More Inclusion!

Fantastic news on all fronts!

1. I remembered the second rule that I couldn't yesterday. It is "We will use our walking feet while inside of the school." No, we aren't that cool where we can pull off our walking feet and put on our running feet like robots and have spares, but we are learning about where and when we run. As soon as we walk down the steps outside, we run to the playground. No exceptions (except Ms. Stern and Mrs. Robertson) Even David said today "Can I run to the playground?" They have to walk all day so I fully support running as much as possible outside. Boys will be boys.

2. As the title states, we are starting our second phase of inclusion tomorrow. Our boys will be sitting with inclusion classes during lunch. It serves two purposes. A) We can work on our appropriate social skills in a great environment. B) Ms. Stern and Mrs. Robertson get to now have their own lunch times apart from children for 20 minutes (at different times, so that one of us is always there)

3. We have two buses starting tomorrow!!! No more late start for us. We're all going to be on board starting at approximately 8:45 which is huge. We can do the pledge of allegiance together, moment of silence and hear all of the announcements. WAHOO!!! Thanks to all of you who helped to make this happen for our kids!

4. We walked in the hallway quietly today while we were on a "Blue's Clues Mission" (read: walking to the recess door). I seriously contemplated putting the blue pawprints around the school to help us, but then I figured that we'd get too excited in the hallway when we find them.

5. We started counting the days of school today. We are using buses on our door (it seemed appropriate!). They are yellow, blue or red depending on the day. Red is for our five days. Blue is for our days that end in zero. Yellow is for every other day. So, we're working on counting, identifying groups of fives and tens.

6. DTK-Teach.com is a website that was given to be today. If ever you're looking for activities to do at home, it's given me some great ideas.

7. Mrs. Robertson has almost finished characterland and I have to be honest, it's amazing. I'm in awe of her talents and I can't wait for the kids to start being able to move their pieces towards the happy rainbow at the end. I promise, we'll post pictures soon. The player pieces look like the pieces in the game of sorry with their pictures on the bottom. They are precious!

8. Grant became the co-teacher of PE today. He helped to lead the stretching for the class. He also made new hair for himself using playdough today. I packed the camera so I don't have to miss another opportunity to take pictures of it!

9. Darius outran everyone that was in PE. Anytime Ms. West had a question, she informed me that Darius was right on top with the answer. Impressive!

10. Aldair made a new friend today in Ms. Spencer's room. We initiated conversations on his own and is showing great progress in his self-confidence.

11. Luis found that school spaghetti and spaghetti at home are not the same. We were able to adapt though and eat other things. He had a great day writing his letters, reading, and sorting objects.

12. Hendrick was a great helper today going and helping to deliver letters. He's also been a great friend to those who need a hug. He's been inviting others to play with him and to read when we go into the class library.

13. David is working on his puzzles of 25 pieces even though it's challenging for him. He loves going to Ms. Cruz's room and requests the Freeze Dance at all opportunities. He got to go on the computer today to do some sorting in math carnival and aced it!

14. Patrick is our line leader and loves being able to do everything associated with it including opening the door, turning the lights on when we come back and holding Ms. Stern's hand. He was very patient today when waiting for his other friends to finish their math so that we could go to playdough and sat at his desk informing us that "I'll wait" and didn't fuss. He's taken to hiding in the pillows as a choice when in the library and today announced "Houston, we have a problem" when other friends wanted to use the pillows. We talked about it and agreed that we could share.


All in all, a fantastic Wednesday! yes, I don't want parents to think that there are no mishaps. We did have some upset children at points as we do almost everyday, but Mrs. Robertson and myself address them as they arise and make parents contact as appropriate when needed.


Reminders:

Picture day: Monday. Remember to smile!
Back to School Night: Wednesday, 7pm. Room 77 as well as inclusion teachers!
Starting tomorrow: phone contact will be limited as my parents will be here but I'm still accessible if you need me (probably severely limited on Friday as I'll be in Woodbridge until late) Email is best until Sunday. In addition, next week Thursday-Sunday I won't be phoning and such as much either as my Fiance (I'm still confused on how I'm supposed to spell it and how he's supposed to spell it but regardless) Mike will be here for his birthday. I might even take him to DC (I've not been there in almost 10 years and I've lived her for over a year now!). Email is best.

Disclaimer regarding photos: I won't post photos of children on this blog. It's not in anyone's best interest in terms of privacy laws and the like. However, I'm more than willing to email what I take of your child to you if you'd like. Just let me know by email! (-: