Week13 (2nd placement)

     This week you could definitely tell it was the week before spring break. All of this week was a countdown until the end of Thursday. We have all been ready for a break. Sue has been completely out of the room for most of this week. When I think about my teacher at my first placement leaving me with 20 4th graders vs. Sue leaving me with 8 students and 5 aides, I will definitely take the 20 4th graders. Having to manage the adults this week was exhausting, challenging, and frustrating. When everyone has the mind set that we only have 4 more days until break, that makes it worse. They were willing to do as I asked, but were taking no initiative like normal. I think they are starting to see that I am partly their boss for the time being and not someone to play fake teacher. I am learning very much about being professional with this job. Not so much that I’ve been being unprofessional, but the other adults in the classroom have a way of bringing their personal lives and issues into the classroom and it is often inappropriate. It’s a challenge to listen and not get involved, it’s also challenging to know all of these things. It makes it feel very unprofessional. I am trying hard not to pay any attention to the things that get said, but at the same time I have to find a balance because I want them to know that I do care, I just don’t want to know every detail.
     Like I said, Sue was out of the classroom for most of the time. Also this week she switched students on me and the rest of the aides. So I had to deal with the aides not knowing what to do, me with a new student (not knowing what to do), and taking care of the classroom without her. I was working with our most high-functioning student this week and he is a big kid. BIG kid. I ‘ve got to tell you, by the time Thursday rolled around, I was so frustrated and ready for break I could have gone outside and screamed for a good 15 minutes. The break will be good for everyone to refresh; students too. Because Sue was out of the room, when the social worker came to check in on our new student, I was the one she talked to. On Thursday we had our IEP meeting for this student and I got called on to talk during the meeting. This was so unexpected! I think I looked like a fish with my mouth hanging open and closing repeatedly. I did eventually find words. :) Also while Sue was out of the room this week, we had the state inspection come inspect our rooms. That was also nerve-racking. Because of the short week, our related services were in more often in order to make up for the time they would lose on Friday.
     Teaching this week was more of the same schedule. Morning circle every morning, craft on Tuesday- we decorated easter eggs, and easter baskets on Wednesday. Holy cow. Easter eggs was a process. I was praying the kids would not get dye all over themselves and thankfully they did not. I really enjoy making everything tactile with the kids. That is the best way for them to grasp a concept or concrete object.  We also go to swim on Wednesday. Thats always a great time and it’s always so fun to see how different kids can feel in the water. This week is also a reminder of the things that can go wrong. While being changed for swimming, one student had a seizure,one had diarrhea, one peed. I am starting to get used to nothing going according to plan. So much so, that if something does go according to plan I am taken by surprise. It’s like I’m waiting for the something else to happen. Haha. I really love working with this group of students. This is a lot lower functioning than I ever thought I would go, but it appeals to me in a different way than teaching a group of regular education 4th graders.