Tomorrow I will complete my fifth (yes, FIFTH) week in my special education placement. It is different but it is great. I am learning quite a bit every day. It's very interesting to me how first and third grades can be so different. And it's been great to see the many different ways that teachers teach too.
In the mornings just like usual we teach a reading class. This class is a mix of second and third graders. They can be rather frustrating just because they don't open their ears and listen. They are funny and very special kiddos. In the mornings now I do a pull out of three kids from a third grade class to work on vocabulary. That has been a fun challenge because of their characteristics and I have loved spending that time with them. In the afternoon we do the routine math and writing team teaching blocks. This past week I prepared a lesson on fractured fairy tales (what I would call fairy tale spin-offs). They came up with some pretty silly and hilarious stories!
The thing that is so different from general ed is that in special ed your time is far less structured. You have to be flexible and ready to jump around where ever you're needed. Instead of routine tasks, you do little things that no one thinks of. And you always have to be prepared for whatever.
Outside of school some fun things have been happening too. I went to the KSU career fair last week and got my networking on. I had so much fun chatting with districts and getting pumped up for finding a job. Last weekend I was fortunate enough to go on a weekend vacation getaway to Gulf Shores, AL. We left Friday and came back Sunday. We walked on the beach, went to a baptism in the gulf, and ate all the best seafood. It was such a blessing that I could escape the world of student teaching for just a few days. And the weather was AMAZING! Far better than Kansas that's for sure.
Life is good over all but I just can't wait to graduate. Three weeks from Saturday. Here we go!!
Before I sign off here are some things I've been learning...
- Kids are GREAT no matter what!
- Don't be afraid of any situation or any kid or any behavior. Just tackle it with the best strategy or idea you've got. It might not work, but at least you tried.
- Third grade special ed is the place to be! We order chinese every week. Oh, and Mrs. K (one of the PARAs) brings us surprise Starbucks!
So long for now!
Until next time,
Miss Everhart (or now I'm being called Miss Loveheart)
