I didn't sleep much last night. The fog was so thick, it reflected the lights from the city and it looked like a giant ball of light all night. (Nic taught me this phenomenon). We could have easily shut the blind- but I was on the far side of the bed and far too lazy. Nic and I still have not determined our sides of the bed here. We did immediately at the hostel, but we're going on a week here of alternating every night almost.
So, my alarm went off at 6:40 and I really debated whether or not I wanted to go into work today. I know starting Monday I have guaranteed 2 weeks in Prep at the far away school- so the money wasn't a huge issue. Nicholas tricked me into calling the company back saying if I didn't return the phone call, I'd worry all day. So I did. They asked me to go to "Special School". I didn't know if it was behaviour or abilities... but I went anyway. As it turns out, Special School is what they call school for Special Needs children.
I got to my class at 8:30 with absolutely no class plans. Now usually, I can make this up as I go along, but I had no idea what my student's abilities would be. Thankfully an aide showed up and I quizzed her on normal daily activity. The aide spent the whole day with me- and in my personal opinion, the aides should be paid the same as the teacher- they did just as much work as me even if it wasn't teaching the academic stuff. We couldn't go 10 minutes with out someone's behaviour being disruptive and she took care of it all.
Anyhow, I had 6 students. 2 with Downs, 2 with Autism, 1 with Tourettes and 1 unidentified (well that's a lie- the aide hadn't read the file that had been there for 2 weeks to know yet). Also, it wasn't left for me what my students were like at all- this was all determined by me asking the principal at the end of the day. It was a demanding day- no more than a day in prep- the day was just a little more physically demanding.
Our day started off with morning circle, exercises, me reading (complete silence) and musical chairs. Pretty good. Next, we went outside to walk the track while others went to the spa (swimming)- they had to walk the track with another class and I think we only had 3 full on brawls (2 teachers and 3 aides). I thought the swimming was a great thing- they loved it.
Next, they had recess followed by morning tea. I opted to do yard duty rather than food monitoring as I was told some kids had allergies but it wasn't written down who was who--- like I was going to put myself in that situation. Next, we went into tabletop work... not a favourite amongst my kids. Some trace their names and letters of the alphabet followed by painting masks, then colouring and cutting signs. The next part of the day was my favourite- I had to teach them how to make popcorn. We had an old popcorn machine and took turns pouring the corn in. Every week they learn how to make something.. cake was last week. They also have an excursion every week too.
The kids had recess for 30 mins and then lunch for 20. After that, we watched a movie. Monsters Inc. I probably would have fallen asleep if I didn't have one student stomp out of the room mad 3 times, 1 have a tantrum because I wouldn't let her hit and then 1 student start punching and screaming because he hated the noise that the tantrum was causing. The noises of course set off my student with tourettes. Then there was my one student who appeared to not notice anything happening because he was really into the movie. I was freaking out inside, but the aide assured me this was completely normal. We played with a ball throwing it to eachother around the room and we than packed our bags and everyone got on the bus. Over the course of the day, I managed to only get punched once. It was so good to see most of my student's smiling at the end of the day and feel comfortable enough to hug me when they got on the bus. One of them was non-verbal (learned some sign language today) and one refused to talk- so hugging me was a HUGE deal- they had accepted me.
I actually saw quite a few benefits to a secluded school. The student's with Downs all just "got" eachother- at recess they were having conversations that I couldn't follow but they clearly were on board because they'd listen and laugh all at the same times. I really liked the fact that no one "stuck out"- they were all treated and accepted equally. Their work was still differentiated and they got to experience more things to stimulate them (music therapy, physio, swimming, horse back riding) and they learned everyday skills so that the ones who may be able to live independently are learning important skills at school. I also know the advantages to inclusive schools, so if I'm ever in that position with my own children.. I guess I'll decide then. My personal faves today was the student with tourettes- cutest kid ever and one of the boys with downs- he was a dancing machine and just so happy. Lizzie Herman- all day I thought you would be so good in there.
One thing that's driving me nuts here is that they don't recycle! Not in any schools I've been in! In Canada, I taught units on recycling. Classes were disrupted for recycling collection- but everything goes in the "rubbish" here. I cringe throwing out my yogurt cups every day. I've brought it up and one of the teachers told me they've tried fighting for it- but it's a touchy subject with them losing every time.
Nicholas went to his 2nd day of training today- they've asked him to hit the streets tomorrow. For reasons I can not explain- he is so excited. I was getting use to having a house hubby- but alas, tonight I made dinner and tidied up. There goes the good ol' days.
I wasn't going to work tomorrow unless one of my "schools" requested me. Sure enough, grade 1/2 for me tomorrow. I also work in 3/4 friday- so it's a full work week for this kid. Tomorrow is Nicki's first paid day of work- wish him luck.
Now, to explain the photos. I am sure we all remember that glorious photo of me that Nicholas posted earlier in the blog. I was acutely aware that I sleep with my mouth open and am the ugliest sleeper on the planet- but could have done with out you all knowing that as well. Well the little gem I'm posting shows how feral Nic really is. While we were living in the hostel we didn't have much in the way of cutlery- however you could go downstairs and get some. Nope- Nic had a better idea. Yes ladies and gentlemen, that is Nic preparing a peanut butter sandwich with his TOOTHBRUSH. You should have deleted it when I gave you the chance Armstrong.
We're off to the gym and then I am starting to plan our first vacation... Fiji in September! We're hoping to hit Sydney before then- but we'll see how the money situation is.
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