My first story happened about 4 years ago, when I worked with Special Needs children. We had a little boy who didn't talk and had major fits, where he would strip off this clothes. He had long hair and we called him our wild boy (if anyone has ever watched the cartoon, "The Wild Thornberry's, he was a Donnie). After working with him for a couple of months he was speaking and doing wonderful work, he could operate a computer better than us, almost. We had a TV with a VCR and kids movies, after being out of the room for awhile, I returned to Tom and Jerry written on the chalkboard. Yes, he wanted to watch it and wrote it on the board because the lead teacher told him no...lol This was so encouraging for me and let me know that anyone can learn.
My second story happened to me this year. I have a 3 yr old that didn't talk just grunted when school started and he wasn't potty trained. We are now potty trained and he does say several words now. What touched me so much and let me know that I am in the right profession was we go over our ABC's everyday different letters. This year our Head Start is using Zoo Phonics, I think is great!!! About a week after learning the letter "B" he had one of the BIG books in our room and he pointed to the letter "B" and made the sound and said "B". I was so happy and so proud of him and I must say myself. It is so encouraging to me to know that I do make a difference in their lives.
One more thing to add about feeling rewarded is when they say I love you, Ms. Cathy and hug me!!!
Hi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI think I know the way you feel when you see your students reaching their stars, when they come and show anything they have achieve, and the best part is that we have the opportunity be there for them. That is such a great feeling that only passionate teachers can experience. Certainly this profession is ours.
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you and I have alot in common! I enjoyed reading your stories! I have a special needs student in my classroom that does not talk very much. When she started our program she would say a few words like hi, and bye. As the school year has progressed she is saying words like ball, come on, and paper towel. Her communication skills have improved tremendously! I am so proud of her! I am soo lucky to have her in my classroom, because she brings us all so much joy!