My first week back at North Elementary was quite a strange one. I was more than prepared for everything to start when I was hit with a "bomb" as soon as I walked through the door. I found out that my host teacher needed serious surgery (I hope she's recovering well) and would be out for 5 weeks. The substitute that was hired was a certified gym teacher and therefore would not meet my own certification needs. I was struggling with what to do, where to go, who to talk to, and everything else! We finally developed a plan thanks to a previous host teacher, she works in a collaborative room this year and offerred to let me help in there. I am finding out that there are 33 students in the class, 2 full time teachers, 1 special educator for the 90 minute reading block, as well as a participant from the University. So at times there will be 5 teachers in that room! I think that the collaborative experience will really benefit myself, as well as hopefully the other teachers. I plan to start this in week 7. As for my current BD room placement, it has been a wild one. We have one self contained student, as well as a few that are pulled out for math and social skills. I got to witness first hand the trials of a student with a behavior disorder on my first day with her. They had to physically restrain the student several times - all while I documented everything that was said and done. I understand how much the "little" things count when it comes to students such as this one; even something as simple as asking her to write her name can cause a severe outburst. However, I feel like I have developed a nice relationship with the student, and since that first day we have had no problems. The student was given a new "point" or token system in which she can earn rewards. Everything seems to be working well for the time. I plan to check on this student frequently, even though I won't be with her all day anymore, so that she knows she has someone in the building she can turn to. I am excited to see how this new 11 week placement turns out!
Glad people stepped up at North to help you out with the placement. The class seems like a learning experience waiting to happen and can't wait to hear more about it once you get started. As for the student with regular outbursts, sounds like you're off to a good start by developing a positive relationship. I always found if I could develop a relationship and build from there with positive expectations results will follow. They may not be immediate and the plan will need constant revision but over time you'll find the niche that works for both of you. DH
I can't say enough about how I appreciate your flexibility with the situation at North. I think this is a unique situation that could have great impact on the teachers and students involved. I'm glad they have you there to be a part of the process!
My first week back at North Elementary was quite a strange one. I was more than prepared for everything to start when I was hit with a "bomb" as soon as I walked through the door. I found out that my host teacher needed serious surgery (I hope she's recovering well) and would be out for 5 weeks. The substitute that was hired was a certified gym teacher and therefore would not meet my own certification needs. I was struggling with what to do, where to go, who to talk to, and everything else! We finally developed a plan thanks to a previous host teacher, she works in a collaborative room this year and offerred to let me help in there. I am finding out that there are 33 students in the class, 2 full time teachers, 1 special educator for the 90 minute reading block, as well as a participant from the University. So at times there will be 5 teachers in that room! I think that the collaborative experience will really benefit myself, as well as hopefully the other teachers. I plan to start this in week 7. As for my current BD room placement, it has been a wild one. We have one self contained student, as well as a few that are pulled out for math and social skills. I got to witness first hand the trials of a student with a behavior disorder on my first day with her. They had to physically restrain the student several times - all while I documented everything that was said and done. I understand how much the "little" things count when it comes to students such as this one; even something as simple as asking her to write her name can cause a severe outburst. However, I feel like I have developed a nice relationship with the student, and since that first day we have had no problems. The student was given a new "point" or token system in which she can earn rewards. Everything seems to be working well for the time. I plan to check on this student frequently, even though I won't be with her all day anymore, so that she knows she has someone in the building she can turn to. I am excited to see how this new 11 week placement turns out!
ReplyDeleteGlad people stepped up at North to help you out with the placement. The class seems like a learning experience waiting to happen and can't wait to hear more about it once you get started. As for the student with regular outbursts, sounds like you're off to a good start by developing a positive relationship. I always found if I could develop a relationship and build from there with positive expectations results will follow. They may not be immediate and the plan will need constant revision but over time you'll find the niche that works for both of you.
ReplyDeleteDH
I can't say enough about how I appreciate your flexibility with the situation at North. I think this is a unique situation that could have great impact on the teachers and students involved. I'm glad they have you there to be a part of the process!
ReplyDelete