Persistence is the Key

     Have you ever had a moment in teaching that has made you swell with pride? Today was that day for me. So often, kids who need special education services are thought of students who can't achieve. I can tell you that those who think that way are so wrong. Persistence, and never giving up despite setbacks are the keys to success. The key is letting kids know that you believe in them even when they don't believe in themselves.  This, coupled with building a positive self-image eventually allows kids to believe in themselves. Letting kids know that setbacks are normal for everybody and talking about the setbacks while making goals for change are key to future success.
       One year ago, my student who I will call: Paige, came back to our self-contained classroom in tears from a Technology 7 class because she felt that she would never understand how to measure with a ruler. Paige wanted to quit! After gentle encouragement and a new plan, Paige went back to "Tech class". Our plan included sending a teacher's aide with her to learn along side of her. This way, the aide could re-teach the skills needed in technology class over and over to Paige.  Paige passed technology class but still struggled with measurement.  This year, Paige began in a Technology 8 class. Again the aide was sent with her but this year, three other students from our 7th/8th self-contained classroom joined Paige. Back in my classroom we dedicated one class period during Life Skills to practicing using a ruler and tape measure for measurement. The aide was very patient with all nine students in our classroom and praised them for their great work. In all, nine out of ten of my students are taking Technology 7 or 8 this year. Paige had a new sense of confidence this year that wasn't present a year ago. It has been a pleasure watching her grow more confident.
     Paige took her test on measurement yesterday all by herself. This morning, I was greeted by Paige who had a big surprise for me...a 100% on her "Ruler Identification" test! I swear my heart skipped a beat! I definitely swelled with pride as I hugged Paige and danced around the classroom! Our aide actually teared up with happiness! We hung Paige's 100% on our whiteboard all day for everyone to see! I asked Paige if I could write about her in my blog because I'm just so proud of her! She said "yes"!! So tonight, here it is!
    Paige had it in herself all along to be successful, she just didn't know it yet! All kids can learn. Paige learned a valuable lesson that persistence and practice does pay off! Next time Paige faces a situation that seems insurmountable my guess is that she will face it head on and come up with a way to be successful. Paige earned more than a 100% in Technology 8 class, she also learned that she has what it takes to succeed.

Educator Links:
Common Core in Action Using Digital Storytelling Tools in the ELA Classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ccia-digital-storytelling-tools-ela-monica-burns

How and Why Teachers Should Start using Twitter Right Now
http://t.co/gM4I3b1phI

21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do This Year (high-tech and low-tech)
pic.twitter.com/X6CVhpWgBd

Maslow's Needs for Students Using Technology for Learning.
http://clouducation.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/mazlows-needs-for-students-using-technology-for-learning/



Parent Links:
A Simple Way to add Activity to Your Life:The Cross Crawl: A Remarkable Movement
http://t.co/PrTjB2ndYJ

Kids Who Ignore Consequences: 10 Ways to make Them Stick
http://www.empoweringparents.com/Kids-Who-Ignore-Consequences-10-Ways-to-Make-Them-Stick.php?g


Mrs. Aubin's Book Review:
     Tonights pick for my book review is: Maps by: Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. This Atlas is like no other. First, it's huge! The book measures 15" X 11" It is 109 pages of absolute artistic beauty, featuring 52 highly illustrated maps. These maps have everything including: interesting attractions, famous people, native animals and plants and cultural interests and more! Kids love pouring over the colorful maps with so many things to look at. These maps get kids talking and asking important questions. Kids and adults learn without even realizing it!  With this atlas, a picture really is worth a thousand words, so let me show you a few:
                                                                                            

                                               

End of the Day Jar

     The "End of the Day Jar," is a great way to culminate the end of each school day. Everyday approximately ten minutes before the final bell my students must return to their desks, straighten their area, and then a student is called upon to "teach the class." I hang a list of students and their assigned days to be the "end of the day teacher".  As the "End of the Day Teacher,"  the student randomly chooses a card from the End of the day Jar. The student then asks each student one at a time the question or prompt from the card pulled from the End of the Day Jar.  There is no less than thirty cards in the jar. Cards may be used again and again. Examples of cards are: 1)What is one thing you learned today?  2)Tell about something you read today. and  3) Did you do something kind for someone today?.
     The "End of the Day Jar" is a positive activity on so many levels. First, it gives the students a sense of completion on their school day. Secondly, it gives students a focus point to gather their thoughts, and straighten their school space to be prepared to start again in the morning. Thirdly, The "End of the Day Jar" allows students to relax for just a second forgetting that school is over before bustling out the door to go home.  Simply put, it's just a nice way to end the school day. It gives each student time to reflect on their school day. The students share their answers that may all be different from each others to give each child a different perspective on the same question or prompt. Best of all, there are no wrong responses! So, everyone gets positive reinforcement.  Lastly, it gives the "student of the day" a little public speaking practice in a non-threatening environment. It also gives the student his or her day in the spotlight to be momentarily the leader. I think we all like to be the leader once in a while even if it is only for a moment.
   I first learned of the "End of the Day Jar" from Aimee Vanmiddlesworth on "Teachers Pay Teachers." When I learn good ideas from other teachers I like to share them. The more each of us do to help each other and collaborate the more effectively we can teach our students. I can assure you that this is a great activity that quickly becomes part of the daily routine.  Best of all students love it and eagerly look forward to their day to be the end of the day teacher!


Daily Parent Link:
Family Rules Template
http://www.growingwireless.com/learn-engage/tips-for-safe-kids/family-rules-template



Daily Parent and Educator Link:
Great Apps for Children with Down's Syndrome
http://nosycrow.com/blog/the-best-apps-for-children-with-down-s-syndrome-special-needs


Daily Educator Link:
Google Chromebook in the Classroom!
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1443255
@GingerLewman


Daily Book Review:
     Tonight's pick is Cross-Country Cat, written by: Mary Calhoun.  This is an adorable story about Henry a siamese cat who is accidently left behind by his family at a ski lodge. Henry is a clever cat who talks to the animals in an attempt to get home! Though I'm personally not quite ready for snow yet, children will love this wintry tale!

Collaboration Team

 

         When creating a plan to serve a student with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 plan,it takes a team effort. The team can be called a collaboration

team. Have you ever heard the statement that it "takes a village" to raise a child?   This saying holds true for educating a child as well. The collaboration team consists of many people. It may include:  the special education teacher, a general education teacher, the parents, the student, the speech-language pathologist, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, a school psychologist, a guidance counselor, the special education director, possibly the school principal, a social worker, and a parent advocate. The collaboration team consists of anyone who is involved in the education of the child. The special education teacher who is also the student's case manager is the liaison for all persons involved in the child's education. The special educator must interact with all persons on the child's collaboration team frequently to ensure that the student's program is running smoothly. The case manager must make sure that every service stated on the IEP is being delivered. If their are glitches in the students program or if the student needs changes in the delivery of programming then the case manager must contact the Director of special education to meet as a collaborative team to makes changes to the IEP, 504 plan, or delivery of instruction to ensure that the students needs are being met. The collaboration team is a valuable component of the child's education.

 Educator Links:
10 APPs for Math Fluency-http://www.edutopia.org/blog/10-apps-for-math-fluency-monica-burns?

See What it is Like to be Autistic-http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/autism-simulations/#:eyJzIjoiZiIsImkiOiJfNnhnaGd6d3czdmhjb3g1ZCJ9


Parent Link:
Differences in Parenting?  How Your Child may be Using it Against You
http://www.empoweringparents.com/Parenting-Differences-How-Your-Child-May-Be-Using-it-Against-You.php?gui=5775

Book Review:
The Happy Hedgehog written by Marcus Pfister. It is a beautiful story about a grandfather hedgehog and his grandson, Mikko. Mikko learns through his travels that there is no place like home and the grandfather learns that Mikko is a wise grandson. 

Life Skills are Beneficial

   

      Way back in 1983, I had the privilege of  beginning my career in special education at the Devereux Foundation. The teens that I taught lived and learned in a residential setting. They were dually diagnosed as intellectually challenged and emotionally disturbed. My job was to teach them "functional academics". I taught them money, time, reading, community signs, letter writing, grocery shopping, how to use a laundromat and vending machines. My students learned how to read and order from a menu. They learned how to read a grocery circular and how to subtract coupons from their total bill. They learned how to write checks and balance a checkbook. My friend and co-worker, Miss Angie, taught them "home economics" which included reading recipes and cooking. Miss Angie's students learned how to measure with cups and spoons. The students learned how to do laundry and how to fold it. Miss Angie taught the students how to clean their home. She taught them personal hygiene too. Every Tuesday and Friday Miss Angie and I would take a small group of students out into the community to places like the post office, grocery store, laundromat, different types of restaurants, and different types of shopping establishments. We always worked on proper social skills and good manners. Miss Angie and I were preparing our students for adult life. In our small school , where our twenty-eight students switched classes, we also had a workshop teacher, woodworking teacher, an art teacher, and a physical education teacher. After leaving The Devereux Foundation, many of the students went on to live in group homes. They needed skills to live as independently as possible.
   I think that "Life skills are valuable skills for most students not just special needs students.  The first phone call that I received from my daughter at college was her worrying that she'd ruin her clothes in the public washing machine and dryer! With common core and higher stakes testing students don't have the time to learn all of these essential life skills during a rich academic school day. Families are busy and while most do teach their children essential skills and behaviors for life, students still may benefit from at least an elective course that prepares them for real world living.  I currently teach one life skills class every day. In many ways this is the most valuable course that I teach.

Daily Parent Links:
Life Lessons for Kids and Teens: 5 Skills Every Child Needs to Learn
http://www.empoweringparents.com/life-lessons-for-kids-five-skills-every-child-and-teen-needs-to-learn.php?gui=5753


Daily Educator Link:
Daily Living and Cooking Activities
http://home.centurytel.net/mrs_browns_classroom/


Children's Book Review:

     Tonight's book review pick, is:  The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars, adapted by: Jean Merrill.  When my oldest daughter, Kirsten, was young, she was the caterpillar girl! She loved nature and animals and anything to do with either of these! She was an early and voracious reader so I was always searching for books to sooth her precocious soul! 
      This Japanese tale was thought to have been written in the twelfth century during the Heian period.  The original author is unknown the original story was found on a scroll. It's a story of a young, Japanese girl who loved caterpillars. It's a rich story set in ancient Japan during the time of the Emperor's court in Kyoto. This is not a book for every child, but for those who enjoy a sense of culture combined with the depth of long ago, it is a nice story. It may also make a nice accompaniment to a world history or literature lesson.
    The illustrations painted by Floyd Cooper, are done in soft-oil. They give the book a more cultural sense of long ago.

Respect and Security Create Success for Students

     I have always said that I love my career choice because I meet some of the most amazing people. Today I met "Docbob" on Twitter and found the above quote on his page. I so agree with David A. Sousa. I have long had the belief that students need to feel safe in their environment in order to give their brain the freedom to process new information. 
     Each year I face a new group of students. I teach in a 7th and 8th grade self-contained, special education classroom. My students have for various reasons, not always had success in school. Sometimes they come from impoverished families and broken homes.  Many have been ridiculed both by peers and adults in their life.  I stand before them, a new adult. There is always a "honeymoon" period where we all just study each other. Trust takes time and consistency. Trust is earned. Trust doesn't come easy. My motto:" firm and fair", yet not really. I guess my motto really is, "consistent and fair." I have a little over six hours a day to nurture and guide these students. I expect a lot. My students work hard every day. Respect is expected. I respect them, I expect them to respect me, their teacher aides, other adults in our school, their peers and above all themselves.  
     While with me, I want my students to be comfortable. I give them snacks and allow drinks in the room. It's difficult to concentrate if you're hungry or thirsty. So we take a little time to eat. Again, it's about feeling comfortable.  
    My classroom is a safe haven. Bullying and name calling are not allowed. We all accept each other for who we are with our wonderfully, unique differences. Our focus each day is our school work. My students know that they are cared for. They know that we will face our challenges head on and figure out a way to approach them. I care about my students success. I also care about them as people. My students feel physically safe and emotionally secure while in our classroom; therefore they are emotionally available to work hard and that in itself is success. 

Daily Parent and Educator Links:
No, Actually It's Not Okay for My Son to Lick You
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-eicher/no-actually-its-not-ok-for-my-son-to-lick-you_b_5793968.html

Focus on Poverty: Education Isn't a Magic Bullet
http://m.scidev.net/global/education/analysis-blog/poverty-education-magic-bullet.html

"Addressed to Him Who Stares at His First Birthday candle." Today in 1929.
https://twitter.com/amhistorymuseum/status/511142612477022208/photo/1


Daily Book Review:
     Lincoln's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly.  Bill O'Reilly at his best. Lincoln's Last Days, is adapted from Bill O'reilly's best selling novel, Killing Lincoln.  The adaptation is for young adult readers. This book will capture young minds giving them accurate information about the killing of Abraham Lincoln. 

Education is Special: A Fundamental Right

Education is Special: A Fundamental Right:

          People with disabilities have the same fundamental right to live and participate in this world as much as the non-disabled.  ...

A Fundamental Right

   

      People with disabilities have the same fundamental right to live and participate in this world as much as the non-disabled.  This does not mean that they should be given special treatment because of their disability. It simply means that if a disabled person is able to carry out activities in the home, school, community, and in the workplace with or without reasonable accommodations and/or modifications then they should be allowed to do so. Merit should always go to the best qualified candidate. 

   Savvy special educators take the time to get to know each of their students. When it comes to educating them, they take into account the whole child. Aside from academic and physical needs an astute special educator will take into consideration each students need to have skill in self-determination and self-advocacy.
     Self-determination is a person's individual characteristics that lead them to make choices and decisions based on their own personal likes and preferences.  Self-determination also helps the individual to become goal oriented and to self-regulate their own actions related to this goal. In many cases the more a person wants something, the more he/she will work toward this goal regardless of a disability. Special educators  help students attain realistic goals. Many times these goals allow students to reach for their dream. Have you ever noticed that uninhibited, little children always reach for their dreams blurting out things like, "I'm going to be a fireman, or a princess, or an astronaut"?  How many parents run out to stores to get them toys and dress-up clothes to help them play out their dream! It is my belief that dreams can become a reality with the right support and guidance. Sometimes as a child grows-up dreams need to be tweaked or changed but every child has the fundamental right to participate fully in every aspect of life and reach for their own personal dreams.
   Self-advocacy is one of the best skills that a parent or educator can equip a child with. A child that has the courage to speak up for himself will be heard. When I hold (IEP) Individual Education Plan meetings, I always invite the student. I tell the student, "This is your education. You deserve the right to say what you want and to ask for what you need." One of my all time favorite IEP meetings was for a young teen with asperger's syndrome. The student wanted it written in his IEP that he could chew gum during tests and quizzes because it helped him to concentrate. A small request that made a big difference to him. This was added as an accommodation in his IEP. Gum was always on hand for this child during tests and quizzes and therefore this child was able to sail right through them. It was a seemingly insignificant adjustment that made a huge difference for this student.
     In this great world filled with opportunity after opportunity those with and without disability are all on equal playing fields when it comes to the fundamental right of living a complete life at home, in school, in the community, and in the workplace. 

Parent and Educator Links:
Educational games:     www.digipuzzle.net

11 Sample Education BYOT Polices to Help You Create Your Own:
http://www.teachthought.com/technology/11-sample-education-byot-policies-to-help-you-create-your-own

   
   
Daily Book review:
The Princess Fables written by Marc Clark. I first met author Marc Clark on Twitter. I instantly fell in love with the idea behind his book, The Princess Fables.  So I ordered it. I have not been disappointed with my purchase. In fact, I love The Princess Fables!  Marc Clark wrote eleven inspirational stories for girls who dream of becoming a princess. Each princess finds herself on a journey of self-discovery. Each princess learns true values along her journey. I love that these stories were inspired by Marc's daughter. Since my daughters are grown, I plan on using The Princess Fables with my special education students who dream big and sometimes need a lot of encouragement to get over everyday challenges. The Princess Fables will help guide me as I give my students the gift of self-determination. As I told Marc, I still do dream of becoming a princess and I dream that all of my students will achieve their highest aspirations too, so this book is perfect for me and the princesses in my classroom!  

PS. Incidentally, I also love the delicate pen and ink drawings by illustrator Eric Hosford.  The classic look of 19th century fairy tales makes The Princess Fables a real treasure.