44

I learned...that I can successfully discipline a student and be firm, and that just because a student doesn't listen to me doesn't mean I am not doing an adequate job at being firm.

Something great that happened was...Marcia gave me great feedback on my conference report write ups for Malachi!

Something challenging that happened was...Malachi constantly disobeying me and outright defying my requests for him to follow the rules.

A question I have is...when is ignoring a child's bad behavior a smart decision and when is it the wrong way to respond.

I wonder about...what the other children think when they see a classmate downright ignoring a teacher's directions.

43

I learned...that conferences are a truly great time to learn more about your students' parents and your student. I really saw how much Bhavya's mom is doing for him and how much she knows about what works for him and how hard she works to make sure it all works.

Something great that happened was...my lesson went super well and I got excellent reviews from Elaine and Marcia!

Something challenging that happened was...Neila giving me attitude over asking her to finish her work and come over to the rug.

A question I have is...don't, in theory, all students need a behavior plan?

I wonder about...what a bunch of 6 year olds thought of our lock down drill...

42

I learned...that sometimes it is best, and okay, to just ignore a child who is having a hard time. It will help the mood pass.

Something great that happened was...being able to talk with the SLP and have her hear my ideas and concerns about Malachi's processing issues and then have her get excited that I had/had experience with CAPD. I felt like a real professional.

Something challenging that happened was...having Malachi deliberately defy my instructions several times today, it was a real struggle to not get into a power struggle but also exert my power. 

A question I have is...what do you do when a behavior plan isn't motivating a child at all?

I wonder about...how insane they'll be next week with it being a three day week and all...

41

I learned...that you shouldn't repat an answer from a student, since it makes them feel like you have to have the last word in - what an interesting concept!

Something great that happened was...I was able to help Malachi get over a "rock brain" moment and figure out a great solution to the problem.

Something challenging that happened was...having Max get upset when he put his name in a center before finishing his work and then having to not get to go to that center. I felt bad, but I know it was the right way to deal with it.

A question I have is...how do you respond or not respond to a child who is upset about a consequence?

I wonder about...why some children go to the bathroom every 5 minutes! Are we that boring?

40

I learned...that when a child has not been doing what's expected of them and they then beging to follow the rules/directions you don't say thank you since it was what was expected to begin with.

Something great that happened was...being able to sit with Marcia and go over my lesson plan and really talk about some great things to incorporate to ensure it goes well.

Something challenging that happened was...dealing with figuring out what exactly happened at recess between Shane and Bhavya, then having to bring in Carrie to mediate.

A question I have is...when do you realize that the behaviors and actions be exhibited in class need to be dealt with once and for all versus trying this or trying that.

I wonder about...the difference between tears of "oh nuts I'm in trouble" and "I really didn't do it."

39

I learned...ignoring behaviors sends just as strong a message as paying attention to those same behaviors.

Something great that happened was...Jane and I had great professional discussions about some of the kids and some upcoming lessons, I felt like her co-teacher rather than a little intern.

Something challenging that happened was...Neila pitching a fit when I asked her to line up for gym. Some times you just have no idea how to handle the attitude.

A question I have is...why do some children feel that pitching fits is the best way to communicate?

I wonder about...the kids that are just humming along in the middle of the class, the ones who listen and follow directions and we don't say their names 500x a day - am I paying them enough attention then...

38

I learned...that kids in New England are so immune to the cold that shorts and snow is a common site.

Something great that happened was...I planned for and led Malachi's LC session this morning and it went well and I got good feedback!

Something challenging that happened was...trying to get Connor back into the classroom all while trying to figure out was bothering him.

A question I have is...how do you resolve issues like Connor's "I don't want to be in school" gently but firmly and appropriately.

I wonder about...how hopped up on sugar the kids will be tomorrow...