Wow, it has been nearly a week since I last blogged. Whoops! I guess I was feeling uninspired and didn't want to post something boring, so I decided to wait until I had something to say. Well, today is the day.
Last week I got a call from the principal of the local international Christian school, and she asked if I would come in and sub for a week in the kindergarten classroom filling in as the assistant for four days and being lead kindergarten teacher for two. Since I am now just working nights with the baby it is possible for me to do more things during the day like this, so I agreed.
My first day of kindergarten was yesterday. Every time I am in a kindergarten class I absolutely love it. What a fun age! This kindergarten class is composed of eight high-energy youngsters who are NOT shy--not one of them. Upon arriving in the classroom on Monday, the teacher informed me that my job was to be with one boy in particular, and stay with him the whole time. She explained what a problem he was and how it was going to be a great struggle to get him to obey. I was pleasantly surprised with the delightful boy that showed up to school that day. The teacher said it was the first good day she had had all year. As one of the other teachers came in to ask how it was going she replied, "Did you know that I like teaching?"
The next day, today, he was also pretty good. When he is good, the rest of the class is as well. When he has a rough day the classroom dynamics are significantly affected. I'm sure nobody has had a student like that, right? :)
My goal for this week is to come up with a plan for this boy, thus supporting this struggling first-year teacher. I'm pulling out the archives of my special ed classes to put together a behavior plan that will be useful for her and supportive for him.
This week I am realizing that I really enjoy being in a supportive role for the teacher, not only as an assistant for the week but also supporting her with ideas and an action plan to make the classroom a more positive environment for both her and this boy. I can definitely see myself flourishing in some sort of role like this in the future, giving teachers the tools they need for success in their classrooms. I suppose that is a big part of the role of special educators, is it not?
5 comments:
Hooray for you Stephanie. I wonder what the problems are that the boy has that is creating such disturbances. By writing what you observe to wrok with this child will be a big help and hopefully all will benefit. Keep us posted.
I have had a similiar boy, although he is in fifth grade and I consider him a young man. I have noticed the techniques and strategies I have learned from our special ed classes to be a huge benefit, so you are looking for answers in the right places. I wish you well with this endevor. I had the opportunity to sub for an afternoon kindergarten class. What fun! :)
I think our attitudes impact how children to behave. If we expect them to be difficult - they will be difficult. I can also say that it sounds like you had a way to connect with this boy that worked. Good job. I also understand wanting to be inspired before I write but sometimes the simple things can be powerful Gina
Kindergarten is a fun age and they are busy little guys. The questions and responses you will get from them sometimes are quite funny.
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