Providing a Future and a Hope
Leaving my two-year olds at Isle of Faith CDC was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. That was yesterday; I don't think it will really hit them til today that I am not there, and even later that I am not coming back...
...at least not to teach them fulltime. I will probably substitute at the preschool some over the course of the summer.
But I met my kindergartners--or at least 8 of the 9, today. I've got rather high functioning children with autism for the most part, but there are some major challenges. First of all, there are tons of things I'd like to do to hopefully enhance the classroom environment and learning. And can anyone say BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION??? At least one of these kids SERIOUSLY needs it, and I'm going to become one of his least favored people starting Monday, cause he is GOING TO LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. No, Ms. H does see his autism as an excuse. The kid is smart, he is WELL AWARE that "hey, if I act out, people are going to yell at me and chase me and pay attention to me."
So it is time for some perks and reinforcers and all that nice stuff. Stuff that he really WANTS to get, that he will only get if he does what he's supposed to be doing. I have hopes for these kids, and I'm going to push them. And love them while I'm doing it.
And NOBODY better ever suggest to me that children with autism can't be affectionate. Usually their minds are just speeding so fast they can't STOP to be affectionate...it's a small brush, a sudden hug, a smile. You have to be looking for it...
...but it's there.
Anyway, I'm beat. But I think I'm going to love every minute of it. And check out this link for info on Autism.
...at least not to teach them fulltime. I will probably substitute at the preschool some over the course of the summer.
But I met my kindergartners--or at least 8 of the 9, today. I've got rather high functioning children with autism for the most part, but there are some major challenges. First of all, there are tons of things I'd like to do to hopefully enhance the classroom environment and learning. And can anyone say BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION??? At least one of these kids SERIOUSLY needs it, and I'm going to become one of his least favored people starting Monday, cause he is GOING TO LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. No, Ms. H does see his autism as an excuse. The kid is smart, he is WELL AWARE that "hey, if I act out, people are going to yell at me and chase me and pay attention to me."
So it is time for some perks and reinforcers and all that nice stuff. Stuff that he really WANTS to get, that he will only get if he does what he's supposed to be doing. I have hopes for these kids, and I'm going to push them. And love them while I'm doing it.
And NOBODY better ever suggest to me that children with autism can't be affectionate. Usually their minds are just speeding so fast they can't STOP to be affectionate...it's a small brush, a sudden hug, a smile. You have to be looking for it...
...but it's there.
Anyway, I'm beat. But I think I'm going to love every minute of it. And check out this link for info on Autism.
posted by StargazerGirl at 12:30 AM
1 Comments:
Carebear ~ Course they will miss ya. All part of growing up. Not like you'll never visit them, eh?
I'm really happy you're doing something that you love.
Too often people think only of the money when deciding for a job or career. Not you. You decided to follow your dreams
..that is so cool, ya know??? ;)
Btw, I know ya don't like spiders, but theres a cute pic of one in the latest post @ me blog, if yer curious..
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