Every week in Mrs. Hart's room is a new kind of adventure. A good day can turn into a bad day, a bad into a good, all with the blink of an eye, especially now that a new kindergartener has been introduced to the program. Dublin City Schools sent this child over to Britton's program on an S.O.S. because they didn't have any more help they could give for this child. With the transition to a new school, Tavari, the kindergartener, has struggled to the adjustment. He finds himself refusing to work quite often, attempting any possible excuse to avoid the work, he purposely wet himself, and he ends up screaming curse words while screaming and kicking. Rage emerges from his body, and it's terrifying to see a child in such distress, but it only reinforces my passion for special education. Today, the school counselor was working with the older students in the behavior unit and since it was the last time of the year, they were able to play games. This was the first time I've seen the whole group interacting with each other, and their behaviors were met with constant clashing. One of the boys, Brayden, struggles to keep quiet, and feels the need to say everything on his mind, which irks the other students. While playing the game headbands, he told one of the other players what their card was, and this other student, Jordan, furiously threw his card and started screaming, making a scene. I think this proves that students with special needs can't be in one single class and they deserve to be with a general education class, for there are more opportunities to learn from other students and it protects the emotional safety of the individuals. On a personal level, I have built rapport with Samantha and Sophia. They are able to trust me in ways they don't trust others. They're always greeting me with cheerful hugs and asking to hold my hand as we walk in the hallway. They're so sweet, and whenever one of them is having a difficult day, the aides always ask me to come work with her. Today happened to be one of those days. Sophia was told to go back to her class, but instead found herself wandering towards the chick habitat that Britton has near the front office. Once she was found, she received a red card and this really frustrated her. Meaning she wouldn't be able to "make her day" and receive the prize. I sat down and started to talk to her, but one of the volunteers, Lindsay, who comes in to help students improve their reading skills. Lindsay interrupted and tried to calm her down, but this only sent Sophia on a rampage, as she started crying and acting in an irrational manner. Mrs. Hart instructed Lindsay to be removed from the situation, and let me handle it on my own! In a few minutes I was calming Sophia down by having her grab my hands and squeeze when she was stressed. We initiated a conversation, and in a few minutes she was calm again, ready to work. Although I could tell Lindsay was upset because she didn't get to work with Sophia, but I was excited that I had the opportunity to work with Sophia when she was stressed rather than allowing Mrs. Hart or one of the other aides to calm her down. I was able to augment my rapport with Sophia, while also gaining the experience I need to become a successful teacher.
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The Map of the Learning WorldAlong with me as your tour guide, you'll also find I've added my daily journal entries, or blogs, to help guide you through the learning world. Feel free to check them out! Archives
May 2016
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