My afternoon visit 10/18

October 19, 2011 

My Afternoon Visit

A.       My comfort level on this occurrence is “zip to zero” in this classroom.  The teacher asked me last week if it was possible for me to come on another day also.  I told him if it was possible with my schedule I didn’t mind doing so.  So this would mean I would be coming on Tuesday and Thursday for 2-3 hours to work with the classroom.  He also stated that he would prefer I come in the afternoon to help the lower functioning students in the last period. 
I came in to find that the students were doing map testing.  Map testing is when the students are asked questions on math and some sight words.  The teacher told me he had just found out about the testing and would I mind administrating it to some of the students.  I have only given one or two tests so this would be good experience and practice.  As usual one para doing more than the other, paraprofessional 1 is doing the testing paraprofessional 2 helping the students in choice time. 

Honestly, it’s aggravating to watch his interaction with paraprofessional 1 when he gives her directions for the kids, but he is so soft-spoken with paraprofessional 2.  I have learned in both classroom management classes to be professional and respectful.  THIS IS HARD TO DO! 

It is bothering me beyond reason that this man is doing lesson plans and activities while I do testing. 

My last rant for this part is the site coach; he comes in and introduces himself.  He was very polite and seems to have excellent rapport with the students and teachers.  I have noticed in the cafeteria that the students light up when they see him.  MY problem is when he finished introducing himself he spoke with the teacher and went to the computer.  Site coach and teacher  talked, and then paraprofessional 2  found her way to the computer.  Now me and paraprofessional 1 are finishing up testing while they look like they are on free time.   

B.      In this situation even though I do not agree with the actions of others it’s not my business or place to voice concern.  I continued to do the testing until it was finished and then talked to the students.  Once again because I am extra emotional, it is important to keep my feelings, body language and attitude on the back burner.  Working with the students, helping them to communicate with their peers instead of stemming and zoning out is important for them in the classroom.  Communicating with them and getting their opinions felt great.  But this might not be a good idea coming on Tuesday but I will make lemons into lemonade instead. 

C.      In the book “You’re Going to Love This Kid”, chapter 6 talks about “Support Relationships through Activities”.  This is what I tried to do today, by playing checkers with some of the students.  A student was playing checkers with a friend and I was watching the game.  He asked me to play next, so a couple of the students came over to watch us play.  The students were giving us advice and seemed to be having fun.  I had not thought about playing a game to encourage common friendships.  But it worked and the students were enjoying themselves as I ended my day.