Reflection+1

// Just click EDIT and begin writing under each prompt. There is no set limit on how much you need to write each week, I just ask that you try to answer each prompt. There is no right answer in reflection and I am not looking for a perfect answer...enjoy your reflection time and I look forward to writing back to you! //

1. Significant events for me this week were… This past week was my first week with a student! I was so excited to meet him and begin working to understand how he processes the world around him. Achille is very sweet and mild, and I know that this classroom will be so good for him, but I can tell that I will need to adjust my expectations for how quickly I'd like to see growth and skill mastery. I'm realizing that sucess is measured in much smaller steps in AU PreK than in a general Ed classroom. This week I also went on a home visit to Achille's house to meet with his father and model some of the play activites that we work on in the classroom. I was very discouraged by Mr. Kamenga's attitude toward Achille as well as the comparisons he continued to make between Achille and his siblings. I left with the distinct impression that Achille would not recieve any support other than what he recieves in the classroom.

2. As a result of these events, I have learned… I'm learning that I need to curb the big part of me that desires to see perfection in my classroom routines. There are big parts of my day that feel very fragmented, and I think that's partly because not all of my materials are in place (not all of my visuals cues are printed out and laminated, not all of my work tasks are constructed, etc.). I also feel a little at loose ends without an IA. I feel like things could run much more smoothly if I had another person with whom I could partner. I'm also learning that there are vast cultural difference between many of my students and me. Visiting Achille's home this week really drove that point home. I think I assumed that every family I interacted with would be as willing and able to support their child as I am. I'm finding that this is not necessarily the case. Either because their culture views autism differently, or because they don't have the education to know how to help, or because they don't think that their child should need all this "extra stuff." Again, I'm discovering a need to adjust my expectations.

3. I realize that I need to know more about...

I realize that I need to know more about the cultures of my students and their families. I think understanding why a family holds the views that they do concerning autism can help me adjust my expectations for their classroom involvement.

===‍4 . This week I am most proud of the way I… === This week I am most proud of the way I was able to connect quickly with the family of my second student so he could start on Monday without feeling like our program was a total unknown. I got his assignemnt email Thursday morning, had his Mom on the phone by Thursday afternoon and was over at his house for a visit the next day. I was able to connect with this student's parents in a way that was reassuring to them and helpful to me before he came to school for the first time on Monday. PS His name is Chuck and he's precious :-) Can't wait for you to meet him!

Dear Hope:
 * Side note: Any questions that I ask are to get you thinking, they do not need to be answered through writing. If you would like we can discuss them in our meeting, or they can be soley for your thought proceess!***

Thank you for your thoughtful response to your first week at school, I really enjoyed reading through your reflection! I can tell you are passionate about getting to know your wonderful little ones and you enjoy building connections with the family's of your students. What a powerful way to start out your school year! You have planted many seeds in the lives of your students and families that will have a lasting effect in your classroom, I have no doubt of that. As I continued to read, I noticed you had feelings of disappointment in your visit with Achille's family. However, through every disappoint there is something to be learned...which you quickly pulled out of the experience. Your desire to learn about Achille's cultures will help to drive your instruction, as well as give you more insite into how to relate and make connections with the family. In my own experience with parents and families, some of the roughest starts yield the most rewarding results. How do you plan on learning more about Achille's culture and then put that learning into action on home visits and in the classroom?

You wrote about feeling a little out of sorts with some classroom rmanagment, materials, and not having your IA in place. I can understand the frustration because these are key components to keep your classroom running smoothly. I think the motto for your classroom will have to be "One day at a time." You are in a bit of a unique situation because your kids are coming at different times and you don't know what types of behaviors you will be seeing from each student. How do you think the structures you already have in place will help the new students coming into the classroom?

"Again, I'm discovering a need to adjust my expectations." This was one of my favorite quotes from your reflection because this shows me that you are student centered and not expecting students and families to adjust to your needs. As you continue on your teaching journey you will realize that our career is rarely black and white and you will constantly need to readjust to the grey areas that pop up. That does not mean you should not continue to have high expectations because that is what your students and families need to help them be successful. With these thoughts in mind, why is it important to hold high expectations for our families and students?

Keep up the hard work! You have started strong and I am so proud of the way you are reaching out to your families and your desire to make best environment possible for your students. Your teachability and hard work will carry you very far this year and years to come!

Have a wonderful rest of the week and I will see you Thursday morning!

Warm Wishes-

Stacy