Journal 9-2-09 It's working!

Domain 7 Communication

I think I have some great artifacts going. I have set up a behavior plan for one of my students, even though my teacher was already doing a checklist, and his teacher is just awesome at working with me and him. We have been reflecting and communicating every day this week about how we think it is going and what we can do to better it. I'm keeping track of everything and recording; it's awesome and not just because it's a good artifact but because it just shows how this type of situation is really supposed to play out! It's so encouraging, and I am so grateful for her willingness to do whatever she can for him. I even gave her a Bendy Buddie and Fidget Frog today and told her to make sure he think it's a secret and that no other students can find out about, meaning he must keep it in his desk or under it. It worked! So far today at least. It's just amazing how when two teachers work together, things happen. Both of us are making adjustments and sharing what we think would be best, so it really is a team effort!

Something else today - three students came down during NWEA and they were just reading because they didn't have any work to do. My teacher told them that they could color for the last half an hour if they read the first half. Why I was working with one student, I simply asked them if they had read, "If You Give A Cat A Cupcake", and they said yes (a book we read in our class this week and was on display on the board). So I had them draw the "yummiest" cupcake they could think of and then once they showed me and explained it, I even had a few of them write out what they had drawn. It's just so easy to take advantage of opportunities like that.

Two of my three first graders were absent...goes to show that one must be flexible.

I spoke with the school psychologist about RTI today and where MG stands at this point (or lack there of I guess).

I am also learning SO much about assessment! It's overwhelming but good!

Have a great evening!