16

I learned...that trying to teach children about personal bubble space is an uphill climb. Gd forbid someone pops their bubble, but then they are popping everyone else's.

Something great that happened was...I led a great morning meeting, complete with greeting, activity, message, calendar, and reviewing the schedule.

Something challenging that happened was...trying to get the kids walk in the line well from lunch back to the class. Trying to get them to listen and respect my authority was a challenge.

A question I have is...how do you show children you are in charge without looking like a greedy power hungry maniac?

I wonder about...the positive effects the down time and center time we have provides them with. Are they better students because of it?

15

I learned...that teaching kills trees. We teach children to respect our world, but then we go and make 500 copies in a single afternoon, all in the name of teaching and helping them learn.

Something great that happened was...I was given my own reading group, exciting and scary all at the same time.

Something challenging that happened was...trying to keep Bhavya from melting down over the smallest things and at the same time not lose my cool.

A question I have is...does rationalizing work with rigid children? Are they so locked into their rigidity or is there some way to help them work around the issue at hand?

I wonder about...my ability to truly lead my reading group and help them become stronger readers.

14

I learned...that the autumnal equinox falling on a dreary Friday, the day after field day, no less, is a cruel cruel thing to us teachers. At least there was no full moon!

Something great that happened was...I was able to a assessment with Jonathan. It was great to be able to perform the assessment and be confident in my ability to perform it properly!

Something challenging that happened was...keeping the kids calm and from "killing" each other on a dreary, autumnal equinox, Friday. And trying to not loose my own cool. 

A question I have is...how students are able to learn in such a short academic day? Once you factor in lunch, recess, specials, and other breaks there isn't much time left...

I wonder about...the amazing ability for exercise and movement to help kids focus and calm down, it's amazing and a lifesaver!

13

I learned...that field day is truly a great way to build community and have a fun day.

Something great that happened was...I led morning meeting and despite the insane excitement over field day I was able to manage them and hold a great morning meeting!

Something challenging that happened was...Connor bolting during our playground time at field day, in the rain. Scariest 20 seconds of my life chasing after him at breakneck speed in a parking lot.

A question I have is...why one minute everything is okay in the mind of a child on the spectrum and one minute it isn't - how do you anticipate the those sudden changes when the triggers vary so greatly.

I wonder about...all the ways the students engaged in learning activities today during field day. I know it was more than a fun day, but also a day of learning, they just didn't realize it.

12

I learned...that before you can make any official decisions, like hiring an aid for a child, protocols need to be followed, like a behavior plan and time to see if those work. Then it can be determined if a free and appropriate education is being provided.

Something great that happened was...I spoke up, so to speak, and will begin doing morning meeting and teaching lessons in the coming weeks!

Something challenging that happened was...handling dismissal alone while Bhavya had a meltdown, Malachi's nanny wanted to know how his day was, Jonathan's mom wanted to know how his ELL class was, and Maya's mom wanted to check about my interview for class with her. It was though, but I managed to get is all accomplished without losing my cool in front of the parents.

A question I have is...how do I gently make sure the children respect my authority as a teacher just as much as they respect Jane's?

I wonder about...why Malachi dislikes going to the learning center so much, does he realize it's to help him become a stronger student, or does he see it as a punishment.

11

I learned...that kids need recess! Today they only had indoor recess because of rain and they were nuts by the middle of the afternoon!

Something great that happened was...getting to make my own self-portrait today, a total plus to being a teacher is getting to do art projects!

Something challenging that happened was...having to find Connor after he fled the lunchroom, at the same time I was still needed on lunchroom duty. I literally needed to cut myself in half, but couldn't.

A question I have is...if every child is entitled to a Free and Appropriate education, how can we let budget cuts get in the way of supplying that to a child?

I wonder about...how assessment results can change perceptions of children? Do we begin to judge children by their scores?

10

I learned...that children interpret an art project in amazing ways and to that end how they interpret it really highlights their personalities.

Something great that happened was...walking the class back from lunch it was hard to keep them in line and focused on walking, they were tired, they were "done," and it was Monday.

Something challenging that happened was...being the "sole" teacher from the time they came back from lunch, transitioning into centers, then cleaning up, hearing a story, and getting ready to head to gym.  All while juggling Connor and with no management issues!

A question I have is...how do you not let "prickly" parents sour your perception and relationship with their child?

I wonder about...why kids are so finicky about lining up, where do they learn it, and why in the grand sceme of things does it matter!?