it for M, so when in a similar situation I can pull out those words and pictures and explain something better. If only, right?
R, who I never get to see anymore because he is in Gen Ed so much (YAY!) seems to always find a way to manipulate the system. He seems to talk his way out of projects in Gen Ed so that he can attend more Specials with our class instead of doing his work (which is a new schedule we transitioned him into recently). Today, instead of starting a book report, his Gen Ed teacher suggested he come to our Computer Lab instead, which frustrated me to begin with. When we go to the Computer Lab, I have the boys play on www.abcya.com for 10-15 minutes so that they get SOMETHING educational out of the screen time. Well, R thinks this is the worst, stupidest idea (yes, he told me this in other words) that he's ever heard of, and grumbles the whole time, incessantly asking when he can switch to Free Choice. Today, he kept shouting, "Oh my God!" After the second time, I asked him to stop saying that because it was inappropriate for school. We went over what WOULD be appropriate instead: "Oh no!", "Oh my gosh!", etc. When he continued to say it, I said that he would have to speak appropriately to stay in the computer lab with us, which turned his attitude around. Once back in my classroom, he saw that he earned Gold Star Prize for being on Gold level. He chose a squishy material ball that you play with in the water, put it to his mouth, looked me directly in the eyes, and shouted, "OH MY GOD!" I was frustrated, asked him why he said this, and he couldn't come up with an answer. My take is that when I controlled the Computer Lab situation (having them play educational games), he felt the need to control something else by shouting something I deemed inappropriate. I realize now that I was reacting to this statement, which is what he wanted, but I learned from it.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Hopefully L will be back. I actually miss him :)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Rollercoaster Tuesday
M came in today (after missing school yesterday) just as cheery as usual. He's always quick to bring a smile to my face shouting, "Hello! I am here!" when he walks through my classroom door.
This joy was brought to a quick, immediate stop when he saw the word "November" posted in various places around the room. He then came to this conclusion: It CANNOT be November because I did not get to wear my costume to school. Randomly throughout the day M would lose it, melting down about the fact that it can't be November now because October 31 means he gets to be part of the Costume Parade, and we have a Halloween party, but he wasn't there for it. He couldn't rationalize that the day was gone and over, and couldn't be brought back.
M was just in a funk all day since that. At recess he started screaming at Mr. G for kicking the football instead of tossing it to him (apparently M's rules are that Mr. G tosses it and M kicks it back, and that Mr. G is NOT allowed to kick it), and then when Mr. G tossed it to him and M missed catching it, he started screaming AGAIN that Mr. G was being mean and that he wasn't playing correctly. The language impairment really got in his way because he just couldn't rationalize that there were no set rules to the game, as well as the idea that Mr. G did not throw the ball too far on purpose just to make M miss. Ugh.
Sadly, L was not at school again today. I'm hoping to see his sweet little face in the morning.
This morning I was Specially Educated when going to my first official meeting with the mother of a student, the social worker, caseworker, therapist, and someone who I am not sure of her profession. I learned that some times the right thing to do is not what you think is best for the student, and you have to do your best to be a professional rather than fighting against something that you fear will be detrimental to a student. I want to believe that people can change (which is why I am in this profession; to help my students become more than others believe they can) but the past is giving me cause to be extremely concerned. Prayer and documentation will help to make the right situation for the child, and hopefully things will work out the way they are supposed to.
This was a hard lesson to learn.
This joy was brought to a quick, immediate stop when he saw the word "November" posted in various places around the room. He then came to this conclusion: It CANNOT be November because I did not get to wear my costume to school. Randomly throughout the day M would lose it, melting down about the fact that it can't be November now because October 31 means he gets to be part of the Costume Parade, and we have a Halloween party, but he wasn't there for it. He couldn't rationalize that the day was gone and over, and couldn't be brought back.
M was just in a funk all day since that. At recess he started screaming at Mr. G for kicking the football instead of tossing it to him (apparently M's rules are that Mr. G tosses it and M kicks it back, and that Mr. G is NOT allowed to kick it), and then when Mr. G tossed it to him and M missed catching it, he started screaming AGAIN that Mr. G was being mean and that he wasn't playing correctly. The language impairment really got in his way because he just couldn't rationalize that there were no set rules to the game, as well as the idea that Mr. G did not throw the ball too far on purpose just to make M miss. Ugh.
Sadly, L was not at school again today. I'm hoping to see his sweet little face in the morning.
This morning I was Specially Educated when going to my first official meeting with the mother of a student, the social worker, caseworker, therapist, and someone who I am not sure of her profession. I learned that some times the right thing to do is not what you think is best for the student, and you have to do your best to be a professional rather than fighting against something that you fear will be detrimental to a student. I want to believe that people can change (which is why I am in this profession; to help my students become more than others believe they can) but the past is giving me cause to be extremely concerned. Prayer and documentation will help to make the right situation for the child, and hopefully things will work out the way they are supposed to.
This was a hard lesson to learn.
HalloWHAT??
Sunday I spent hours in the kitchen making lots of Halloween goodies for my kiddos to eat at our Halloween party at school. Well... only 2 of the 4 kiddos showed up, and all they wanted to eat was the candy... bummed. I did get to try out my Ms. Frizzle costume, and at least THAT went over well! I even had a parent figure out who I was :)
I really enjoyed R dressed as an Angry Bird and seeing C dressed as Bumblebee from Transformers :) At least they enjoyed themselves! R, who was afraid of the gym before this year, even came with us to the "Haunted Music Room" in the gym, though he was really uneasy the whole time. Little gains :)
Overall, I was a little disappointed that L's mom kept him home and that M was sick, but I'm getting over it.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Blood, Sweat, and Tears (mostly figurative)
Crying with frustration, sweating on the playground, and bleeding from paper-cuts AND scissor-cuts is all made worth it when I can end the week the way I did today. These kiddos have me enchanted :)
During Friday Fun Day today L decided to make everyone "points sheets" and of course, everyone got a ton of check marks and Gold level :) It was the sweetest thing. Also, while watching "Happy Feet" C said, "He's growed up! Did God make him growed up?" So sweet!
This week has been BY FAR my best with these boys. It shows that all the hard work (being the bad guy by being consistent with the behavior plan) has proven to be successful. I know I have so much more to learn and that I have so much growth to make as a teacher, but so far, I think I'm not doing half bad :)
On a darker note, I met with the Gym teacher today before school and feel like I accomplished nothing... Well, I accomplished one thing but seemed to open a whole new can of worms. I established that L (or any student) is only to be physically restrained when the safety of the student/other students is compromised, and that when L is restrained the situation just escalates. She said she was glad to know that, and the case was closed. I DID come to the conclusion that her actions were completely inappropriate, that L was not even touching his peers, and that she has zero patients for anyone who is less than perfect. She also flat out told me (these are her words), "Laurie, Joni's parapro, is completely worthless and I am going to tell her not to send her anymore."
WHAT!?!???!!!?!?!?!? Who do you think you are? You complain that you don't get any help with "these kids" and that you already have such a difficult time, and then you tell me bluntly that the other parapro is "worthless"? You've got some nerve, lady. I sure hope you can hold your own because Joni and I won't be taking it easy on you. If we don't advocate for these kids then nobody will. Game on.
During Friday Fun Day today L decided to make everyone "points sheets" and of course, everyone got a ton of check marks and Gold level :) It was the sweetest thing. Also, while watching "Happy Feet" C said, "He's growed up! Did God make him growed up?" So sweet!
This week has been BY FAR my best with these boys. It shows that all the hard work (being the bad guy by being consistent with the behavior plan) has proven to be successful. I know I have so much more to learn and that I have so much growth to make as a teacher, but so far, I think I'm not doing half bad :)
On a darker note, I met with the Gym teacher today before school and feel like I accomplished nothing... Well, I accomplished one thing but seemed to open a whole new can of worms. I established that L (or any student) is only to be physically restrained when the safety of the student/other students is compromised, and that when L is restrained the situation just escalates. She said she was glad to know that, and the case was closed. I DID come to the conclusion that her actions were completely inappropriate, that L was not even touching his peers, and that she has zero patients for anyone who is less than perfect. She also flat out told me (these are her words), "Laurie, Joni's parapro, is completely worthless and I am going to tell her not to send her anymore."
WHAT!?!???!!!?!?!?!? Who do you think you are? You complain that you don't get any help with "these kids" and that you already have such a difficult time, and then you tell me bluntly that the other parapro is "worthless"? You've got some nerve, lady. I sure hope you can hold your own because Joni and I won't be taking it easy on you. If we don't advocate for these kids then nobody will. Game on.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Advocate
I've been very bad about updating every day... I think of things to blog every day, but once I get home I seem to just shut down. I can't get anything accomplished once I leave the school building. Ugh.
Monday: First day with L trying a time-released med at lunch time. Seemed to be a typical day. L surprised me at Library. He put a cushion next to HIS cushion, picked out a book (David Gets in Trouble; for some reason my kids are OBSESSED with David, but can't seem to learn anything from him ;)), and read to me the entire time we were in the Library :) Priceless.
Tuesday: We had a staff meeting every other Tuesday and this one was particularly interesting. Most of the time was set aside to schedule Parent/Teacher Conferences for early November, and teachers try to coordinate families that have more than one student in the building so that they don't have to come multiple days or wait hours between. Well... I felt like we were all bidding on stocks or bidding on items at an auction! I also realized just how low Special Ed ranks within the building, which was a sad discovery. I was ignored by a couple of teachers when trying to coordinate because we sit together for the conferences for my kiddos. M's Gen Ed teacher actually looked me in the eyes twice and walked away before I could finally make her sit with me and figure out a time. Ugh.
Also, day 2 on L's time-released meds = HUGE success! :) It was perfect.
Wednesday: We started decorating for Halloween Wednesday by hanging up giant skeletons that we cut out and put together. We also hung giant hairy spiders from the ceiling (by we I mean Mr. G hung them because I didn't want to touch them hehehe). One was hung right beside M's desk and just as my parapro (Mr. G) walked out of the classroom the spider beside M decided to drop from the ceiling. I was Specially Educated this day in realizing that even elementary BOYS sound like little girls when they scream ;) I almost fell over laughing!
The bad part of this day also Specially Educated me. My kiddos are combined with the kiddos in Joni's room for CI for Gym class. At the beginning of the year we were STOKED about the new Gym teacher because she seemed to be so excited to be working with our kiddos. Well... ever since that first week, she thinks it is funny to mimic and complain about all of the Special Ed kiddos (in front of Joni and I, to boot), claiming that she gets no help but... she always has TWO parapros with her each time she has a Special Ed class, and I KNOW that some of the Gen Ed kiddos can be just as big of stinkers as mine. Let's get to the point: Yesterday L was not following directions and being a little squirrely (typical for Gym, wouldn't you think?), and she gets so hot-headed and fed up so quickly that she asked Joni's parapro to hold L still (physically restrain him) to make him stop. COMPLETELY inappropriate. I tried to be a big girl about it and let the Principal know that there was a minor issue that I needed to talk with the Gym teacher about and he kind of backed away from the situation, saying to let him know what she said after I talked to her.... so much for being supported. At least he wasn't lying when he told me he didn't know how to deal with "kids like mine".
Also, a car two houses down from Joni's was shot 12 times the night before this, so this was the story of the day. Crazy!
Thursday: As soon as I got out of my car today Joni was dragging one of our secretaries, Buffy, outside to see the BULLET HOLE in her van! So of course I came to look, too. The big joke now is that Joni is so "hardcore" ;)
Again, L had an amazing day. Second day in a row with all of them making Gold Level! Knock on wood... it's been a great week for my kiddos!
To wind this down, I was Specially Educated this week in realizing that I am going to have to be an even bigger advocate for these kiddos than I already am. I am going to have to stand up for myself and for them not only for their futures, but for mine as a teacher. I'm saddened to see that in the year 2011 my staff is still so closed-minded to Special Education. I'm making a vow to try my BEST to make a difference to this staff and any staff I have the pleasure to work with. I will do my best to Specially Educate those around me to realize the wonders of working with students with Special Needs. The battle begins.
Monday: First day with L trying a time-released med at lunch time. Seemed to be a typical day. L surprised me at Library. He put a cushion next to HIS cushion, picked out a book (David Gets in Trouble; for some reason my kids are OBSESSED with David, but can't seem to learn anything from him ;)), and read to me the entire time we were in the Library :) Priceless.
Tuesday: We had a staff meeting every other Tuesday and this one was particularly interesting. Most of the time was set aside to schedule Parent/Teacher Conferences for early November, and teachers try to coordinate families that have more than one student in the building so that they don't have to come multiple days or wait hours between. Well... I felt like we were all bidding on stocks or bidding on items at an auction! I also realized just how low Special Ed ranks within the building, which was a sad discovery. I was ignored by a couple of teachers when trying to coordinate because we sit together for the conferences for my kiddos. M's Gen Ed teacher actually looked me in the eyes twice and walked away before I could finally make her sit with me and figure out a time. Ugh.
Also, day 2 on L's time-released meds = HUGE success! :) It was perfect.
Wednesday: We started decorating for Halloween Wednesday by hanging up giant skeletons that we cut out and put together. We also hung giant hairy spiders from the ceiling (by we I mean Mr. G hung them because I didn't want to touch them hehehe). One was hung right beside M's desk and just as my parapro (Mr. G) walked out of the classroom the spider beside M decided to drop from the ceiling. I was Specially Educated this day in realizing that even elementary BOYS sound like little girls when they scream ;) I almost fell over laughing!
The bad part of this day also Specially Educated me. My kiddos are combined with the kiddos in Joni's room for CI for Gym class. At the beginning of the year we were STOKED about the new Gym teacher because she seemed to be so excited to be working with our kiddos. Well... ever since that first week, she thinks it is funny to mimic and complain about all of the Special Ed kiddos (in front of Joni and I, to boot), claiming that she gets no help but... she always has TWO parapros with her each time she has a Special Ed class, and I KNOW that some of the Gen Ed kiddos can be just as big of stinkers as mine. Let's get to the point: Yesterday L was not following directions and being a little squirrely (typical for Gym, wouldn't you think?), and she gets so hot-headed and fed up so quickly that she asked Joni's parapro to hold L still (physically restrain him) to make him stop. COMPLETELY inappropriate. I tried to be a big girl about it and let the Principal know that there was a minor issue that I needed to talk with the Gym teacher about and he kind of backed away from the situation, saying to let him know what she said after I talked to her.... so much for being supported. At least he wasn't lying when he told me he didn't know how to deal with "kids like mine".
Also, a car two houses down from Joni's was shot 12 times the night before this, so this was the story of the day. Crazy!
Thursday: As soon as I got out of my car today Joni was dragging one of our secretaries, Buffy, outside to see the BULLET HOLE in her van! So of course I came to look, too. The big joke now is that Joni is so "hardcore" ;)
Again, L had an amazing day. Second day in a row with all of them making Gold Level! Knock on wood... it's been a great week for my kiddos!
To wind this down, I was Specially Educated this week in realizing that I am going to have to be an even bigger advocate for these kiddos than I already am. I am going to have to stand up for myself and for them not only for their futures, but for mine as a teacher. I'm saddened to see that in the year 2011 my staff is still so closed-minded to Special Education. I'm making a vow to try my BEST to make a difference to this staff and any staff I have the pleasure to work with. I will do my best to Specially Educate those around me to realize the wonders of working with students with Special Needs. The battle begins.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
SLACKER!!!!!!!!!!! ;) It's okay, it's my birthday :)
Not my kiddos... me. I'm the slacker. It's THURSDAY and I haven't posted since MONDAY.... bad Mrs. Fankhauser. Do I need a time out???
Moving on!
I've been consumed this week by:
-ENDING MEAP TESTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) The victory dance with R was worth it all.
-Getting my new CAR!
-Writing sub plans for tomorrow (I have an Autism Professional Development Training that I signed up for from 8:30-3:30)
Now that MEAP is over, the car is taken care of (and parked in my driveway :)), and I'm ready for my Autism training, I can get back to the basics of teaching and doing what I love.
L has had an exceptionally peculiar week on his new meds. It has been such a rollercoaster: either he is completely responsive, follows directions, suggests to his BUDDIES that THEY follow directions to earn their check marks (points sheets) and tickets, OR he is so completely beyond being able to pull it back. Let me tell you; there is NEVER a dull moment in my classroom.
This week (sorry, I'll be better about blogging every day next week) I was Specially Educated in realizing that if I don't laugh, I will cry :) I came back from giving the FINAL segment of MEAP to R Wednesday afternoon to find one of the boys sitting in the hallway, getting reamed out by some woman who had no right to speak to him the way she was. She was telling him that he is a "bad boy", which really irritated me. He's an AMAZING boy that has no impulse control and sometimes makes poor choices. Back to the story (sorry for the mini rant). I ask him why he's in the hallway (after making the crazed woman leave) and he responded with something along these lines:
"Welllll.... C was 'daydreaming' and looking at this window by the door, and he was seeing this floating butt and couldn't stop laughing!"
At this point, I had to bite my lip and put up a hand to stop him, telling him that maybe I should ask Mr. G what happened before I let him go on. Mr. G went on to inform me that the kiddo had pulled both his pants AND underwear down to his ankles and proceeded to moon everyone in our room, followed by giving them the full frontal, all while laughing uncontrollably. Also, I think you should all know that our classroom is in the same pod as the CI classroom AND the two Kindergarten classrooms. Oops! O:) Not such a good example for the younger ones.
Again, I state... Some days you just have to laugh so you don't cry.
Take it with a grain of salt and make it a lesson learned :)
Moving on!
I've been consumed this week by:
-ENDING MEAP TESTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) The victory dance with R was worth it all.
-Getting my new CAR!
-Writing sub plans for tomorrow (I have an Autism Professional Development Training that I signed up for from 8:30-3:30)
Now that MEAP is over, the car is taken care of (and parked in my driveway :)), and I'm ready for my Autism training, I can get back to the basics of teaching and doing what I love.
L has had an exceptionally peculiar week on his new meds. It has been such a rollercoaster: either he is completely responsive, follows directions, suggests to his BUDDIES that THEY follow directions to earn their check marks (points sheets) and tickets, OR he is so completely beyond being able to pull it back. Let me tell you; there is NEVER a dull moment in my classroom.
This week (sorry, I'll be better about blogging every day next week) I was Specially Educated in realizing that if I don't laugh, I will cry :) I came back from giving the FINAL segment of MEAP to R Wednesday afternoon to find one of the boys sitting in the hallway, getting reamed out by some woman who had no right to speak to him the way she was. She was telling him that he is a "bad boy", which really irritated me. He's an AMAZING boy that has no impulse control and sometimes makes poor choices. Back to the story (sorry for the mini rant). I ask him why he's in the hallway (after making the crazed woman leave) and he responded with something along these lines:
"Welllll.... C was 'daydreaming' and looking at this window by the door, and he was seeing this floating butt and couldn't stop laughing!"
At this point, I had to bite my lip and put up a hand to stop him, telling him that maybe I should ask Mr. G what happened before I let him go on. Mr. G went on to inform me that the kiddo had pulled both his pants AND underwear down to his ankles and proceeded to moon everyone in our room, followed by giving them the full frontal, all while laughing uncontrollably. Also, I think you should all know that our classroom is in the same pod as the CI classroom AND the two Kindergarten classrooms. Oops! O:) Not such a good example for the younger ones.
Again, I state... Some days you just have to laugh so you don't cry.
Take it with a grain of salt and make it a lesson learned :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Special Olympics
Let me make this short and sweet: an entire bowling alley filled to the brim with students with any and all types of special needs all bowling at the same time = chaos :) But such a joyful chaos it was! My kiddos had a blast (until L had a minor meltdown and had to be carried away from the lanes screaming... by me...) and I got to see some of my FAVORITE kiddos from student teaching :) My sweet Gabby just warmed my heart, asking me to come back to Kinawa and never leave! Dominyc and Caleb were there, too, and I got to chat with them a little bit! I can't believe how much kids can grow up over the summer!
Today I was Specially Educated in realizing that I am learning more and more every day on how to provide a safe, constructive learning environment for my kids, even amongst the chaos of bowling :) When L had his mini meltdown and had to be carried away, I was able to talk him down and sit with him quietly for about a half hour while the rest of them finished their bowling. He was so overstimulated and tired of bowling, and couldn't fathom the idea that we had to wait for the bus to pick us up, that we couldn't just appear back at school and take a break O:) Once I got him calmed down enough, he was able to explain everything he was thinking, and I even convinced him to go sit by the rest of my kiddos and eat some crackers. Problem averted! Next goal: teach him to self-sooth BEFORE hitting the meltdown stage :) May take a few years, but it will be worth all the struggle to get there.
I was able to create a safe environment for L to vent APPROPRIATELY and recover from the situation on a happy note. He even sat with me on the bus :) Once back at school, I had planned easy, relaxing activities because I knew they would all be so overstimulated from bowling, and it proved to be a good idea. Aside from R trying to manipulate the system (wanting to go to recess with BOTH my class and his Gen Ed class as well as going to my Library time slot, thus missing all of science and social studies with Gen Ed), we got all of the kiddos where they were supposed to be safely and without much fuss. R did cry a bit when he realized that his devious plans were not going to work, but we're taking it one step at a time :)
Whew! Bowling = done. It was fun, but exhausting
Today I was Specially Educated in realizing that I am learning more and more every day on how to provide a safe, constructive learning environment for my kids, even amongst the chaos of bowling :) When L had his mini meltdown and had to be carried away, I was able to talk him down and sit with him quietly for about a half hour while the rest of them finished their bowling. He was so overstimulated and tired of bowling, and couldn't fathom the idea that we had to wait for the bus to pick us up, that we couldn't just appear back at school and take a break O:) Once I got him calmed down enough, he was able to explain everything he was thinking, and I even convinced him to go sit by the rest of my kiddos and eat some crackers. Problem averted! Next goal: teach him to self-sooth BEFORE hitting the meltdown stage :) May take a few years, but it will be worth all the struggle to get there.
I was able to create a safe environment for L to vent APPROPRIATELY and recover from the situation on a happy note. He even sat with me on the bus :) Once back at school, I had planned easy, relaxing activities because I knew they would all be so overstimulated from bowling, and it proved to be a good idea. Aside from R trying to manipulate the system (wanting to go to recess with BOTH my class and his Gen Ed class as well as going to my Library time slot, thus missing all of science and social studies with Gen Ed), we got all of the kiddos where they were supposed to be safely and without much fuss. R did cry a bit when he realized that his devious plans were not going to work, but we're taking it one step at a time :)
Whew! Bowling = done. It was fun, but exhausting
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Twilight Zone!
Friday (yes, I'm two days late in posting!) was a day straight from the Twilight Zone.
L came back from a day at the doctor/a day recouping at home. His mom claimed that he was in an out of time-out at home, so she figured it would be best to just keep him the rest of the day instead of bringing him in. He started a new medication Friday morning, and I don't want to jinx it (plus I hardly think it took effect that quickly), but day 1 on the new meds was PHENOMENAL! I seriously had no clue where this new L came from, but I sure do hope he comes back this week!!!!! :) Once we got him on the appropriate level for working independently (Level 1 = whispering), we couldn't get him to stop! He was constantly reminding his peers that they were "much too loud", and asking me if I could give the rest of the boys tickets when they were being good :) LOVED IT!
With the absence of the extreme silliness/naughtiness, C tried to step up his naughty game, realized that nobody was reacting to it, and eventually just shut it off. Surprise, again!!!
R had much less of an attitude, though we did have to rehearse a few things; asking for something nicely, not snatching toys out of hands (MY hands...), and sharing.
Science seems to be the best time to get my kids involved in the idea of Bucket Filling and the Tickets from my token economy. It has proven to be the best scenario to reward good behavior (as well as L being his new Super L; complimenting his peers work, on task, following directions...) and hand out tickets. I wish I had the lesson on videotape because it was just SO PERFECT. Or at least I wish I had chosen to be observed on that particular day by my Principal ;) We were learning about animals and how they keep themselves safe/characteristics that make them one of the following: amphibians, mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and insects. The last page we worked on gave clues about a "mystery animal" and they had to draw a picture of what they thought the animal was. We would go around the group practicing saying one nice thing about each person's picture, and L proceeded to make a LIST each time he complimented someone :) So sweet!
For Friday Fun Day, we decided to watch the Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakual (sp?) with the Chipettes, and listening to them all laugh was just priceless. What a perfect way to end a perfect day!
Tomorrow, we are going to the Special Olympics Bowling! I get to see some former students that I LOVED as well as my old mentor teacher Amanda, and I can't wait! I can't wait to see my kiddos out there bowling :)
Friday, I was Specially Educated in seeing that these kiddos are capable of achieving everything I expect of them when given the right opportunity. Friday. Was. Perfect. :)
Praying for a repeat!
P.S. Due to the perfectness of this Friday, I barely got to use the "Bad Word Box" (thank goodness!) but when a kiddo DID owe me a ticket, they earned it back shortly after every time :) I'm hoping this will be a success!
L came back from a day at the doctor/a day recouping at home. His mom claimed that he was in an out of time-out at home, so she figured it would be best to just keep him the rest of the day instead of bringing him in. He started a new medication Friday morning, and I don't want to jinx it (plus I hardly think it took effect that quickly), but day 1 on the new meds was PHENOMENAL! I seriously had no clue where this new L came from, but I sure do hope he comes back this week!!!!! :) Once we got him on the appropriate level for working independently (Level 1 = whispering), we couldn't get him to stop! He was constantly reminding his peers that they were "much too loud", and asking me if I could give the rest of the boys tickets when they were being good :) LOVED IT!
With the absence of the extreme silliness/naughtiness, C tried to step up his naughty game, realized that nobody was reacting to it, and eventually just shut it off. Surprise, again!!!
R had much less of an attitude, though we did have to rehearse a few things; asking for something nicely, not snatching toys out of hands (MY hands...), and sharing.
Science seems to be the best time to get my kids involved in the idea of Bucket Filling and the Tickets from my token economy. It has proven to be the best scenario to reward good behavior (as well as L being his new Super L; complimenting his peers work, on task, following directions...) and hand out tickets. I wish I had the lesson on videotape because it was just SO PERFECT. Or at least I wish I had chosen to be observed on that particular day by my Principal ;) We were learning about animals and how they keep themselves safe/characteristics that make them one of the following: amphibians, mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and insects. The last page we worked on gave clues about a "mystery animal" and they had to draw a picture of what they thought the animal was. We would go around the group practicing saying one nice thing about each person's picture, and L proceeded to make a LIST each time he complimented someone :) So sweet!
For Friday Fun Day, we decided to watch the Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakual (sp?) with the Chipettes, and listening to them all laugh was just priceless. What a perfect way to end a perfect day!
Tomorrow, we are going to the Special Olympics Bowling! I get to see some former students that I LOVED as well as my old mentor teacher Amanda, and I can't wait! I can't wait to see my kiddos out there bowling :)
Friday, I was Specially Educated in seeing that these kiddos are capable of achieving everything I expect of them when given the right opportunity. Friday. Was. Perfect. :)
Praying for a repeat!
P.S. Due to the perfectness of this Friday, I barely got to use the "Bad Word Box" (thank goodness!) but when a kiddo DID owe me a ticket, they earned it back shortly after every time :) I'm hoping this will be a success!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Simple Things
Today was an odd day. L's mom took him to the doctor this morning to discuss his (lack of) impulse control and see if there should be any change in medication, then decided to keep him for the rest of the day because he was STILL out of control... I'm praying that something will click for this little darling and things will get easier for him.
R did another section of MEAP today and it was just as frustrating to watch as the rest.
I'm having a tough time coming up with how I was Specially Educated today... it seemed very uneventful. I'm wondering if this is the calm before the storm (frightening!) or whether it's a new beginning. Only time will tell :)
Hmm.... so I was Specially Educated today with the fact that every moment can become a teachable moment. You can take anything, even something as simple as watching children have a casual conversation, and point out the concept of taking turns, and that my kiddos were actually DOING it :)
Also, I learned that spending $1 on an 8-pack of plastic, glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth could bring out the silliest, most entertaining side of these boys. I would have never imagined it!
Simple things make sweet boys happy! (THAT is some Special Education :))
R did another section of MEAP today and it was just as frustrating to watch as the rest.
I'm having a tough time coming up with how I was Specially Educated today... it seemed very uneventful. I'm wondering if this is the calm before the storm (frightening!) or whether it's a new beginning. Only time will tell :)
Hmm.... so I was Specially Educated today with the fact that every moment can become a teachable moment. You can take anything, even something as simple as watching children have a casual conversation, and point out the concept of taking turns, and that my kiddos were actually DOING it :)
Also, I learned that spending $1 on an 8-pack of plastic, glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth could bring out the silliest, most entertaining side of these boys. I would have never imagined it!
Simple things make sweet boys happy! (THAT is some Special Education :))
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
MEAP......
MEAP rant over.
Now on to how I was Specially Educated today. This week has been particularly challenging behaviorally for my kiddos. I'm really starting to think that this phase of the moon has grabbed a hold of two of them and just won't let go.
Today was my worst day with L. He was just so absolutely out of control that by the time we got to OT (Occupational Therapy) group after lunch, he was through the three steps of the behavior plan (Warning, Take 2, Take 3 which is a Time Out in the seclusion room) more than three times in a 30 minute period. After constant screaming, spitting, fake farting, potty words, and punching a Gen Ed kid in class, I wound up calling his mom to come get him from school, because the other kiddos had spent the rest of the day NOT learning because nobody could hear me/maintain my attention long enough. When he came out of Time Out for the last time before going home, I asked him to put his shoes back on (he often takes them off for sensory issues... his feet tend to get really hot really quick!) and put his folder in his bag. At this point, he said in a very serious voice, "WHAT DID YOU DO..." realizing that I had called his mom. When the light bulb lit up above his head, so to speak, he picked up his tiny tennis shoe and chucked it at me, hitting me square in the chest. When I addressed the shoe with a "L, that's not appropriate..." he picked up the second shoe and chucked IT at me, hitting me in the hip. This is not typical of L, so I didn't take it personally. Still... Frustration. I was terrified to speak to his mom when she got there for fear of her being angry about the situation. Fortunately, she's an amazing woman who only wants what is best for her little boy. She thanked me for being so consistent with his behavior(s) and ensured me she would be contacting his doctor to explain that he has absolutely no impulse control. Let's hope the doctor has some ideas on how to help!
Another boy, R, is usually in Gen Ed at least 90% of the day (YAAAAAAAY!! That's the goal :)) but has been with me a lot more this week because of MEAP testing. He's my only MEAPer this year, thank goodness. This week he has had the WORST attitude I have seen from him; blatantly refusing to do his work in both my room AND in Gen Ed, as well as flat out refusing to come back to my room when the Gen Ed teacher requested he leave.This is also very a-typical behavior.
Now on to the point of the blog... I realized how I was Specially Educated today when venting with my Social Worker (who is phenomenal!) after school. While voicing my concerns (and ideas) to her, I stated out loud that times like these are when these boys need me the most! Time to put my game face on and remain consistent. We're going to get through this challenging week and come out looking better than we came in :)
I already have an idea (thanks to influence from L's mom) on how to HOPEFULLY put a damper on the potty words: instead of a Swear Jar, we will have an Oops Jar or a Potty Mouth Jar (the latter may be too "silly" to have the correct effect) for the students to place tickets in from the new token economy when they say a "potty word". Yeah, I like this :) They will have the opportunity to earn tickets back if they can refrain from the behavior for a chosen period of time.
Here's to hoping this works!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Time Out
Yesterday, a certain student (who has a major problem with keeping his hands to himself and not touching his friends inappropriately) came up with his OWN punishment of having a 5-minute time out when this act occurs.
He tried to argue his way out of it when it happened today, but after about 5 minutes of battling/resetting the timer to 5 minute every time he asked me "But WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY...", I got a silent 5 minute time out from him, followed by a quick discussion so he could get to the computer lab with the rest of my class.
I was Specially Educated today because being consistent has its moments that actually pay off :)
Small success.
Today was MEAP testing. Frustrating. Ugh.
He tried to argue his way out of it when it happened today, but after about 5 minutes of battling/resetting the timer to 5 minute every time he asked me "But WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY...", I got a silent 5 minute time out from him, followed by a quick discussion so he could get to the computer lab with the rest of my class.
I was Specially Educated today because being consistent has its moments that actually pay off :)
Small success.
Today was MEAP testing. Frustrating. Ugh.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Full Moon
Today was the MOTHER of all MONDAYS... and the good news is it HAS to get better from today, right??? :( Today was my biggest challenge yet as a teacher; both behaviorally (them) and emotionally (me and C).
Today was probably the most disheartening day I've had yet with the kiddos. My morning started off 7 minutes before school actually started with little C crying over a warm hard boiled egg that was accidentally left in his lunch box from a lunch LAST week... Hot lunch (which we were resigned to selecting for him) reminds him of his broken past and all that he has walked away from. This child has a heartbreaking story (at the age of 6 years old) about his home life, and this year things have finally turned around and his "new" caregiver (new as his "parent") has turned his whole life around and set him in the right direction with a stern kind of love that will get him far.
This morning, C came off of a weekend with the person who could have potentially ruined his life, and he was distraught with anxiety about life turning back to the way it was, though we ensured him that this would never happen again.
Today, I was Specially Educated with my heartbreak for this sweet boy. I again go over the quote that so many people know: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
This quote took on a whole new meaning as I experienced, for the first time as a teacher on my own, the thing I've always feared would be the most challenging about this job; I can't humanly fix everything, but my heart yearns to do everything in my power to help. I know that the best I can do for this boy is to provide a safe, welcoming, loving environment for him to learn in. I know I can't fix his past, nor erase it. I know I can't control what his life will be like in the future. I ALSO know that I can give him all that I am capable of giving to him to lead him in the right direction, make the best decisions possible, and make the most of the life God has given him.
Today rang true to my biggest fear as a teacher. I was Specially Educated today in realizing that I will do the best with what I am given, and I will show these boys the same. I will love them, and I do.
P.S. A little cheery tidbit from my special L.
L was sent back from his General Ed class today because he "didn't have a pencil", so he was scribbling all over his paper with a yellow colored pencil. I can't figure out why the teacher wouldn't just give him a pencil (LEARN TO PICK YOUR BATTLES!) and avoid the whole fiasco, but I guess if she had done the logical thing I wouldn't have this little piece of gold to share with you ;)
L gets back to my classroom, sits calmly at his desk, and thoroughly completes the task the Gen Ed teacher asked of him, plus more (when provided with a pencil).
L says: "Don't you love it when I come back to your classroom and do my work?"
Yes, L :) But I wish you would have done it in Gen Ed!!!!!!!! ;)
Today was probably the most disheartening day I've had yet with the kiddos. My morning started off 7 minutes before school actually started with little C crying over a warm hard boiled egg that was accidentally left in his lunch box from a lunch LAST week... Hot lunch (which we were resigned to selecting for him) reminds him of his broken past and all that he has walked away from. This child has a heartbreaking story (at the age of 6 years old) about his home life, and this year things have finally turned around and his "new" caregiver (new as his "parent") has turned his whole life around and set him in the right direction with a stern kind of love that will get him far.
This morning, C came off of a weekend with the person who could have potentially ruined his life, and he was distraught with anxiety about life turning back to the way it was, though we ensured him that this would never happen again.
Today, I was Specially Educated with my heartbreak for this sweet boy. I again go over the quote that so many people know: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
This quote took on a whole new meaning as I experienced, for the first time as a teacher on my own, the thing I've always feared would be the most challenging about this job; I can't humanly fix everything, but my heart yearns to do everything in my power to help. I know that the best I can do for this boy is to provide a safe, welcoming, loving environment for him to learn in. I know I can't fix his past, nor erase it. I know I can't control what his life will be like in the future. I ALSO know that I can give him all that I am capable of giving to him to lead him in the right direction, make the best decisions possible, and make the most of the life God has given him.
Today rang true to my biggest fear as a teacher. I was Specially Educated today in realizing that I will do the best with what I am given, and I will show these boys the same. I will love them, and I do.
P.S. A little cheery tidbit from my special L.
L was sent back from his General Ed class today because he "didn't have a pencil", so he was scribbling all over his paper with a yellow colored pencil. I can't figure out why the teacher wouldn't just give him a pencil (LEARN TO PICK YOUR BATTLES!) and avoid the whole fiasco, but I guess if she had done the logical thing I wouldn't have this little piece of gold to share with you ;)
L gets back to my classroom, sits calmly at his desk, and thoroughly completes the task the Gen Ed teacher asked of him, plus more (when provided with a pencil).
L says: "Don't you love it when I come back to your classroom and do my work?"
Yes, L :) But I wish you would have done it in Gen Ed!!!!!!!! ;)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Lost Tooth
I was talking with Dale last night about my little L in my classroom. He is generally a rather floppy, clumsy ball of energy, but he never seems to seriously get hurt (though Mr. G, my parapro, and myself always have our hands out to catch him just in case).
L has had his little fist in his mouth for about a week straight trying to get a very wiggly tooth to come out with no success. No wonder I have been following him around with Clorox wipes, since everything he touches is thereafter covered in spit ;)
In gym with his 1st grade General Ed class last week he bumped (rather, collided quite forcefully) with another little boy, and this "bump" caused his wiggly tooth to finally come out. I was not with him at the time, but Mr. G was, and he retells the conversation like this:
L: "Bryce! You knocked my tooth out!"
(Here is where I would expect an explosive fit where he would claim that it was "on purpose" and that some "stupid" inanimate object, which is usually the case, hurt him!)
L: "I want to get you something. Tell me anything you want!"
That day, I learned to hold higher expectations for these kiddos, and expect that not every bad behavior is generalized to different situations. I see growth in these kiddos every day, and it's quite a pleasant surprise.
That day, I was Specially Educated :)
L has had his little fist in his mouth for about a week straight trying to get a very wiggly tooth to come out with no success. No wonder I have been following him around with Clorox wipes, since everything he touches is thereafter covered in spit ;)
In gym with his 1st grade General Ed class last week he bumped (rather, collided quite forcefully) with another little boy, and this "bump" caused his wiggly tooth to finally come out. I was not with him at the time, but Mr. G was, and he retells the conversation like this:
L: "Bryce! You knocked my tooth out!"
(Here is where I would expect an explosive fit where he would claim that it was "on purpose" and that some "stupid" inanimate object, which is usually the case, hurt him!)
L: "I want to get you something. Tell me anything you want!"
That day, I learned to hold higher expectations for these kiddos, and expect that not every bad behavior is generalized to different situations. I see growth in these kiddos every day, and it's quite a pleasant surprise.
That day, I was Specially Educated :)
Friday, October 7, 2011
A new beginning for a new beginning :)
All summer long I waited (rather impatiently, I'm afraid) to hear back from nearly 100 jobs I applied for. I interviewed with a few choice schools, received plenty of rejection emails, as well as a couple of particularly crushing rejection phone calls from my dream school. I whined and complained about how so many jobs I tried for were given to someone with "just a little bit more experience" than I have. I thought it completely unfair that nobody would give ME a chance to begin my journey as a Special Educator... Dale and many friends and family members so graciously reminded me that God has a plan for me, and when it is my time to begin, it will happen.
Well... Two weeks before the beginning of school, I was blessed with a phone call out of the blue (where did this phrase come from, by the way?) from the Special Ed Secretary at Okemos asking if I had been hired yet, and if not, if I was interested in an elementary position. At the time, I thought she meant a General Ed placement, and though I prefer Special Ed, I would have taken it in a heartbeat. I later found out that I was "interviewing" for an Emotionally Impaired Basic classroom at one of the elementary schools, and I was offered the job after a 15 minute discussion with the principal, CI Basic classroom teacher (who is now my Mentor Teacher and an amazing friend), and the Social Worker (who is also now and amazing friend and support!)
Joni, the CI Basic teacher, took me for a quick tour of the building, beginning and ending with MY classroom. This is what I remember from that day:
-I was terrified that I would be disappointed again.
-I had a TERRIBLE cold, and I felt pretty ridiculous that I sounded really gruff and couldn't stop sneezing.
-My heels were killing me, but that 15 minute tour of MY new school made me forget all about it :)
-I felt completely overwhelmed and in shock.
-My dad had a minor surgery (minorly scary?) which later blessed us with the news that he has Prostate Cancer, and BECAUSE of the surgery it was caught at the very earliest stages, meaning he has the greatest outcome for successful treatment at this time :)
-While at the hospital waiting for my dad to enter/leave surgery, my mom told ABSOLUTELY EVERY SINGLE PERSON (I love you, Mom!) we encountered that I was the newest Special Education teacher at Okemos!
I still find it hard to believe some days that this is my JOB and that I will (hopefully... no, definitely) be doing this for the rest of my life. I still feel like I'm waiting for someone to come and step in, take it all away from me, and wish me luck for the future. Well, guess what :) I'm not going anywhere!
I have just successfully completed my fifth week in my first year of teaching on my own, and it's hard to believe how much growth I have made so far. I know I'm nowhere NEAR being a perfect teacher and role model for the amazing (naughty) 4 boys that I am in charge of, but I find myself learning SO MUCH from them every day, and I hope they feel the same.
Recently, I read the story How Full is Your Bucket? to my kids, reinforcing that the choices we make and words that we use every day not only impact their own happiness, but also the happiness of those around them. This concept has changed me as a teacher, and I am glad to say that the combination of this book, my behavior plan, and the new token economy I have interconnected (yes, it was a lot of work) have ALREADY made a huge difference in the way I interact with my kiddos, as well as how they interact with me (and each other). Together we brainstormed a list of things that make you a "Bucket Filler" and things that make you a "Bucket Dipper", and I have made posters to refer to when redirecting behavior in the classroom.
Most of all, the whole point of FINALLY starting a blog is that this story has brought me to realize that sometimes it may seem like I complain a lot about my job, but I am more thankful than anyone knows for where I am teaching, who I am teaching, and for all of the support I get (at the school and at home). This blog will be a gateway for me to think and verbalize (hopefully every day) at least one moment of being Specially Educated by these amazing children, by my staff and friends, and by my family.
Today's moment of being Specially Educated:
During Science, L and C (I will refer to the boys only by first name in hopes to keep confidentiality) tend to be mighty wily (borrowed the term from someone amazing), spouting "potty words" and blurting more than I thought humanly possible. Most days it's a battle to get through an entire thought without being interrupted to correct behavior or answer a completely off-topic question. Today, with the use of my fabulous Fankhauser Tickets, I was able to engage the boys for a complete 30 MINUTES (NO JOKE!), and even had C tell me that he wanted to "put a drop in my bucket by following directions". Lately I have been very hard on myself, thinking that I don't spend enough time actually engaging the boys educationally and spending too much time on behavior management (which is, supposedly, typical for a "behavioral" classroom). Today, I feel I made a MAJOR breakthrough. The smiles I saw on their bright little faces taught me that if I can be patient and positively reinforce every tiny little good thing, I can reach these boys.
I can do this.
Today, I was Specially Educated :)
Well... Two weeks before the beginning of school, I was blessed with a phone call out of the blue (where did this phrase come from, by the way?) from the Special Ed Secretary at Okemos asking if I had been hired yet, and if not, if I was interested in an elementary position. At the time, I thought she meant a General Ed placement, and though I prefer Special Ed, I would have taken it in a heartbeat. I later found out that I was "interviewing" for an Emotionally Impaired Basic classroom at one of the elementary schools, and I was offered the job after a 15 minute discussion with the principal, CI Basic classroom teacher (who is now my Mentor Teacher and an amazing friend), and the Social Worker (who is also now and amazing friend and support!)
Joni, the CI Basic teacher, took me for a quick tour of the building, beginning and ending with MY classroom. This is what I remember from that day:
-I was terrified that I would be disappointed again.
-I had a TERRIBLE cold, and I felt pretty ridiculous that I sounded really gruff and couldn't stop sneezing.
-My heels were killing me, but that 15 minute tour of MY new school made me forget all about it :)
-I felt completely overwhelmed and in shock.
-My dad had a minor surgery (minorly scary?) which later blessed us with the news that he has Prostate Cancer, and BECAUSE of the surgery it was caught at the very earliest stages, meaning he has the greatest outcome for successful treatment at this time :)
-While at the hospital waiting for my dad to enter/leave surgery, my mom told ABSOLUTELY EVERY SINGLE PERSON (I love you, Mom!) we encountered that I was the newest Special Education teacher at Okemos!
I still find it hard to believe some days that this is my JOB and that I will (hopefully... no, definitely) be doing this for the rest of my life. I still feel like I'm waiting for someone to come and step in, take it all away from me, and wish me luck for the future. Well, guess what :) I'm not going anywhere!
I have just successfully completed my fifth week in my first year of teaching on my own, and it's hard to believe how much growth I have made so far. I know I'm nowhere NEAR being a perfect teacher and role model for the amazing (naughty) 4 boys that I am in charge of, but I find myself learning SO MUCH from them every day, and I hope they feel the same.
Recently, I read the story How Full is Your Bucket? to my kids, reinforcing that the choices we make and words that we use every day not only impact their own happiness, but also the happiness of those around them. This concept has changed me as a teacher, and I am glad to say that the combination of this book, my behavior plan, and the new token economy I have interconnected (yes, it was a lot of work) have ALREADY made a huge difference in the way I interact with my kiddos, as well as how they interact with me (and each other). Together we brainstormed a list of things that make you a "Bucket Filler" and things that make you a "Bucket Dipper", and I have made posters to refer to when redirecting behavior in the classroom.
Most of all, the whole point of FINALLY starting a blog is that this story has brought me to realize that sometimes it may seem like I complain a lot about my job, but I am more thankful than anyone knows for where I am teaching, who I am teaching, and for all of the support I get (at the school and at home). This blog will be a gateway for me to think and verbalize (hopefully every day) at least one moment of being Specially Educated by these amazing children, by my staff and friends, and by my family.
Today's moment of being Specially Educated:
During Science, L and C (I will refer to the boys only by first name in hopes to keep confidentiality) tend to be mighty wily (borrowed the term from someone amazing), spouting "potty words" and blurting more than I thought humanly possible. Most days it's a battle to get through an entire thought without being interrupted to correct behavior or answer a completely off-topic question. Today, with the use of my fabulous Fankhauser Tickets, I was able to engage the boys for a complete 30 MINUTES (NO JOKE!), and even had C tell me that he wanted to "put a drop in my bucket by following directions". Lately I have been very hard on myself, thinking that I don't spend enough time actually engaging the boys educationally and spending too much time on behavior management (which is, supposedly, typical for a "behavioral" classroom). Today, I feel I made a MAJOR breakthrough. The smiles I saw on their bright little faces taught me that if I can be patient and positively reinforce every tiny little good thing, I can reach these boys.
I can do this.
Today, I was Specially Educated :)
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