Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I made a new friend!

Today I went into the severely handicapped class across the hall from my classroom. I said hi to a little boy I always say hi to but rarely get a response from. I've actually never heard him respond verbally to anyone and I'm pretty sure he can't speak at all. He is super tiny, about three and a half feet tall. The most reaction I have ever seen him give is laughter and clapping. That was pretty momentous! So when I said hi to this boy today I didn't expect a response but to my surprise, he reached out for my hand and patted it. I put my hand on his desk and he continued to pat my hand. Then I put my hand up for a high five and he responded to that for a few minutes. Suddenly he took my hand and placed it on his head. I started to realize the best way to communicate with him is through sensory input. I noticed this before but now I know that's what I have to do every time I want a response from him! Just when I was starting to enjoy my new connection with this special little guy, the teacher I work with barged in and pretty much told me to get back to work. Oops! I thought things in our classroom were pretty slow because there were only 6 students and they were about to go to lunch. I guess I'll have to be more careful about when I leave the classroom in the future. This is why people think I'm wierd. Sometimes my love for children gets me into trouble. Also my love for cats...I will follow a cat for blocks until I can pet it and this really upsets my friends. Anyway, better stop here! Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Back to work!

This week I went back to work after a long break. The break was nice but honestly, I like it when I work. I know I sound like such a wierdo but it's true. Not only do I feel more productive, I love seeing all my students -and some kids who aren't my students- every day. Well, excluding weekends. Shhh...don't tell my work and don't think I'm pathetic but these kids are like my little brothers and sisters. That's how much I love them and uh, that's how immature I am. :-/  I'm pretty sure I'm just a child in an adult's body. I wonder if this will hinder me when I try to become a teacher...
So a couple very lovely things happened today but I only have time to share one. There is a sweet little boy in the 6th grade severely handicapped class. He barely ever speaks but when he does he says things like "I love Barney", "Sesame Street", and other things that are spoken in such a soft, angelic whisper I can't even understand what he's saying. Everyone is in love with him. Every teacher, every aide, his family and students. I would love to be able to post a picture but that's unfortunately a breach of confidentiality. Bummer. So I talk to this little guy almost every day when I see him at lunch or in the hall and he rarely responds. Today I went to say hi to him at the lunch tables and he looked at me with his precious blue eyes, smiled, and took my hand. He held it for a few minutes until I had to leave and get back to my class. It made me so happy that even though he can't express himself well, he is capable of having seemingly caring interaction with others.
There's a lot more I can share but I'll save it for another day. Plus I want to have dinner. Until next time...

Monday, January 10, 2011

Hi! Let me introduce you to my blog...

Hi! I'm Christy! I work with kids! I am so happy!
Allow me to elaborate. I am a paraeducator for kids who have special needs. The kids I work with are truly amazing. They are cute, funny and most importantly kind-hearted to the very last drop. Sure, kids have their bad days and some of my students can be bullies or misbehave but they all have good hearts. Don't assume all classes are like this though - I just got very lucky! I really have a speical class. :-)
To be honest I am a little embarassed by my "softiness". It's difficult to cope with when you know so many cynical people and most people my age aren't very interested in kids. However, I try to proudly claim my love for students with special needs and pretty much all kids in general.
If you haven't guessed, or you are exceptionally dim-witted, my blog is going to be about my experiences as a paraeducator. You will learn about the ups, the downs, the funny and the disgusting. One thing is for sure - you will always be entertained. Get ready for adventure!