People may be said to resemble not
the bricks of which a house is built, but the pieces of a picture puzzle, each
differing in shape, but matching the rest, and thus bringing out the picture.
– Felix Adler
Whether it is religion, culture, abilities, interests, shapes or sizes we are all different. As a special education teacher, this is a lesson that can’t be taught enough. We all have greatness to add to the classroom and each of the 21 unique kiddos that I get to spend every day with certainly are a resemblance of that. We spend time in our groups talking about strengths and I love that they have learned which friend to go to when they need help. We discuss the friend that can read, the friend that can write, and the friend that is a math whiz. We also discuss the “artist,” the one that can help tie shoes, and the one that will help us with anything we ask. Of course, this discussion always starts as I try to draw a picture on the board that typically ends up not resembling in the least what my intent was. My compassionate students now respond with comments such as, “It is perfect, Mrs. Ganio,” or “You are getting so much better.” I then end up calling on a “friend” to help me! We love to celebrate differences and I love the way the students feel when they are called upon by their peers to help them. Even the kiddo that struggles the most with the academic challenges has so much to offer his friends.
I also enjoy when parents and students share with the class their traditions and their cultural backgrounds. I have learned so much this year from the class and their parents, I often wonder if I should be called the student. Sometimes it is the student’s star week when they bring a parent to help share this information, and sometimes it is the time of the year. In February, we were fortunate enough to have Sam and his mom come and share with us about the Asian New Year! With a wonderful slideshow and interacting, we all sat and enjoyed what they had to share!
No different from any other month we were busy and on the go. In addition to learning about differences we learned about the heart and keeping our bodies healthy.
We then had a wonderful Valentine’s Day event and enjoyed eating healthy, red snacks that the parents shared with us. (I must admit that I was at a training this day and was not able to be a part of the festivities. I asked my wonderful co-teacher to be sure that she took a lot of pictures for me….she did admit later that they forgot and so she “staged” most of the pictures that ended up on my camera.)
Josie turned six years old in February and it was an exciting time for her, and the rest of us, as she shared her Star Student poster and told us all about her family, favorite book, favorite music and favorite food! It amazes me sometimes at how even the quietest students gain a louder voice, more confidence, and answer questions with determination as they talk about the important things in their lives.
Our hundredth day of school arrived one day before Valentine’s day this year and what fun it was to see all of the kiddos (and Mrs. Saggese) to be dressed up like they were 100 years old. Conversations of what would be happening a year from now took place, as well as many fun stations that involved counting 100 items to make necklaces, using the numbers in 100 to make a picture, and sharing our At Home Family Projects that students used 100 of something to make.
This month we also wrapped up our Penguin unit, and had fun learning addition. I introduced Touchmath to each student as another method of addition. We then made our own number cards using stickers to represent our touch spots!
We also enjoyed a special event called “Healthy Snacks.” The kiddos loved using the ingredients to make a healthy snack with a guest speaker. They each got a turn to help in measuring or mixing. Of course, they all had the opportunity to taste a bit of the smoothie they made.
We are looking forward to March when we will have two new participators joining our class from SUNY Oneonta, and my favorite time….Dr. Seuss!!
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