The last couple of weeks have been stressful yet rewarding. I report to work everyday to do the very best that I can do within the time frame for which I have been allotted and to hopefully make a difference in the lives of the students I have been assigned to teach. A male student was placed in my class about 4 weeks ago. He is in the Program for Exceptional Children and his long term goal is to be a basketball player as identified during a career and lifestyle research project. Although I have been asking, I have yet to see an IEP on this student. He has been a trouble maker, as some would say, and does not show any interest in his class work. I am told he can be disruptive and have sudden out bursts of anger.
I have used some of Rick Lavoie strategies to help this student adjust to being in my classroom and to help him keep all his poker chips on a daily basis. My strategies appear to be effective because I have not witnessed any disruptive behavior or out bursts. In fact, this student has had problems in other classes and referred for discipline issues which resulted in in-school suspensions and sometimes out of school suspensions. Each time he returns to my class and ask for make-up work, which validates that he has bought into the idea that I constantly remind them of, and that is all students can learn and be successful. Four days ago he came in to my classroom during an interview with another student and asked if he could speak with me privately. We walked to a distance area of my large classroom and then he stated I won't be here for the next couple of days and gently unfolded a letter for me to read. It was a discipline letter of suspension. This morning he returned and asked for his make-up work.
Becoming a master teacher is certainly a goal I have set for myself, however I am not there yet.
I will continue to teach and meet each child where they are mentally, physically and socially.
In my classes I will continue to help students make the connection with the real world whether they have an interest in health care or aspirations of being a basketball player.
You are getting there!! Keep it up, it sounds like you have reached out to a student that really needs your special attention. I think of the very small amounts of time and attention that we have to spread out among all our students and you find yourself wishing the day was a week. I have also used the "Poker Chips" with some success. Keep Going!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, this was a great story that you shared and does show that using the correct techniques and strategies we have been taught will mold us into master teachers.
ReplyDeleteYour positive influence with this student has certainly madea difference and that's what its all about.