So, the title of this post is a bit misleading. Honestly, three weeks after beginning the SOAAR program, and I would say there isn't yet a typical day. There are wonderful days. There are busy days. There are overwhelming and discouraging days. But each day truly is a gift--I'm able to use my passion and experience at NCA in ways I never dreamed possible a year ago. God is good!
So, while I don't have a typical day yet (and probably never will), here are some things that keep me busy during the day:
1) Teaching a preschool student in my classroom (primarily communication and social skills), and helping coordinate his activities in his own classroom through intentional inclusion. That includes working closely with a classroom assistant, who works with him 1-on-1 throughout the school day. This is my biggest joy and challenge right now, and certainly takes the majority of my brainspace and energy. I'm SO thankful for this student. (daily 1.5-2 hours)
2) Teaching reading, writing, and spelling skills 1-on-1 to two elementary students. (1.25 hours)
3) Teaching a middle school study skills class, and a one-on-one high school study skills class (daily). (1.75 hours)
4) Observing students in classrooms, emailing teachers, emailing parents, scheduling IEP meetings, writing plans for students, trouble-shooting behavior and academic concerns. (minimum 1 hour)
5) Meeting daily afterschool with a middle school student to assist with homework planning, goal setting, and grade tracking. (10 min)
6) Meetings! I have a lot now. They are good and important and consuming. Ruth already rolls her eyes when I talk about the dreaded "m" word! (0-2 hours)
7) Working with a student weekly to work through social skills, anxiety, and how to navigate the playground--we may be beginning a "Circle of Friends" program for this student in particular. This student was having meltdowns about dancing for our upcoming school program; we did some social stories together and I provided some noise-blocking headphones for him to use. . .and he PARTICIPATED in the dance practice! Little accomplishments bring me HUGE joy this year. (0-1 hour)
Here are a few pictures of my classroom space, in development of course. I'm still lacking some furniture, bulliten boards, white boards, and decorations, but we are making due in the meantime!
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| Two computer stations with my middle school study skills students, and a cool mural (containing the words of Isaiah 40:31) painted by Katelyn, a CRWM volunteer |
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| I have a mini-kitchen in my classroom (okay, I guess that just means I have a sink, but there is potential!) We have a great cross breeze and very nice fans to keep us cool during the day. |
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| Food coloring plus diet coke bottles: great classroom art. |
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| Sensory tools and toys |
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| More sensory tools. . .kids LOVE the beanbags and trampoline |
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| A push bike and a sleeping bag--classroom requirements! |
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| Working with PreK2 (my former classroom!) on a lesson about inclusion |
