Week 3

August 26-30, 2013

I had gotten my wisdom teeth out 3 days prior to the start of this week so I was clinging tight to my pain pills (Ibuprofen and Tylenol) at the start of this week. Again, I was nervous that I would even be able to do this, but I discovered that being with these amazing little kids and supportive cooperating teacher made the pain lighten a bit.

Bryan spent the weekend putting together a schedule that we could work off for the remainder of this week. Even though we had this to refer to, it continued to change as we discovered surprises and other teachers' schedules that conflicted with ours. I really appreciated how Bryan was so easy going about this process and flexible. If it were me, I would be really upset and wanting things to be set in stone right off the bat. I realized that it just can't be that way and you have to be open to change on a constant basis.

One of the things that I also appreciate about Bryan is his value in building relationships with not only the students he works with, but also the other students in the classes, walking in the halls, other teachers, parents, faculty, staff, etc. In fact, I am convinced he would have a good relationship with a light pole if he could. Haha...

He explained to me the importance of building these relationships for many personal reasons, but to me I saw it as a reason to build up and support the students he works with, to teach those around him how to help and promote independence for the students, and that when they see his students (even when Bryan is not around), they treat them with respect (as they are treated) and this promotes a quality of life for them even in his absence.

Another important aspect I am learning about is PATIENCE, which I am realizing I thought I had, but never really did. My patience is being stretched in so many personal ways and this job requires more of that than I ever, ever realized. Take for instance, an experience I had of teaching little Johnny to walk the bus route from his classroom. This process took about 30 minutes while he spent a great deal of time wandering and I was getting scorched in the sun. It took everything in me to restrain from walking over, grabbing his hand, and pulling him to the finish line just so I could get out of the sun.

I have so many more experiences to post and I look forward to telling you more about them.