The goal is to help the kids be successful in their general education class. That may look quite different for each child. I have spent this week
- Listening to parents, and gathering information about preferred activities
- Scheduling paraeducators with new children on the autism spectrum
- Listening to teachers voice concerns over new programs
- Scheduling all my IEP's for the year
- Giving an ice cream party for kids who filled their summer reading chart
- Listening to children tell what's in their "Me Box"
- Checking from Kindergarten to 6th grade to see how everyone is settling in(including teachers)
- Attending Writer's Workshop inservice
- Listening to specialists brainstorming ideas for behavior issues
- Completing Interim placement forms for new students
- Listening to the sound of the lunchroom buzzing with the excitement, as well as the frustrations of a new school year.......
Did I say listening?
As I get more and more experienced in this job, I think I am finally realizing that at the beginning of the year, it will not all come together neatly and quickly in the first week or two. I have to get a feel for all the class communities, new staff and kids, and slowly form my schedule and get ready to dive into the new school year. I will leave the kids in their math classes for the First 20 Days to learn the fabulous games and routines, even though their work will have to be modified. I will watch a new student throughout the day before tweaking a behavior chart to fit her personality and the teacher's style. And I will listen. To teachers, to parents, to children.....
And enjoy the best job in town!
