Thursday, January 24, 2008

Routine changes cause havoc!

It's amazing how the simple changes, even the good ones, can affect a classroom. This week my school hired a paraprofessional for my room. Also, my intern started. Both are fabulous and bilingual, which helps a great deal as most of my students are English Language Learners. Having this change occur caused chaos. There have been 2 incidents of furniture throwing, swearing, and out and out defiance from many of the students. I went so long alone in the room with 15 students and 6 different grade levels and now that I have support the ruckus has begun. I know that in a few days it will all settle in and my room will be better than before. Could be a long few days though.

I will say that the learning in my room has at least doubled since the help arrived. I now find myself able to finish a reading group without running over to stop a fight or to break up an argument. Finally I will start to see some strong progress. My older students have been troupers helping out with the kindergarten friends. Even getting shoes tied and jackets on is a huge help.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my blog. My goal is to use this forum to share the rewards and challenges of working with special needs children. I have found that every child, no matter how challenging is full of potential in their own special way.