I didn't notice. NOT. It was such a typical Monday. It poured rain allllll day long. My kids could not focus on anything so I felt like I was constantly running around like a crazy person trying to keep them on task. I was CRANKY by the end of the day and ended up blowing up on my poor, sweet little cousin. Ok, he wasn't being his sweetest at the moment that I flipped out on him, but I should have taken it a little easier on him. I'll have to apologize tomorrow.
Now I'm sitting on the couch eating a pomegranate popsicle and watching GREEK. At least Monday nights are something to look forward to :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Settling in...
I've been at this job now for about a month now and I'm finally getting settled in. I"m getting back in the swing of being up at 6:30. I'm getting used to packing my lunch in the mornings. And I'm starting to really get to know the people that I work with all day long and the children that I work with all day.
I've gotten chances to sit down and talk with most of the teachers whose classrooms I go into and they are all wonderful ladies. They are all super patient with my kids, and the rest of the students in the class. They are very flexible when accommodations need to be made for my kids, and they want to see these children succeed. They are constantly thinking of new ways to reach the students on a level that they will understand. These women really deserve some recognition. This is one of my first experiences in middle school, and it is HARD! Middle schoolers are not interested in anything but their social lives. And they never stop talking. These teachers have to have a serious a heart for their students. Middle school is definitely something you need to be called to teach.
I've also gotten to know a few of the students that I am not working with, but that have taken time to be nice to my kids and help them out and try to get to know them. These students absolutely melt my heart. One little boy is in the sixth grade and always asks how my day is going and how I'm liking my job there. I talked to another teacher about him and, apparently, he wants to be a special education teacher when he grows up. He already knows that he has been called to do this and he is probably the sweetest little boy that I have ever met. Then there are the students in P.E. class (my most challenging task of the day). So many of them are always trying to help my kids understand what they are supposed to be doing and they show a great deal of patience. If I were in middle school, and this kid was beside me making crazy noises and flailing his arms all over the place, I would probably try to move. Not these kids though, they help as much as they can.
I've also learned now what to expect from my students. I know what things are okay for them to do, what I should let slide and what I shouldn't. I know what they enjoy doing. I know how to get answers out of them in class. And I look forward to seeing my little friends every day. At first, I was just reporting to work everyday. Now I'm excited to see these little fellas! It's so rewarding when I see these guys work hard and put forth their best efforts. They would totally let me do all of their work for them if I would do it. Honestly, this job would be so much easier if I would just do a lot of things for them. But these kids are capable of so much more than most people give them credit for. They are used to having things done for them. But they are now starting to learn that they've got to step it up if Miss Land is around. I am enjoying watching them grow a little bit more independent as the weeks go by.
I'll leave you with an inspiring quote that I found online:
"Exceptional human beings must be given exceptional educational treatment, treatment which takes into account their special difficulties. Further, we can show that despite abnormality, human beings can fulfill their social role within
the community, especially if they find understanding, love and guidance.”
-Hans Asperger
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
- Miss Land
I've gotten chances to sit down and talk with most of the teachers whose classrooms I go into and they are all wonderful ladies. They are all super patient with my kids, and the rest of the students in the class. They are very flexible when accommodations need to be made for my kids, and they want to see these children succeed. They are constantly thinking of new ways to reach the students on a level that they will understand. These women really deserve some recognition. This is one of my first experiences in middle school, and it is HARD! Middle schoolers are not interested in anything but their social lives. And they never stop talking. These teachers have to have a serious a heart for their students. Middle school is definitely something you need to be called to teach.
I've also gotten to know a few of the students that I am not working with, but that have taken time to be nice to my kids and help them out and try to get to know them. These students absolutely melt my heart. One little boy is in the sixth grade and always asks how my day is going and how I'm liking my job there. I talked to another teacher about him and, apparently, he wants to be a special education teacher when he grows up. He already knows that he has been called to do this and he is probably the sweetest little boy that I have ever met. Then there are the students in P.E. class (my most challenging task of the day). So many of them are always trying to help my kids understand what they are supposed to be doing and they show a great deal of patience. If I were in middle school, and this kid was beside me making crazy noises and flailing his arms all over the place, I would probably try to move. Not these kids though, they help as much as they can.
I've also learned now what to expect from my students. I know what things are okay for them to do, what I should let slide and what I shouldn't. I know what they enjoy doing. I know how to get answers out of them in class. And I look forward to seeing my little friends every day. At first, I was just reporting to work everyday. Now I'm excited to see these little fellas! It's so rewarding when I see these guys work hard and put forth their best efforts. They would totally let me do all of their work for them if I would do it. Honestly, this job would be so much easier if I would just do a lot of things for them. But these kids are capable of so much more than most people give them credit for. They are used to having things done for them. But they are now starting to learn that they've got to step it up if Miss Land is around. I am enjoying watching them grow a little bit more independent as the weeks go by.
I'll leave you with an inspiring quote that I found online:
"Exceptional human beings must be given exceptional educational treatment, treatment which takes into account their special difficulties. Further, we can show that despite abnormality, human beings can fulfill their social role within
the community, especially if they find understanding, love and guidance.”
-Hans Asperger
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
- Miss Land
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Teach Me Tuesdays (a day late) - Family Influence
I've been having a little conversation with myself all day in my head about changing "Teach Me Tuesdays" to "Think About It Thursdays". I'm running out of things to teach you about education every week and there are plenty of controversial subjects that I could talk about on Thursdays. Plus, Tuesdays are the busiest day of my week and I usually to not sit down until bedtime. By then, I just want to sleep. So we'll see what comes of that.
Today's topic, however, is going to be the role of the family in a child's development. This was inspired by my (not so) favorite president's recent flip-flop on his stance on same-sex marriages.
Children learn where they fit into the world based on where they fit into their family. In my family, I have always been the strong one who holds it together and holds things in... guess how I act within other relationships. The exact same way. This isn't some wacky coincidence, it's the way we are all made. We are influenced by each individual in our immediate family.
What we learn from our fathers:
- Fathers provide a challenge for their children to explore their own strength and boundaries through rough-and-tumble play.
- Fathers who are emotionally supportive and acknowledge their child's emotions, the child learns to deal with his/her emotions.
- Fathers challenge children to become more independent.
- Supportive fathers foster a sense of self-control in their children.
- Fathers provide a moral example to their children.
- During adolescence, teenagers tend to pull away from the mother. This is when it is super important for fathers to remain involved with their children and provide support.
- Most importantly, the way that a child views their earthly father is the same way that they will view their heavenly Father. If a child sees their earthly father as absent, they could end up viewing God the same way.
What we learn from our mothers:
- Mothers provide a sense of calmness and comfort from the first time they hold their child.
- Mothers bring a sense of joy to the home. They bring smiles and laughter and praise.
- Mothers... do it all. If I started listing everything they do that influences their children I would be typing for days.
If a child only has one of these influences, chances are they are going to have a tougher time developing a well-rounded personality. They are less secure with who they are and how they fit in to things. There are more and more children growing up in homes that are out-of-whack and not balanced. It's heart breaking. Only one parent, or two mommies, or two daddies... it's not the same. We were made to have a father and a mother.
"And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:18
Where I got my info:
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Importance-of-the-Woman-in-the-Home
http://www.civitas.org.uk/hwu/fathers.php
-Miss Land
Today's topic, however, is going to be the role of the family in a child's development. This was inspired by my (not so) favorite president's recent flip-flop on his stance on same-sex marriages.
Children learn where they fit into the world based on where they fit into their family. In my family, I have always been the strong one who holds it together and holds things in... guess how I act within other relationships. The exact same way. This isn't some wacky coincidence, it's the way we are all made. We are influenced by each individual in our immediate family.
What we learn from our fathers:
- Fathers provide a challenge for their children to explore their own strength and boundaries through rough-and-tumble play.
- Fathers who are emotionally supportive and acknowledge their child's emotions, the child learns to deal with his/her emotions.
- Fathers challenge children to become more independent.
- Supportive fathers foster a sense of self-control in their children.
- Fathers provide a moral example to their children.
- During adolescence, teenagers tend to pull away from the mother. This is when it is super important for fathers to remain involved with their children and provide support.
- Most importantly, the way that a child views their earthly father is the same way that they will view their heavenly Father. If a child sees their earthly father as absent, they could end up viewing God the same way.
What we learn from our mothers:
- Mothers provide a sense of calmness and comfort from the first time they hold their child.
- Mothers bring a sense of joy to the home. They bring smiles and laughter and praise.
- Mothers... do it all. If I started listing everything they do that influences their children I would be typing for days.
If a child only has one of these influences, chances are they are going to have a tougher time developing a well-rounded personality. They are less secure with who they are and how they fit in to things. There are more and more children growing up in homes that are out-of-whack and not balanced. It's heart breaking. Only one parent, or two mommies, or two daddies... it's not the same. We were made to have a father and a mother.
"And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:18
Where I got my info:
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Importance-of-the-Woman-in-the-Home
http://www.civitas.org.uk/hwu/fathers.php
-Miss Land
Monday, February 21, 2011
I'm back!
Sooooo I took a week-long writing hiatus, but I'm back now! No worries! Just got busy and didn't really have enough to bother writing about. But now I do! Take a look at how I spent my weekend:
I got a sub for Friday and left Thursday night for a girls ski trip to Wisp Mountain in Maryland! It was an absolute blast! It was my first time snowboarding and I spent a lot of time with my booty in the snow... and my face a few times. 3 days, 1 (almost) ticket, one concussion (not me), many inside jokes, and tons of memories later, I made it back in one piece. We got in around 11:30 last night, which made today a lonnnnnng day at school. Not only did I not get enough sleep, but we weren't even supposed to be in school today! It's a holiday! However, due to the amount of school that's been missed because of snow days, school had to be in session to make up the missed time.
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend!
-Miss Land
I got a sub for Friday and left Thursday night for a girls ski trip to Wisp Mountain in Maryland! It was an absolute blast! It was my first time snowboarding and I spent a lot of time with my booty in the snow... and my face a few times. 3 days, 1 (almost) ticket, one concussion (not me), many inside jokes, and tons of memories later, I made it back in one piece. We got in around 11:30 last night, which made today a lonnnnnng day at school. Not only did I not get enough sleep, but we weren't even supposed to be in school today! It's a holiday! However, due to the amount of school that's been missed because of snow days, school had to be in session to make up the missed time.
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend!
-Miss Land
Monday, February 14, 2011
Zippity Doo Dah, Zippity Day!
Finally, a pretty day! Praise the Lord!
For once I don't want to just come home and put my pajamas on. I'm going to clean my car out, and get some groceries, and tan! And I'm not going to freeze my butt off while doing these things!!!
School was great today... nothing crazy happened.
For once I don't want to just come home and put my pajamas on. I'm going to clean my car out, and get some groceries, and tan! And I'm not going to freeze my butt off while doing these things!!!
School was great today... nothing crazy happened.
Friday, February 11, 2011
It is 9:18 A.M.
and I actually have a little bit of time before I have to be at work. Ahhhh... I could drink my coffee (but I like to do that at school... my coffee cup is my security blanket. If I don't have it in hand, then you'll see me with a bottle of water). I could clean my room up (but why would I want to do that??). I think I'll blog!
Except, I don't have a whole lot to say. I'm still loving work and hanging out with these kids. I've hardly seen them all week because of early dismissal/2 hour delays/a snow day. And now it's FRIDAY!!! Wooooohooooo!
Except, I don't have a whole lot to say. I'm still loving work and hanging out with these kids. I've hardly seen them all week because of early dismissal/2 hour delays/a snow day. And now it's FRIDAY!!! Wooooohooooo!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Teach Me Tuesdays - Putnam County making history!
Check this out!
This week Putnam County's school board met via a distance learning lab. Kind of like skyping but bigger! I just happened to stop into one of these rooms earlier that day and got to watch them play around with it. Sure, they've been doing things like this in movies and businesses for years, but this technology is now accessible for YOUR children in YOUR schools.
What purpose does this actually serve in learning?
1. A class in Alaska could pair up with a class in Florida and learn what life is really like for those so far away.
2. You could have conversations with experts on something that you are learning in class, that you wouldn't have access to in person. Your class could even have a conversation with the president! or Bill Gates! Or Justin Beiber!
3. I could be enrolled at Harvard and still live in Cookeville... (because distance is totally the only thing keeping me from attending...)
Not only is it just super cool to be able to talk to multiple people at multiple locations, our kids have so much access to so much knowledge. That's exciting!
-Miss Land
This week Putnam County's school board met via a distance learning lab. Kind of like skyping but bigger! I just happened to stop into one of these rooms earlier that day and got to watch them play around with it. Sure, they've been doing things like this in movies and businesses for years, but this technology is now accessible for YOUR children in YOUR schools.
What purpose does this actually serve in learning?
1. A class in Alaska could pair up with a class in Florida and learn what life is really like for those so far away.
2. You could have conversations with experts on something that you are learning in class, that you wouldn't have access to in person. Your class could even have a conversation with the president! or Bill Gates! Or Justin Beiber!
3. I could be enrolled at Harvard and still live in Cookeville... (because distance is totally the only thing keeping me from attending...)
Not only is it just super cool to be able to talk to multiple people at multiple locations, our kids have so much access to so much knowledge. That's exciting!
-Miss Land
Monday, February 7, 2011
I LIVE IN LAS VEGAS!! WHERE DO YOU LIVE??
I haven't had much to say lately because I've been exhausted keeping up with these kids. I am still really enjoying my job and having a lot of fun! Since I don't have a ton to say I'll tell you about some of the off-the-wall things these kids have said to me. Keep in mind, they all have autism so I have a little more patience with the funny things they say than I would be with other students.
So today, I'm sitting in the back of the room during one of the classes that I go to and one student... let's call him Bob.... turns around and looks at me. Then, clear as day, Bob says to me, "Stop being such a baby!". Turns out someone had said that to him earlier in the day. Seeing that he is feeling a little feisty today, I go and sit beside him and explain that we can't just go around saying those things to people. So he replies with, "I am sick and tired of you." WHAT??? Ok, where is this coming from?? So I ask if he was directing that statement toward me or just repeating something someone else had said. He looks directly at me and again says, "I am sick and tired of you." Now I have to explain that we do not talk like that to anyone, especially a teacher who is really nice to you.
Later, we are in science class and Bob raises his hand in the middle of the lesson. Thinking I am doing the right thing, by allowing him to ask his question instead of trying to answer it myself, I just let him keep it raised until he is called on, since that is something we've been working on. The teacher calls on him and he shouts, "I LIVE IN LAS VEGAS!! WHERE DO YOU LIVE?" Oh my gosh, random?? I'm pretty sure my job is to keep outbursts like that from happening. Whoops.
Another kid, we'll call him George, likes to tell me about the kingdom that exists in his head. He's got the biggest imagination that I have ever seen!
So there's a little tid-bit of the funny things I get to hear all day. I love how these kids just say whatever is on their mind! It may not always be appropriate, and we'll work on what needs to be kept to oneself, but until they master that skill I'll have a few good stories to tell.
If that wasn't enough for you, here are some funny classroom jokes... some are kind of cheesy, but mostly funny.
-Miss Land
So today, I'm sitting in the back of the room during one of the classes that I go to and one student... let's call him Bob.... turns around and looks at me. Then, clear as day, Bob says to me, "Stop being such a baby!". Turns out someone had said that to him earlier in the day. Seeing that he is feeling a little feisty today, I go and sit beside him and explain that we can't just go around saying those things to people. So he replies with, "I am sick and tired of you." WHAT??? Ok, where is this coming from?? So I ask if he was directing that statement toward me or just repeating something someone else had said. He looks directly at me and again says, "I am sick and tired of you." Now I have to explain that we do not talk like that to anyone, especially a teacher who is really nice to you.
Later, we are in science class and Bob raises his hand in the middle of the lesson. Thinking I am doing the right thing, by allowing him to ask his question instead of trying to answer it myself, I just let him keep it raised until he is called on, since that is something we've been working on. The teacher calls on him and he shouts, "I LIVE IN LAS VEGAS!! WHERE DO YOU LIVE?" Oh my gosh, random?? I'm pretty sure my job is to keep outbursts like that from happening. Whoops.
Another kid, we'll call him George, likes to tell me about the kingdom that exists in his head. He's got the biggest imagination that I have ever seen!
So there's a little tid-bit of the funny things I get to hear all day. I love how these kids just say whatever is on their mind! It may not always be appropriate, and we'll work on what needs to be kept to oneself, but until they master that skill I'll have a few good stories to tell.
If that wasn't enough for you, here are some funny classroom jokes... some are kind of cheesy, but mostly funny.
-Miss Land
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Teach Me Tuesdays - Autism
What better to write about than the very learning disorder that my students have been diagnosed with! Autism is quite the hot topic these days, and for good reason. No one knows what causes Autism! Can you believe that?? With technology growing at a scary-fast pace, there are still things that we just do not know and cannot figure out. That's crazy. So is it genetics, or is it environmentally triggered? Ah, the age-old "Nature vs. Nurture" debtate...
Before I tell you about some facts and myths about Autism, it is important to know that all cases of children with autism are different. Just like every single person, snowflake, and fingerprint are different, every case is different. You cannot make a single blanket statement when talking about children with autism.
FACTS:
* Autism is significantly more prevalent in boys than girls.
* Autism includes a wide range of disorders (Aspergers, Rett Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder)
* Autism is characterized by impaired social skills and communication, as well as restricted, repetitive actions.
* Early signs include: child not making eye contact, trouble reading social clues, or sensitivity to changes in lights, sounds, or their environment.
* According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects as many as 1 in every 110 children in the United States. That's a lot.
* Autism is more prevalent than any other childhood disease, but does not receive near as much funding as some less prevalent diseases.
* Autism is life-long. However, the earlier it is detected, the easier it will be to adjust and start an intervention program.
* Routine is your BEST friend when working with a child with autism. They like to have a schedule and stick to it. If you do something that is not normally in the routine, prepare them for it.
MYTHS:
* Not all children diagnosed with Autism are savants (i.e. Rain Man). They are not all super intelligent in one specific area. They cannot all repeat 13 digit numbers back to you, or memorize a Mozart sonata in one sitting without ever having touched a piano before in their lives, or whatever crazy idea you might have seen in a movie.
* You can not tell a child with Autism apart from any other child just by looking at them.
* Immunization shots do NOT cause autism. We may not know what does, but I can tell you that it's not the shots. The reason the myth came to life is that, unlike most disorders, Autism is not something that you know a child has at birth. It doesn't show symptoms until around age 3 (the age that kids get some immunizations), most of the time. A child may be developmentally on-target up until this point. Then their social skills begin to digress.
* Those diagnosed with autism are perfectly capable of being emotionally attached. They feel love, just like the rest of us, but may not have an easy time showing it.
If you were already familiar with Autism... then you probably already knew all of this. In fact, please let me know if something that I have said is not 100% correct. Otherwise, I hope this cleared up a few common misconceptions that are floating around about autism. I am no expert, and I look forward to learning so much more this semester as a resource assistant.
If you are interested in learning more check out Autism Speaks.
-Miss Land
Before I tell you about some facts and myths about Autism, it is important to know that all cases of children with autism are different. Just like every single person, snowflake, and fingerprint are different, every case is different. You cannot make a single blanket statement when talking about children with autism.
FACTS:
* Autism is significantly more prevalent in boys than girls.
* Autism includes a wide range of disorders (Aspergers, Rett Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder)
* Autism is characterized by impaired social skills and communication, as well as restricted, repetitive actions.
* Early signs include: child not making eye contact, trouble reading social clues, or sensitivity to changes in lights, sounds, or their environment.
* According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects as many as 1 in every 110 children in the United States. That's a lot.
* Autism is more prevalent than any other childhood disease, but does not receive near as much funding as some less prevalent diseases.
* Autism is life-long. However, the earlier it is detected, the easier it will be to adjust and start an intervention program.
* Routine is your BEST friend when working with a child with autism. They like to have a schedule and stick to it. If you do something that is not normally in the routine, prepare them for it.
MYTHS:
* Not all children diagnosed with Autism are savants (i.e. Rain Man). They are not all super intelligent in one specific area. They cannot all repeat 13 digit numbers back to you, or memorize a Mozart sonata in one sitting without ever having touched a piano before in their lives, or whatever crazy idea you might have seen in a movie.
* You can not tell a child with Autism apart from any other child just by looking at them.
* Immunization shots do NOT cause autism. We may not know what does, but I can tell you that it's not the shots. The reason the myth came to life is that, unlike most disorders, Autism is not something that you know a child has at birth. It doesn't show symptoms until around age 3 (the age that kids get some immunizations), most of the time. A child may be developmentally on-target up until this point. Then their social skills begin to digress.
* Those diagnosed with autism are perfectly capable of being emotionally attached. They feel love, just like the rest of us, but may not have an easy time showing it.
If you were already familiar with Autism... then you probably already knew all of this. In fact, please let me know if something that I have said is not 100% correct. Otherwise, I hope this cleared up a few common misconceptions that are floating around about autism. I am no expert, and I look forward to learning so much more this semester as a resource assistant.
If you are interested in learning more check out Autism Speaks.
-Miss Land
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