As I have mentioned in previous posts, I currently work in a Special Ed. Communications classroom at an elementary school in the city where I live. A Communications class is a highly structured classroom for children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or another type of diagnosis that requires high structure and intense coaching in communication. Now that I have been working in the classroom for six months, I feel like I have a pretty good handle on things. I have learned so much about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically about ways to enhance communication and conversation.
Years ago, when I worked in Early Childhood Intervention, a speech therapist colleague of mine taught me about the concept of a language-enriched environment. Essentially, children with speech/language delays need an environment that encourages and elicits language reception and production. She used the example of providing food choices in such a way as to elicit a verbal response. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to think about ways to help their child produce language. In the Comm. class, we are challenged to think of ways to encourage our students to carry on conversations with others. Children with ASD carry on a great deal of internal conversation that consists of scripts from movies and television shows. While this seems like a neat party trick--remembering hundreds of lines from movies and shows seemed cool in the movie Rain Man--in real life, this type of behavior is isolating and counterproductive to forming relationships. We work to encourage our students to 'script' less and to talk with others more.
Goals for our classroom look different than traditional classroom goals. We try to set up an environment in which other students engage our students in conversation. I also encourage my students to greet their peers and ask them questions. Socialization begins in small steps. I play a game with the students in the afternoon in which I have them ask me or one of the other members of the class a simple question ("What is your favorite color?" "What do you like to eat?") before they can have a small snack. We do morning and afternoon snacks and try to make these times instructional. Asking questions of each other is highly prized, particularly if those questions are not coached.
I am learning so much. I am enjoying my time in this class, even though it is challenging at times. God has been good to me, and I know that He has placed me in this classroom for a reason. I strongly believe that God is preparing me for my next classroom assignment--wherever that may be...
Many blessings,
Jennifer
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Discipline Help: Practice Academy
Lately, our daughter, Lily, has been going through a really challenging phase. It is typical for children between the ages of 7 and 9 to go through a lying phase. Lily has begun 'stretching the truth' and is also disobeying me on occasion. Since this is a heart issue, and an issue of character, we have had the same lecture that we gave to our older children regarding telling the truth. We have always made it a point to teach our children about how our behavior should honor God. We tell them that God's Word teaches us that lying is a sin. Practically speaking, being dishonest may put us in danger later, as their daddy and I cannot believe their words when they lie. While this phase may be typical for her age, it is not a given that she will outgrow lying. At this stage in her development, we must hold her to the standard of honesty and integrity. We call her out when she is lying.
Likewise, her disobedience is not just a character issue, but a dangerous liability. This past summer, our church hosted Pastor Peter Ajemo from Suba, Kenya. Pastor Peter told the story of how his son was about to enter their chicken coop, unaware that a 9-foot cobra was inside. Pastor Peter was on his way to deal with the cobra, when he saw his precious child with his hand on the door to the coop. He called out to him to stop, and he did--immediately.
While we may not deal with literal cobras here in Texas, we certainly deal with figurative cobras all the time. There are dangers that are just as deadly to our children. If we allow our children to disobey us when the coast is clear, then when it is a matter of life or death, their disobedience will be deadly. Many years ago, I was putting together a safety plan for our family in the event of an emergency like a fire or tornado. I thought about my sweet children and wondered if they would do as I ask without questioning me in an emergency. From that point on, I took seriously our roles in teaching our children to be obedient.
This evening, Lily did something I told her not to do. She has been challenging me all week, and I determined to step up my game. I decided to give her a practice academy. I learned about practice academies last year in my Exceptional Students class. We had a guest lecturer who was a Behavior Interventionist. She had the most interesting ideas for changing behavior. I learned so much, and one of the strategies that I've used in the classroom is the practice academy. The way it works is that you have the child practice following the direction that you desire. In Lily's case, she needs to say, "Yes, ma'am," and do what I ask. Brian and I gave her a series of simple commands to follow: "Go over to the counter and pick up that paper," and "Put those cups into the sink," for example. If Lily fails to say "yes, ma'am," or "yes, sir", then she has to go back and do it all again until it becomes natural. I've already done it twice tonight, but it didn't take as long to get the right response this evening when we did it the second time. I'm not trying to break her spirit; I'm trying to teach her to do the right thing.
We use a similar technique in special education, when trying to reinforce positive behavior and diminish negative behavior. I am learning a great deal about this, and attended a day-long training through the school district specifically designed to help paraprofessionals to manage challenging behaviors. We listened to a lecture and watched videos demonstrating techniques for encouraging our students to wait and to follow directions and that help to diminish problem behaviors like hitting, blurting out, and self-stimulation (these are behaviors that the student does which are pleasing to him or her, like rocking, flapping, chewing on things, etc.). There is so much to learn, and the behavior interventionists that help us in the school district are so full of vital information. I have to say that they also deal with a lot of challenging situations with grace and perseverance. It was fascinating to me.
Next week, I begin what I hope will be my last night class for a while: Teaching English Language Learners. It has been strongly suggested to me that I should get my certification in English as a Second Language (ESL). So, God willing, I will be ESL certified, as well as Special Ed. and General Ed. EC-6th grade. It has been a lot of work so far, and while I pray that I am closer to my goal of being a full-fledged Special Education teacher, it still seems like I have a lot more to do. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and that He has called me to this path for a purpose.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
Likewise, her disobedience is not just a character issue, but a dangerous liability. This past summer, our church hosted Pastor Peter Ajemo from Suba, Kenya. Pastor Peter told the story of how his son was about to enter their chicken coop, unaware that a 9-foot cobra was inside. Pastor Peter was on his way to deal with the cobra, when he saw his precious child with his hand on the door to the coop. He called out to him to stop, and he did--immediately.
While we may not deal with literal cobras here in Texas, we certainly deal with figurative cobras all the time. There are dangers that are just as deadly to our children. If we allow our children to disobey us when the coast is clear, then when it is a matter of life or death, their disobedience will be deadly. Many years ago, I was putting together a safety plan for our family in the event of an emergency like a fire or tornado. I thought about my sweet children and wondered if they would do as I ask without questioning me in an emergency. From that point on, I took seriously our roles in teaching our children to be obedient.
This evening, Lily did something I told her not to do. She has been challenging me all week, and I determined to step up my game. I decided to give her a practice academy. I learned about practice academies last year in my Exceptional Students class. We had a guest lecturer who was a Behavior Interventionist. She had the most interesting ideas for changing behavior. I learned so much, and one of the strategies that I've used in the classroom is the practice academy. The way it works is that you have the child practice following the direction that you desire. In Lily's case, she needs to say, "Yes, ma'am," and do what I ask. Brian and I gave her a series of simple commands to follow: "Go over to the counter and pick up that paper," and "Put those cups into the sink," for example. If Lily fails to say "yes, ma'am," or "yes, sir", then she has to go back and do it all again until it becomes natural. I've already done it twice tonight, but it didn't take as long to get the right response this evening when we did it the second time. I'm not trying to break her spirit; I'm trying to teach her to do the right thing.
We use a similar technique in special education, when trying to reinforce positive behavior and diminish negative behavior. I am learning a great deal about this, and attended a day-long training through the school district specifically designed to help paraprofessionals to manage challenging behaviors. We listened to a lecture and watched videos demonstrating techniques for encouraging our students to wait and to follow directions and that help to diminish problem behaviors like hitting, blurting out, and self-stimulation (these are behaviors that the student does which are pleasing to him or her, like rocking, flapping, chewing on things, etc.). There is so much to learn, and the behavior interventionists that help us in the school district are so full of vital information. I have to say that they also deal with a lot of challenging situations with grace and perseverance. It was fascinating to me.
Next week, I begin what I hope will be my last night class for a while: Teaching English Language Learners. It has been strongly suggested to me that I should get my certification in English as a Second Language (ESL). So, God willing, I will be ESL certified, as well as Special Ed. and General Ed. EC-6th grade. It has been a lot of work so far, and while I pray that I am closer to my goal of being a full-fledged Special Education teacher, it still seems like I have a lot more to do. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and that He has called me to this path for a purpose.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Yard Clean-up and T-Shirt Turn-Around
The weather here in North Central Texas has been unseasonably warm. It was a beautiful week, with temperatures in the 60's. Sadie, our one year-old puppy miniature horse, has enjoyed the weather tremendously. We have started calling her The Master of Destruction, as she has managed to destroy so much stuff. Today, the kids and I spent the afternoon cleaning up the aftermath of her latest maelstrom. My husband, Brian, put some old blankets in the dogs' houses for the winter. Much to our chagrin, Sadie pulled one of them out into the yard and scattered the stuffing all over--in full view of the kitchen window, mind you, so that when our friends came over yesterday, they got to see Sadie's handiwork.
Yikes.
Last week, Jacob and I bought two apple trees at Calloway's. We managed to get the Granny Smith in the ground before New Year's, but the Jonathan was still out back, waiting patiently for us to plant it. So, while Matthew, Lily, and I cleaned up stuffing, limbs, electric cord, and various other things Sadie had strewn about, Jacob dug a hole in the front yard for the tree. While I was out there, I straightened up the yard and the kids played. I put my tools away in a safe place (from Sadie) and Matthew took down the net from around the trampoline. In the next couple of weeks, Brian and I intend to get started on a vegetable garden for the area of the yard that is next to our kitchen. I've picked out some fencing that I like at Home Depot that is sturdy enough to keep Sadie out. Jacob has offered to help us build raised beds, so I am hoping to get onions and garlic out by February. Maybe I can even manage a crop of lettuce!
In honor of Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing one of my sewing projects that I completed last weekend. I discovered the joy of machine embroidery two years ago, and I especially love to take something simple and give it a little extra spice with embroidery. I found these plain, long-sleeved t-shirts at Wal-Mart for a mere $8 each.
The only thing I'm not happy with is the placement of the phoenix. I should have put it a little closer to the bottom hem line. Otherwise, they turned out great, and when I wore the fleur-de-lis shirt to work the next day, I was asked to do some embroidery work for the school secretary! Bottom line, I turned a couple of $8 t-shirts into something a little more unique and fun.
I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for more things that I can add a little panache to. I'm already thinking of making a knit dress with some embroidery trailing down the sleeves....
Many blessings,
Jennifer
P.S. I'm linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/.
Yikes.
Last week, Jacob and I bought two apple trees at Calloway's. We managed to get the Granny Smith in the ground before New Year's, but the Jonathan was still out back, waiting patiently for us to plant it. So, while Matthew, Lily, and I cleaned up stuffing, limbs, electric cord, and various other things Sadie had strewn about, Jacob dug a hole in the front yard for the tree. While I was out there, I straightened up the yard and the kids played. I put my tools away in a safe place (from Sadie) and Matthew took down the net from around the trampoline. In the next couple of weeks, Brian and I intend to get started on a vegetable garden for the area of the yard that is next to our kitchen. I've picked out some fencing that I like at Home Depot that is sturdy enough to keep Sadie out. Jacob has offered to help us build raised beds, so I am hoping to get onions and garlic out by February. Maybe I can even manage a crop of lettuce!
In honor of Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing one of my sewing projects that I completed last weekend. I discovered the joy of machine embroidery two years ago, and I especially love to take something simple and give it a little extra spice with embroidery. I found these plain, long-sleeved t-shirts at Wal-Mart for a mere $8 each.
I have a lot of awesome embroidery designs that I've gotten from http://www.urbanthreads.com/. I like the more edgy, intricate designs that they produce. I have several lovely fleur-de-lis patterns, and I wanted to do one in colors that suggest winter. I have some beautiful thread, and I am always looking for opportunities to use it. :)
Here is my winter-inspired fleur-de-lis:
The picture is not very clear for my other t-shirt, which is a lovely eggplant color. What I mean to say is that the color of the picture is not true to the actual hue. I have a design that is intricate and beautiful that I have been dying to use:
Isn't it lovely? I love the nutmeg color in the phoenix' wings. The nice thing about machine embroidery is that I can change the effect of the design by simply changing the colors. So, next time, I might embroider this in an icy silver, blue, and aquamarine combination and the design will take on a completely different feel.
The only thing I'm not happy with is the placement of the phoenix. I should have put it a little closer to the bottom hem line. Otherwise, they turned out great, and when I wore the fleur-de-lis shirt to work the next day, I was asked to do some embroidery work for the school secretary! Bottom line, I turned a couple of $8 t-shirts into something a little more unique and fun.
I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for more things that I can add a little panache to. I'm already thinking of making a knit dress with some embroidery trailing down the sleeves....
Many blessings,
Jennifer
P.S. I'm linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Classroom Stuff
It's been a while since I've posted--over a month! Our family has been busy, like everyone else. We've had lots to do, especially since my parents have been moving. They are in the process of setting up house near our old hometown, and my mom is working at a new job. Also, my nephew had his appendix removed last week! Apparently, he is a tough young man, and I am so grateful that God brought him through last week.
The last month has been busy in my classroom, as well. As I am journeying toward my goal of being a special education teacher, I am working as a Communications Aide in a classroom for children with autism. We have been introducing the concept of centers to the students. I have been developing our writing and math centers. My colleague, Melissa, came up with a listening center that has really helped the students when they need to calm down. We have a really cool listening bingo game that the students enjoy. I am also slowly implementing a "write the room" center, but I still have work to do on that. :) Basically, we've rearranged the classroom, and that takes time and delicacy. Changing things too quickly can result in problem behaviors in the classroom.
I have been interested in sensory integration since graduate school. I have seen amazing--miraculous--transformations in children with sensory integration disorders. I received training in sensory disorders while I worked in Early Childhood Intervention, and took a course in Bonding and Relaxation Techniques years ago. Because of all of this, I am always looking for activities that promote organization of the sensory system. All of this fits very nicely in the classroom I am in, as students with autism often suffer from sensory disorders. Last month, I made pumpkin pie playdough, and it has gone over very well. I had hoped to make some gingerbread playdough today, but I already have a pile of laundry waiting on me and pants to hem. I am definitely making the gingerbread playdough for the students as Christmas gifts, and plan to put it in little plastic containers for them to take home on the last day of school before winter break.
This afternoon, I made scented and colored rice. I found the idea on Pinterest, but we are using the rice in a number of different ways.
I have made three different rice varieties so far. Unfortunately, all are shades of red. I am using about 2 lbs. of rice, mixed with 2 pkgs. of unsweetened Kool Aid dissolved in 1/2 cup of very hot water. I mix the rice and liquid together in a gallon size zipper bag, turning numerous times to allow the color and scent to permeate the rice. I made watermelon, cherry, and tropical punch. I want to make blue and green next. I just can't stomach the grape scent--it makes me nauseous! At any rate, the rice needs to dry completely in a container for at least a day before it is closed up tight. I bough plastic shoe boxes at Target, which should be roomy enough for the kids to dig around in.
We are using the scented rice to hide objects in for the students to find. I hide two different types of small objects in the rice. I used silver and blue marbles last time. The students take turns finding the marbles, then the teacher records the number of each item on a chart. The students have to determine which is more and less on the chart. As a calming activity, when one of the students is struggling, I count out a number of objects and the student buries them in the rice. Then he must find them and place them in a small bin. This means that he must continue until he finds the original amount.
I am finding that the students have difficulties with transitions, and that calming activities enable them to reduce their anxiety. Additionally, the rice is an excellent reinforcer because the feel of the rice in their hands is pleasing to them. They will work hard to complete their assignments in exchange for some time playing in the rice bin. :) This is a much better alternative to food reinforcers, which I saw a lot of last year in special ed. rooms that I subbed in.
We'll see how my students like the new scents tomorrow. Now, onto laundry!
Many blessings, Jennifer
P. S. I am linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-porch.html?utm_source=feedburner
The last month has been busy in my classroom, as well. As I am journeying toward my goal of being a special education teacher, I am working as a Communications Aide in a classroom for children with autism. We have been introducing the concept of centers to the students. I have been developing our writing and math centers. My colleague, Melissa, came up with a listening center that has really helped the students when they need to calm down. We have a really cool listening bingo game that the students enjoy. I am also slowly implementing a "write the room" center, but I still have work to do on that. :) Basically, we've rearranged the classroom, and that takes time and delicacy. Changing things too quickly can result in problem behaviors in the classroom.
I have been interested in sensory integration since graduate school. I have seen amazing--miraculous--transformations in children with sensory integration disorders. I received training in sensory disorders while I worked in Early Childhood Intervention, and took a course in Bonding and Relaxation Techniques years ago. Because of all of this, I am always looking for activities that promote organization of the sensory system. All of this fits very nicely in the classroom I am in, as students with autism often suffer from sensory disorders. Last month, I made pumpkin pie playdough, and it has gone over very well. I had hoped to make some gingerbread playdough today, but I already have a pile of laundry waiting on me and pants to hem. I am definitely making the gingerbread playdough for the students as Christmas gifts, and plan to put it in little plastic containers for them to take home on the last day of school before winter break.
This afternoon, I made scented and colored rice. I found the idea on Pinterest, but we are using the rice in a number of different ways.
I am finding that the students have difficulties with transitions, and that calming activities enable them to reduce their anxiety. Additionally, the rice is an excellent reinforcer because the feel of the rice in their hands is pleasing to them. They will work hard to complete their assignments in exchange for some time playing in the rice bin. :) This is a much better alternative to food reinforcers, which I saw a lot of last year in special ed. rooms that I subbed in.
We'll see how my students like the new scents tomorrow. Now, onto laundry!
Many blessings, Jennifer
P. S. I am linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-porch.html?utm_source=feedburner
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Festive Faculty Meeting
My co-worker, Melissa, made the "mouths" out of apple slices, peanut butter, and mini marshmallows. The "fingers" are made from string cheese cut in half, with a dollop of mayo on the end to hold the green pepper "fingernails." They were made by one of the 5th grade teachers. One of the other 5th grade teachers brought the "Don'tcha Choke" (artichoke) dip. We had a good mix of sweet, savory, and healthy choices.
I also brought these witch hat cookies:
I printed these fun "apothecary" labels from http://www.urbanthreads.com/. I have these embroidery designs, but I downloaded the digital photo version for the labels. There are lots of free designs out there, but I liked these the best.
We had a lot of fun putting the decorations together, and the teachers got a kick out of the decor. I didn't get any pictures of the tables, but they were covered in orange craft paper and were sprinkled with rubber mice and candy corn. Also, on the beverage table, I filled a large plastic cauldron with ice for the drinks.
Creating a festive atmosphere certainly lightened the mood of the staff meeting. I think that with a little bit of creativity, cooperation, and ingenuity, it is possible to make the ordinary seem special.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
P.S. I'm participating in Susan's Tablescape Thursday on http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
P.S. I'm participating in Susan's Tablescape Thursday on http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Halloween Refreshments
I’ve just finished baking and decorating 39 cupcakes. You know what that means: I’m trying to impress my co-workers! Tomorrow is our monthly faculty meeting, and my team and the 5th grade team are in charge of refreshments. So, my inner Martha Stewart jumped out, and I volunteered to bake cupcakes and bring cookies and help with decorations. No big. My co-worker, Melissa, and I pulled out Halloween decorations and made plans for the set-up of the food and drinks. Last night, I made witch hat cookies that I’d seen on Pinterest. Here is my inspiration:
From barbschram.blogspot.com
What I’d forgotten when I bought the supplies to make them was that those soft cookies break easily. I bought three packages and half of the cookies were broken. I hope that there are enough.
Tonight, I got these done:
I think that they are cute. They were labor intensive, though. Now, I have a big bag of Oreo cookies with no filling. I think I’ll use those to make a grasshopper pie or something.
I also printed off spooky labels for the 2-liter soda bottles. The sodas are labeled “Elixir”, “Poison”, and “Love Potion No. 9”. I should take pictures of everything when it’s all set up. One of the 5th grade teachers bought spider rings, candy corn, and rubber mice to put on the tables. Hopefully, our festive decorations will make our meeting a little more fun.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
From barbschram.blogspot.com
What I’d forgotten when I bought the supplies to make them was that those soft cookies break easily. I bought three packages and half of the cookies were broken. I hope that there are enough.
Tonight, I got these done:
I think that they are cute. They were labor intensive, though. Now, I have a big bag of Oreo cookies with no filling. I think I’ll use those to make a grasshopper pie or something.
I also printed off spooky labels for the 2-liter soda bottles. The sodas are labeled “Elixir”, “Poison”, and “Love Potion No. 9”. I should take pictures of everything when it’s all set up. One of the 5th grade teachers bought spider rings, candy corn, and rubber mice to put on the tables. Hopefully, our festive decorations will make our meeting a little more fun.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
Monday, October 10, 2011
What's In Your Sugar Bowl?
I have a set of canisters on my kitchen counter that contain flour, sugar, tea, and artificial sweetener. I used to have a set of translucent glass jars, and I could see exactly what was inside them. I found these opaque canisters a few years ago, and loved them. It is more work for me to look inside to see if my canisters are empty, but I don't mind. I like the fact that my opaque canisters conceal the mess that the contents create within their containers.
This morning, I was reflecting on a conversation I'd had yesterday. My friend had been the victim of gossip, and I was reading scripture and thinking back to what had happened. The Lord gave me this image:
From looking at my measuring cup filled with sugar, can you tell how much sugar I have in my container? No, of course not. At one time it had 1/2 of a cup, that much is true. But you can't tell anything about the contents of my container based upon what was drawn out of it without some investigation. Specifically, you'll need to open the container to see how much sugar is in it.
People are kind of like sugar canisters: You don't know how much of the good stuff is in them until you investigate. Just looking at the outside of a person tells us very little of what's going on inside of them. Lately, I've become aware of our tendency to make judgments about others based on very little information--a mere 1/2 cup of sugar. What we see represents very little; what we hear, even less. Yesterday, my friend and I had an opportunity to "open our canisters" for a bit, and share the contents of our hearts. Spending time with others requires effort. Confronting someone requires courage. Being honest and transparent requires both. The payoff is that clearing the air and restoring a relationship is a good thing, and a godly thing. Peace is a good place to be.
This metaphor is for me, just as much as it is for others. God shared this with me after my quiet time, after all. I have to remember that what I see and hear of others represents a tiny fraction of what their intentions are. I cannot possibly know what is going on inside the hearts and minds of others unless I take the time to get to know them and they decide to reveal themselves to me. Also, we don't have to have translucent containers--I prefer to have an opaque one! But I am open to sharing my heart when asked to, by a person who has earned my trust.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
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