Sunday, August 16, 2009

Hello. I'm too tired to blog.

But I wanted to check in anyway. We survived the first week of school. I think I'm really going to like my class. They cross the full spectrum of autism - from non-verbal, still havin' an accident once in a while to the kid who is taking Algebra II with general ed students, and can calculate how many minutes left in the class period practically instantaneously.

I'm still trying to figure out how to teach functional academics in high school. Everything we work on is supposed to have a real-world application to prepare the students for adulthood. Math is all about money, paychecks, time cards, banking, etc. Reading is about ads, newspapers, menus, etc. Writing is about shopping lists, letters, job applications, personal information sheets, etc.

Here's a cute story. One of my guys has the total stereotypic version of autism - high academics, low social skills, perseveration, stimming, etc. He can quote complete scenes from his favorite movie, and loves to sing the theme at the top of his lungs (sometimes at inopportune times and places). His favorite computer program has an application that he loves - he can sing into the microphone and hear himself through the headphones, which of course are designed to keep the rest of the class from being distracted when it's his turn on the computer. The other day two groups were working on Math, one student was writing a letter, and he was having his turn on the computer. The aide noticed that he was going to his favorite program...the one where he likes to yell. So I placed a piece of tape over the mike at the top of the screen, then added a sticky note over it that said "Quiet! It's time for Math." It must have worked, because he didn't even try to yell into the mike once during his turn. Bwahahahahaa!

Have a great week.

15 comments:

janna said...

so you are working at a high school?/

Keep up the good work!!!

I wish you lived in Idhao

Haddorkus said...

That is really cool that you are back in special ed, I am excited for you. Things have just gotten crazy for everyone all around it appears. Have fun with all the kids.

Rachel B said...

What a special group you have! you are a special soul yourself! I am glad that there are people like you out there that have the patients, temperament, attitude, personality, to work with such special little spirits!

I wish you were closer so you could assist me with my little one and his pottie training adventures... Oh he makes me want to pull my hair OUT sometimes!

Word Verification: polli

Kristina P. said...

I admire you so much! Hang in there!

onehm said...

You are AWESOME! And coming from a mama with a kid with special needs...your desire to do a really great job with these kids is commendable. I am always so grateful that teachers will see the good in my kid and try different things to help him with the stuff that isn't always good.

You are a gift from our Heavenly Father to these sweet kiddos. Thank you!

HUGS.

Jules said...

"Hello. I'm too tired to blog." Can I just say ditto. What happened to us? Okay I guess we know what happened to you. I am lacking the energy to even make up an excuse for me. :D Your students are so lucky to have you! I can't wait to hear more stories from you adventure in teaching!

Jen Sue Wild said...

Sounds like you had a great first week!!
What a gift to work with such amazing kids..

Jaina said...

Sounds like a really special group of students. I hope you are able to share more stories with us. I hope you get some rest!

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

Like I keep saying, you do it all. Amazing.

Holly said...

I agree with the tired-ness, but for completely different reasons I'm sure. You truly are a SuperHotMama!!! Thanks for sharing the story of you student - sounds like you are the perfect person for the job!

Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week my friend!

Dani said...

I heard you'd gone back to the classroom. You're such an amazingly talented woman! I "gravel" at your feet! Hope to get together with you again soon!

Rags 2 Richards said...

Glad you survived your first week of school. That's awesome! We need to get together, maybe I can bring you lunch sometime. Let me know what your schedule is.

Wendi said...

School started for us today. It was hard for me--it always is. It's because I'm a baby. I admit it freely.

But I was thinking of you and wanted to come pop over to your blog and say HI. It is reassuring to know there are good women like you making a difference in children's lives.

Hugs.

Nishant said...

That is really cool that you are back in special ed, I am excited for you. Things have just gotten crazy for everyone all around it appears.


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Mamarazzi said...

i am so super excited for you...i have been reading you from my phone but i can't figure out how to comment from there. i miss blog jogging...and i miss you.

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