Indian Summer

I really enjoyed working summer school this year. Instead of teaching mild to moderate disabled students, I had the honor to work with the Moderate to Severe. I say honor, because they are the most wonderful of students, well there are some off days. But the joy they gave me this summer was more than I can say. Each day we had our circle time, of which I incorporated musical instruments into the routine. This was the highlight of the day. Even the toughest child came over to join in. They loved the stretching songs and the silly old woman who swallowed the fly. I've been working on a scrapbook for each child to have when they return to school this fall. I can't wait to see the joy in their eyes when they see the memories captured in the book. I am secretly (well not anymore) making my own scrapbook to mark this wonderful summer. Well, the new school year is about to begin, I wonder what it will bring us?

Is Your Head on Nice and Tight?

Is your head on nice and tight,
Do your kneecaps fit just right,
Did you shine up all your skin,
And bring your belly button in?

Have you lost a toe or two,
And could your brain be overdue?
Please look in the Lost and Found,
If your ears are not around.

Students must remember parts,
Be they books or pens or hearts.
How can your school day begin
If you're searching for your chin?

By Kalli Dakos

The End of...

As the end of summer approaches, I prepare for this next year. Hmmm, I think I'll give homework out this year.

Even though the day may be turbulent, I call it Dynamic

Period 3, Friday February 16

"E" continues to disrespect and argue
D's voice is constant static
and "M" proceeded to empty the contents of 3 desks onto the floor
and then crawl around...all while a student teacher was observing.

I quietly attended to M's disruption by helping her off the floor with an extended hand, and a comment of not to worry. I continued to teach the rest of the class, eyeing E's disrespectful comments, and J's arrogant behavior.
D continues his static.

Ahh TGIF.

The Spirit of a Child

Seven Years

by Nora Jones

Spinning, laughing, dancing

to Her favorite song

A little girl with nothing wrong

Is all alone

Eyes wide open

Always hoping for the sun

And she’ll sing her song to anyone

That comes along

Fragile as a leaf in autumn

Just fallin’ to the ground

Without a sound

Crooked little smile on her face

Tells a tale of grace

That’s all her own

Spinning, laughing, dancing

to her favorite song

A little girl with nothing wrong

And she’s all alone