Monday, February 18, 2008
Inspiration
Ok, so I didnt really know how to say this, and honestly Im not totally sure I spelled inspiration..right..haha but the lil mini talk we had tonight in class, about how you had to let your students dream big dreams, has really inspired me, and I cant stop thinking about it!!! Mrs. White your story about your son and his huge basketball accomplishments has stuck in my mind. I want to be a special education teacher more than anything and I feel like I should always keep in my mind that you cant lower your expectations but they should always be high for your students to meet...anyway this may have been pointles..haha just thought I'd share!
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8 comments:
Vandi, not to be even MORE sappy than I was last night but I REALLY appreciate you posting this. I was kicking myself all the way home. I thought perhaps I was TOO personal and it wasn't the place or time.
None of us ever want to make students feel like they can't or give them material that is too hard and then frustrate them. So, it is VERY NATURAL to provide studens with lessons that THEY CAN DO AND ALLOW THEM TO EXPERIENCE SUCCESS. This is what I saw in all of our groups last night and was pleased with the BEGINNING ideas and efforts you are demonstrating.
As we grow in our understanding of meeting students' needs it is key to understand how we take where they ARE and challenge them to move to THE NEXT LEVEL knowing how to provide them the materials and support to accomplish MORE THAN THEY EVER THOUGHT THEY COULD.
ALL kids, whether from up a "holler", in a subdivision, on an urban corner, in the ghetto or down the lane can BE AND DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO BE. They dreamed in when they were FIVE or in FIRST GRADE!!!! When did they stop believing they could be an astronaut and fly to the moon?
Be dream builders with them! They can ALL do it. I know more examples than just my own step-son. You'll meet another in our class.
You guys are WONDERFUL!
It really inspired me too. One of my favorite teachers in elementary school refused to listen to us say that we can't do something. So ever since then I hate hearing people say that they can't do something or giving up on something because other people say they can't. I'm the type of person that if somebody tells me I can't it just motivates me that much more to do it.
Don't kick yourself because examples from one's own life can be more inspiring and learned from others and the self. I appreciated the inspiration, it is great to know that other people are passionate about what they have experienced and do in their life. The lessons we experience from life will help determine who we are and how we teacher out students. I want to make a difference in someone else's life but first I want to make sure that I do that in my life and that is a high priority on my list. Like Vandi, I am ready to be a special education teacher. I get happy feelings after I sub in the special education rooms, I absolutely love it.
Oh I wish I could have been in class on Monday. It sounds like I missed a wonderful meeting. I love hearing the inspiration stories. I have a heartfelt one myself. As the mother of a special child she has taught me that I can do anything and I am much stronger than I ever thought I was. There is truly nothing like the feeling you get and the life lessons you learn from knowing a special needs child.
I also appreciated the personal story from Mrs. White in Monday night's class. I have a younger brother who has dropped out of high school because of a select frew teachers have told him to get his ged that it would be easier. This has infuriated me. He was born premature and has EBD. My parents are lost as to what to do now. He has lost all faith in himself because of a few teachers that told him that they thought he couldn't finish high school. Maybe if he had even one teacher that believed in him as Mrs. White believes in her students he wouldn't have dropped out. I have tried telling him and trying to comfort in the fact that yes, he can finish high school and to go back and try. He won't budge. He says it's too hard. I agree so much with Mrs. White when she said that you should never make students feel like they can't do something. Thank you for sharing your story. It had a wonderful impact on all of us. Does anyone have any tips for me about my brother?
Inspiration...it's so easy to give when we think things become too hard-but if we continue to fight the fight good things will come from that determination and will power. I think that you, Cathy, are an amazing teacher and it is nice to have someone with the drive that you have to ensure students will become an adequate teacher and also give us something to realize too...never give up on your dreams. Nursing school is tough, especially with a two year old running around, and it was nice to hear you day DREAM BIG, because there are times it is so discouraging and it reminded me I must continue on.
Inspiration seems to come from the smallest things. For example, I work with a special needs child where I work and he has arm braces that restrain him from hitting or biting himself. The other day I pulled out a drum, took off his arm bands, and let him beat on the drum. )Note: he is blind and they say he has a mentality of a 2 year old.) You could tell he was very frustrated how hard he was striking the drum. When I placed my hands for his and beat on top of his hands, he would crack up. It is amazing to see him smiling and laughing, it was such a sight. He is the inspiration that makes me want to make a difference in his life.
Reading your posts are weekly reminders of why I wanted so desperately to be back in the classroom. Too many people either give up on themselves or others.
Janet, perhaps it is "method" or means to an end with your brother. If he is dead set against high school at this point then maybe it is looking for an alternate route to what the goal is, a high school diploma. They are programs online, GED, etc. If he is a "too hard" mentality it may take small steps to help him see where he can accomplish things before he tackles others.
Depending upon where he lives there are a variety of programs available for students. Guidance counselors, family resource centers, etc. should be able to discuss the options available for him.
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