Believe

Its getting late, and I haven't finished report cards...
Wanted to let say that God is good and all you have to do is put your faith in Him. He came through for me once again today!

People First or First People?

When was the last time you referred to someone as a handicapped, crippled person? We all have to admit to it, the words the Autistic boy, disabled friend, or handicapped neighbors have probably come out of our mouths just a few times in the past few weeks. Which sounds better to you; Billy with Autism or Autistic Billy? The politically correct answer is Billy with Autism. It not only puts the person in front of the disability; but is also legally correct. Which sure is a good thing since Billy is so much more than just his Autism. He is a caring older brother who is awesome at video games, oh and he just happens to have a disability called Autism. Back to the legalities involved here. In 1990, the law changed the wording from handicapped people (Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 P.L. 94-142) to individuals with disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 P.L. 101-476). Not only does the law state it, but putting the person before his or her disability just plain sounds better. This leads us to the word handicapped; which to me is a word that belongs on the golf course, not our everyday lives. In most instances, the word disability now replaces the word handicapped; especially when referring to a nonphysical disability. So, before referring to Billy as the Autistic boy, remember he is so much more. He is Billy the boy who happens to have Autism.

This was to be in the Sioux City Journal this past weekend...I couldn't find it...not sure what happened.

Almost the End

I can't believe I am 12 days away from being done with my first year of teaching! I don't have to move rooms, as of right now atleast. I am not perfect, and my teaching isn't either, but I feel good about things.
'

Drama and Wisdom

There is limited things I can say on this topic, but the following are things that have crossed my mind in the past few days...
I am young, don't expect me to take on the world, but I guess I can handle a hemisphere if I need to.
I have nine students whom I teach social skills to, I can't make it 10.
Tomorrow is Friday, that is all that matters!
You get what you get and you dont throw a fit. - One of my all time favorite phrases!

By the way, as of today I no longer have to change classrooms this summer, which is nice. Things could change...ask me tomorrow and we will see what the answer is then!

Four students and I

Tomorrow is a day I am looking forward to! It will be my four 2nd graders and me while the rest of the crew is at the Nature Center for the 3rd grade field trip. I have never really been alone, as the only adult, in the classroom. I know I am the teacher, but its just different when you have adults in the room whom are older than you...
The school year is wrapping up quickly. Finished mentoring with my mentor for the school year today. Only 17 days left of school, one work day, and then I am FREE for the summer. Except for the 19 credits of graduate class...moving classrooms...and any other projects I find...
One of my graduate courses is frustrating me. I know it will work itself out, its just frustrating. It is also frustrating to be in the unknown about what my classroom will look like next year for classroom assistants...
Random: My cousins three year old son informed me today, more than once, that I am not a teacher. There is no way that I am a teacher. I am a kid!! I love it and it along with hanging out with him in general made my day!!