Placement+1+Wk+6+Experience


 * (*All real names are substituted for made-up names for teachers' and students' safety.)**

Monday, Feb. 22, 2010

There were quite a few kids out in 1st period. (Later found out that one of them is in jail for possession of weed). High school kids skip classes a lot. Anyway, for English, we read a Reader's Theatre Play/Story called "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" based on a Novel by Mark Twain. (author of //The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)//



Students in that class love reading Reader's Theatre Plays. Eventhough some of them struggle with fluency, I think they enjoy being able to play different parts and different characters. It's fun to imagine with reading! I wanted to participate of course so I asked to have a part. I love reading out loud with expression! Besides, it's great fluency modeling for the kids! The story was exciting and full of action. Perfect for a class of all boys!

There was a new student in class. It's crazy to be a new student in a school especially this late in the school year. The boy walked in class with a wooden cane. He moved very slow. He was smiled and was friendly.

In 3rd Period, my supervising teacher arranged for me to observed a co-taught class. It was neat to see how an ESE and Regular Ed teacher worked together. It makes things much easier both for the teachers and students. I think that's the best learning situation. The students were doing their practice FCAT. I just think they prepare a little too much for that test. It's exhausting.
 * Co-Teaching**


 * In Campus On-the-Job Training**

After lunch, my supervising teacher arranged for me to observe another On-the-Job Training. Can you tell I have the best Supervising Teacher? I love her! This OJT is the one that Timber Creek has in Campus. The students clean and detail cars behind the campus. I met Ms. Watkins who teaches that class. We had a nice chat under the warm sun while observing and watching the kids do their step by step car washing process. She told me that she teaches the business side of the car detailing job. Creating a log, advertisement, business budget and all that. The kids also learn interpersonal and teamwork skills as they work together to clean different parts of the car. I stayed for 2 periods while interacting with kids and at some points, even getting hands on and vacuuming with the kids!

Ms. Watkins also shared some great tips on being an ESE teacher. Your first year teaching either makes you or breaks you. ESE teachers have high burnout rates (which I've been hearing alot lately) ESE teachers need a solid support group inside and outside of school. ESE teachers need good hobbies outside of school. Things like that.

Today, I also got to take photos of the classroom and some others scenes around school. Check out my Photo Album!


 * Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010**

Today I got to work closely with the new student. He was telling me his story about why he's walking with a cane. Someone hit him in a car accident that left him in a Jacksonville hospital for a a year and half. He said he suffered brain damage from that accident. He said he didn't like the hospital. He was in so much pain. I started a new Math workbook with him. He said he'll try to see if he can do the problems in it. After explaining him what to do and guiding him through some of the problems, he apologized for his writing the was slanted. He said he used to be able to write in a straight line. I told him he's doing fine. I could read his handwriting. Speaks slow, moves slow, and writes slow. He was trying so hard.
 * New Student**

Oh the courage that must've taken that kid to share all those information with me.


 * Working Closely**

A few of the students have been asking to work with me. It's amazing how much can be accomplished and how motivated students can be once you gain their trust. Once they understand that you're there because you care. I've been working with my hearing-impaired student and he seems to be very motivated recently. I like communicating with him eventhough we have barriers to overcome.


 * TMH**

I guess they still call it that class. (Trainable Mentally Handicapped) I'm not really sure the proper way to call it now. But I observed and worked with some students in that class today. The teacher said that's the lowest level of students with disabilities that they have at Timber Creek. Today, they were learning how to fold utensils in napkins, how to wash dishes, and how to dry plates, spoons, and forks, and later on learning how to read newspapers. They're always very friendly. Some ofcourse are distant.


 * Looking Forward**

I have 2 weeks left at Timber Creek and I can already tell how much I'm gonna miss my students. I don't wanna leave. I'm having such a great time and learning so much. I'm looking forward to my full week next week. I'm teaching a class lesson about Lebron James and friendship.