Blog Post #2
Today was my first "Official" day in the classroom. I was there for 2 and a half hours. When I got there the teacher was working on reading with some of the students out in the hall and the rest were in the classroom watching a video. Once the video was over, she had me come sit in the front so that each child could come and introduce themselves to me. Remember that these are Special Ed. students and many of them have trouble speaking and forming sentences. Each child was instructed to hold out their hand to shake mine and say "My name is...., What is your name?" "It's nice to meet you Miss Kelli." Many of the Children had to have the words spoken to them first and they would then repeat them. After we got acquainted we had what they call "Class Meeting", where they assign class jobs and then go over the calendar, weather, how many days they have been in school and they sing a song about posture to remind the children, especially those in wheel chairs to sit up straight so we don't as the song says "get a hump on our backs". It is very important to make sure that each child is singing and speaking in each activity and we will keep repeating that activity until everyone participates.
After the Class Meeting we went outside for recess. Those not in wheelchairs are able to run and play on the playground. Those in wheelchairs are usually pushed around by either Class Aids or other Kids. We try to encourage the other children to push them around so that they feel included. Other times they are just happy to sit by the edge of the playground and watch the other kids play. I won't lie, it's definitely heartbreaking to see their little feet go wild in their chairs and know they can't get out there and run around with their friends. After Recess we were able to go to the library. Each child returned their book from last week and they then got to pick out a new one and spend some time reading while we were there. Miss Kay encouraged me to spend some one on one time with each child in the library so that they can get acquainted with me, so I went around to each child to see what book they had chosen and I was able to read to some of them. As soon as we got back from the Library it was time to start getting ready to go home. They are given special instructions to get their papers gathered from their box and to put them in their backpack. Then they are excused one at a time to follow through with those instructions and when completed they get a round of applause.
Because it is Special Ed. there is so much routine to the day's activities for the children. They know what happens each day and what order things are done in. I'm still learning the needs of each individual child and their names but I had a blast today and I am already in love with these kids. It's amazing how quickly they capture your heart. I was amazed at how quickly they even took to me and wanted to spend time with me. Sign language is a big part of communicating in this class and I would really like to brush up on basic signs so I can participate in that.
September 17th. 1:00-3:30 Cedar Ridge Elementary
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