Feel relieved...

I feel so much better that I completed my final. I think it was easier than I thought it would be. I just did a few questions at a time, I guess I wanted to take my time. I feel so much better that it is completed. It feels so crazy that this semester is coming to an end. Seems like yesterday we were just enrolling in your class. I truly have enjoyed your class, you have made it a different learning experience and I highly enjoyed it. Thank you.

Your Personality - Just for Fun

Need a quick break? Want to take your mind off Finals and studying for a few minutes? Do this for fun - very interesting! http://memoriter.net/flash/test.html

Thank You!

I just wanted to say that this class has been wonderful! I really learned a lot, and I also think it has helped me make a concrete decision on my major!! Thanks for everything Mrs. White!!

YOUR SED260 FINAL EXAM

• The final exam will be available to be taken from Wednesday, April 30th until Wednesday, May 7th. It MUST be completed by midnight on the 7th.
  
• The final exam will be open book, open note. I encourage you to ORGANIZE your notes and materials prior to the exam.
  
• The final exam will not be timed. It can be accessed multiple times.
  
• The final exam will consist of essay questions with 3 multiple choice questions for extra credit.
  
• The final exam will provide you the option of skipping two questions.
  
• The final exam will be comprehensive.

Final!

For all the classes that I have this clall and another may be conprehensive. And I am totally freacking out, I cant put into words just how much I hate them. With my other class my teacher believes that all of the work that we have done just keeps on building. Well, thay maybe true but when it comes to comprehensive I really want to drop out of school.
Sorry, just had to let that out!

Final

I just wanted to say this about the final, I think the final would be fine either way comprehensive or just over the last couple of chapters we have covered! I did like how test 3 was set up, with maybe an extra two questions so we can pick which one to answer if we are unsure about a question!

Content

I appreciate the responses relative to the Final. Keep posting. I'm sure everyone has some ideas that could be helpful on how you can demonstrate your knowledge!! You're basically designing your own final - what a novel thought for future educators!

This brings me to this question...what do you feel like are the most important concepts that we have learned this semester? What ideas, strategies or thoughts do you think you'll actually USE in the future?

Another way to look at it . . . or another question to answer (you can pick one of these or all) is what do you feel like one should have learned from having taken SED260?

Final

I just wanted to let you know that the final exam would be fine as a comprehensive test or just over the remainder of the material we covered. I do think an adequate test could be made from the remainder of the material with a couple of questions from previous material though.

Thanks
Jessica Cobb

Will someone let me know details on the final exam.

Hi Guys, I see the final exam was discussed tonight. Will someone please fill me in on that? I had to miss class because I was at the Dr. all day with my little one. She has once again developed pneumonia. I am so glad this semester is almost over. I can almost let out a big sigh of relief because I have almost made it. I knew it was going to be tough adding one more thing on my schedule. Taking care of Molly is a full time 24/7 job. In our small town we have no decent nursing care programs, only hospice who are use to taking care of older people. I think with a terminal child the attitude should be entirly different, but it's not we tried them already and it was to doom and gloom for me. So anyway My husband and I (mostly me, he works 2 jobs) take care of all Molly's needs and everything else in the house. It is amazing how God gives us strength to do things that seem impossible, like functioning normally on 2 hours of sleep. I hardly ever get to leave the house, so in a way I have enjoyed coming to class because it is usually a time that I can get my mind off of everything else. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and Mrs. White you have been great. Sorry I am rambling, I have had a terrible day. I need to go to bed because I will be up at 2:00 a.m. for breathing treatments and meds.

Thank You!!

Mrs. White,
I would like to take the time before the stress of finals, to express my appreciation for all the help and consideration that you have given us this semester. You have compassion for what you teach that sets you apart from others. Thank you for the sermons and the learning opportunity, I have truly benefited from this course.

Final Exam

So I guess Ill be the first to post something about the final exam. I noticed today in class how everyone was not happy with the final be comprehensive and I agree, my recommendations would be that the exam be over the last chapters we have covered. I would also prefer the exam to still be open to multiple tries, but that is jut my opinion. I am not a fan of comprehensive test because many times it is complicated to collect all the information into one test. This is just my recommendations and hope others request as well.

Technology Center

I just wanted to say I really enjoyed the technology center last week. I think it's amazing what the organization can do to assist individuals and their needs. I know now where I can donate some of my son's toys to and also where I can direct stroke patients and their family for assistive devices-because I truly don't think staff on the stroke unit know about the center and it is truly a wonderful place for those who need assistive devices.

Just a quick question...

In doing an analysis of Pragmatics, are we supposed to count the TURNS and the Utterances?

I did both, but after I looked back at instructions for the analysis I wasn't sure if I should have completed both.

Also, when sectioning off TURNS should we do something deliberate showing that there was a turn in the conversation or does the narraration simply show that there was a TURN? I was confused by this.

Question about turning in the project

Are we turning it in on Blackboard or turning it in class? I was just wondering because I printed out a copy of my sample and wrote the page numbers and numbered off the turns to make it easier for me to read. I did not do these things on the sample on my computer and was just wondering if I could hand turn it in since I already done it to the copy that was printed off.

help?

When doing the summary of the pragmatic check list do we address each skill or do we pick a few and talk about them?

Also, If we don't use the tough for the language function summary what do we use?

And I we don't see narrative form is it necessary that we put in the paper that we don't see it ?


Thank you
Elizabeth

Pragmatics Checklist

When using the pragmatics checklist how do you want us to indicate when the child preforms the action?

Also, Thank you for all your help

Elizabeth

Language Analysis Project

I am doing Pragmatics for my project. When it says section off all TURNS, does that mean clauses?
Thanks.

Daily Dozen

As the semester is winding down and you tend to become overwhelemed I encourage you to consider these dozen tips for each day...

• Take one day at a time.
• Pray
• Eat right.
• Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
• Talk less; listen more.
• Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
• Find time to be alone, jot down thoughts and inspirations.
• Spend time with someone you love
• Laugh, find at least a few minutes to relax and have fun.
• Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
• Go to bed on time and get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
• Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

Tech. Center

I just wanted to comment on how much I enjoyed class Monday. It was a nice change to hold class somewhere other than the classroom, and I also learned a lot. I had no idea the place even existed and how much what they do helps people. The things they use are so interesting and objects I could make for students in my own class; for example the piece of foam to help hold a pencil. Thanks for introducing me to the center Mrs. White!!!!

Tomorrow!

I'm not sure if I will be able to make it tomorrow night.
:[
If I can't, can anyone fill me in on how awesome I am sure it will be?
Thanks and hope everyone had a fantastic weekend.
:]

question

I got the directions for where we are supposed to go next Monday, but what exit do I get off at? 104 or 108?

Bluegrass Technology Center Class

We WILL be meeting at the Bluegrass Technology Center on April 14th for class. If you wish to carpool feel free to leave a comment here so that students can plan to ride together.

Class will start PROMPTLY at 6:30 at the center which is located 961 Beasley Street Suite in Lexington. I have GOOGLED a map for you at http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=961+Beasley+Street+Suite,+Lexington,+KY&sll=44.527843,-95.712891&sspn=28.225224,59.414063&ie=UTF8&ll=38.041839,-84.440145&spn=0.030486,0.058022&z=14 . Class will end at approximately 8:00.

If anyone is interested in going out to eat after class for a question/answer session on your project we will head to a restaurant in Hamburg. Feel free to bring your transcribed language project and have the group help you with any questions.

Basically you will take 75 North and get off at the Winchester, US 60 exit. Turn left towards Lexington. Go approximately 2 miles. Turn LEFT at the LIGHT onto FORTUNE Drive. Immediately turn RIGHT onto Beasley.

The center is a not for profit organization and accepts donations in order to continue their work. If any of you have and CAN bring any of the following items it will be very much appreciated. If you can not that is ok.

1. External mouse for computers you no longer are using
2. EMPTY printer cartridges - all types
3. NEW AA or C size batteries (one pack per person would be great - again do not feel as if you MUST do this)

Comment here with any questions or concerns.

Please...

Will someone let me know what I missed in tonight's class? My great grandmother has passed away, and I came back home to be with my family. Everyone, especially my grandmother, is taking it very hard because this is the 3rd death in our family in the past 6 months.

Question....

Are we to include the name of the school, students, teacher ect in our observation report? I was "iffy" about this because of the whole privacy thing and didn't know if I should or not?

Beautiful

Observational Reports

I saw that they are due Monday. Do we need to bring a copy to class or just attach it and summit to Blackboard?

Class Monday

I feel like class Monday really opened my eyes to autistic children and today I felt like I was seeing it everywhere...which started a discussion with my older sister and I about whether there was more autistic children or more diagnosed children in schools now then when we were there...because she teaches special ed. now at a elementary school.

I also saw a great lifetime movie today about a single mother who was raising twin autistic boys...it was just really really good...

AND then on my blackberry's mini feed the main news story was about a chinese I think? lady who discovered her son was autistic and the only advice they gave her was that now she would be able to break the "only 1 child law" and have another. Not discouraged she researched and researched and discovered her son could learn and have a better life. Thus she started a school for her son and 10 other autistic children...

I just thought I would share!

CNN Specials on Autism

This week CNN will be running specials on Autism in light of Wednesday be
National Autism Awareness Day. Check out the EXTREMELY interesting links on CNN's website. Let me know what you think of the Naughty Auties virtual reality space!

CNN Specials on Autism

Observation Question

Do we have a form or something that we need the teacher we observe to sign? Or does the report on our observation count as our documentation? Thanks!

Extra Credit Feedback - From Both Classes

Impressed. I am impressed by your candor and excellent suggestions. Here are a few I will be implementing:

1. Offer you one MORE question than you HAVE TO answer. This gives you an option in case there is one question that you really do NOT know or feel less confident in answering.

2. Be more intentional about stating the instructional objectives of each class and ensuring by the end of class we have met them. If students still have questions that there is an avenue to have those questions addressed.

3. Balance direct instruction and student activities to accomplish the instructional objectives.

4. Ensure that the questions on the test are worded clearly. (Remember ANY time a student is UNCLEAR about a test question you can call and get an explanation of what the question means) However, I will do a better job of writing specific questions.

5. Balance the points between all questions, not making any ONE question be worth such a large percentage of the overall score.

6. Continue with an open book, open note and untimed test.

7. Continue having it be the synthesis, evaluation and application of material as a professional teacher would apply information in a real world setting - not the regurgitation of information from the text and notes. You want college classes that actually are what you can USE in the real world.

8. The questions can demonstrate your own "opinion" or style but MUST reflect best practice or what the book and resources have demonstrated are effective and maximize student learning. Just because a question asks what YOU would do doesn't mean the answer is CORRECT if it does not include what brings about the greatest good or is the most appropriate measure in that given situation. Jena's teacher was 100% wrong in her opinion that Jena HAD TO TAKE NOTES because ALL kids take notes in that class. Not every practice is appropriate.

A few of the things it appears some or all of YOU will be doing...

1. Prepare more effectively - for tests.

2. Read the questions carefully to determine WHAT they are asking you to demonstrate you know.

3. Answer specifically the question that was ASKED not provide general information about that topic.

4. Put forth a bit more effort than you have been

Hmmmmm - who has a longer list!

Question please

Okay...my question is how many observations do we have in this class? I think we only have to do one....im not 100% sure on that though, so if someone could please answer this for me that would be so helpful~! I know I should know how many observations I have due in this class, but I have 2 other SED classes and another class that I have observations in.

Circle Time!

I really enjoyed our discussion about ways to "spice up your circle time." I worked at a daycare last summer, and we had circle time activities. I hope to work there this summer, too. Discussing some ideas for circle time really got me brainstorming and excited to be back at the daycare, having cirlce time with the kids!

So excited!

I did some of my observation hours today in a first grade classroom where the special education students were in the regular ed classes with what they call their "special helper." I got to jump in today and help some of those students read books and take AR tests and I found myself using words like "phoneme." :-) What we have learned in this class really helped me in helping them!! Also, I was so amazed at how kids at that age LOVE adult approval! One little girl, everytime she sounded a word out on her own, and I smiled at her, she just gave me this look like it made her day!! It seriously melted my heart, and I'm so ready to graduate and start teaching! Just figured I'd share some of those thoughts!

Educational Placements

1. How do you handle a parent that was making a decision for the child in which the child clearly didn't agree?
2. Would not the student be the main person in planning his or her educational strategies?

Acoustics

How could the acoustics in a classroom impact a deaf student? (What do we know about deafness and the types or degress of hearing loss) Check out these websites. http://www.cdc.gov/Niosh/mining/topics/hearingloss/hlsoundslike.htm

http://www.utdallas.edu/~thib/rehabinfo/tohl.htm

ASL vs. Signed English

What's the difference between these two types of sign languages? If a student were attending an all deaf school or college would they be more likely to use ASL or Signed English? What does it mean if someone says they use Pidgin?

Jena - Will You Answer This One for Us???

A student asked a great question on their "One more question I still have is..."

How do you incorporate a deaf child in a mainstream class and make them feel equal to that of other hearing children in the classroom?

Once Jena answers, feel free to respond to her!

Your Questions on Deafness

You submitted several very good questions that are often asked by people who are not familiar with working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. I want to post some of them here on the blog and give the class a chance to answer them. Once you have discussed these I will also chime in. A few of these may then lead to questions on the test.

The first question I want to share is: Do you separate the deaf child from the regular hearing students? Because if you have a deaf child in a regular education class and the deaf child has an interpreter then how do you keep the attention and order in the class if the regular education or hearing students want to watch the interpreter?

Drive

I just wanted to let the class and Ms. White know that I appreciated your "sermon" last night about becoming a "true" teacher. Although, I was sitting there like a littled "WHOAED" I completely agree with each word you said. I may not be an education major but the students in the classroom are my son's future teachers and I don't want to dare think that my son's teahcers are burnout and sorry. I appreciate your passion and drive for such a crucial part of all of our lives....because teachers are the people who educate some of the most prestigious careers in the world!

Monday night's class

I think that class helped tonight too. I was personally surprised with how much my test scores dropped from the first one to the second. I think tonight helped me pinpoint my exact issues that I could address that would help me. Also, I was relieved to be given the opportunity to respond about the test and receive credit. That rasied my grade an entire letter grade so I appreciate that opportunity.

Monday Night's Class

I personally want to say that I needed tonight's classroom talk. I have been extremely discouraged with how my semester has been going. Usually at this point in the term, I have a great standing in all my courses - however it has been a different story this semester. I definitely needed the pep talk we had. I'm doing well in this class, but in my others I have let myself think that average is okay. With all the demands and things due, I have hardly any time to breathe. And just getting things done is my main goal. But you have given me the kick I needed Mrs. White to get back to the level I was at last semester. My expectations have went from the highest to about mid-level. And that is not me. It never has been.

Thanks for caring Mrs. White.

-Danielle

Freaking out!!!

I cant handle anything that has to do with school right now, it is nearing the end and all I keep thinking about it how bad I am doing in every class. Usually my mid term grades are good but this time around it was far less than that. Seeing my grade in this class makes me realize that I am not doing something right and I am not sure what it is. I don't know but what I do know is that I am so over school right now it is not even funny.

Test Taking Skills - YOUR Answers to Test 2

I have taken sample answers from various student papers that received 4/4 or 6/6 etc. on each question and put together this sheet which we will use to address Test Taking Skills as well as other skills listed on page 312. http://www.brandtnetwork.com/TestTakingSkills.htm

Just saw my test

Wow I just saw my test grade, and im very glad that you are letting us answer your questions and get some extra points....Thank you very much!!

Monday nights class

I really enjoyed last monday nights class, I think our guest speaker was really inspiring because I am one of your students who is going into deaf and hard of hearing along with elementary education. So I really enjoyed watching her and learning her answers to all the questions!!

Wednesday Night Agenda Change

Agenda for Wednesday Night class has changed.

I welcome/encourage blogging on any of these ideas to help prepare us for class:

1. Deafness - specifically:

• how the degree of hearing loss impacts language development.
• factors which impact speech and language development
• factors to consider for appropriate educational placement
• instructional strategies

2. Chapter 14 - Enhancing Language and Communication - we will begin with the list on page 312 and apply it to our own classroom and recent test taking experience

Classmates

Good evening! One of the most encouraging parts about teaching both of my classes is the warmth, encouragement and support you demonstrate for one another. There are several among you who are experience health issues, health issues of close family members, deaths in the family and SCHOOL WORK on top of all of that. I would ask that for those who are prayin' folk say a prayer for one another during this weekend when we celebrate. For others who choose to encourage and support peers in other ways I'd ask that you remember your classmates during these closing weeks of the semester. Offer extra smiles, encouraging words and help as you can.

I am appreciative of being a part of such a great group of students. We WILL complete this course SUCCESSFULLY - TOGETHER!

I don't get it.

I study, I frickin read the stupid book, and read the weekly resources. And I still to bad. I just don't get it.

Is it just me?

Is anyone else having problems posting? When I post it is kicking me out!

FINISHED!

I just finished the test ( because I was a slacker over spring break, AND a procrastinator) and I feel really good about it!! I think after seeing the results of the first test that it was easier to figure out exactly the kind of answers Mrs White wants. I think I did well! I hope everyone else did too!! I'm off to do some homework while I'm still on a "roll" haha! Hope everyone is staying dry on this rainy day!!

Article

While I was reading this article I noticed that it seem a little to familiar to me like finding the definition for language or even classroom layout. Although to you it maybe easy to recognize why this may see familiar but truly it not because of Mrs. White at all. I got to thinking and well, it because I had a experience with my 5Th grade class much like everything that they where explaining, groups and classroom layout, and all that good stuff but really am I crazy or is this article not pioneering?
Elizabeth

Class Monday

I missed class last nite, what time is Wednesdays class, and would that be a good time to catch up?

Jenna

I am really glad we had a guest speaker tonight. It helped me to better understand what it is like to be deaf-which of course I know I will never completely understand. But, nevertheless, Jenna being in our classroom tonight truly made deaf individuals communication and language more clear to me.

I am familiar with ASL and Cochlear implants but I have only been exposed to them (including people who are deaf) very rarely in my life. When I was in elementary and highschool I didn't have any classmates that were deaf. When I came to EKU, it was the first time I had really been around it at all. It was very beneficial to me.

So- Jenna, if you read this, thank you for coming!

The Language Rich Article

I just finished typing out my article review, and I thought the article was a cool one to read. I had never thought about using a collaborative process like that in a classroom to enhance language aquisition. The article had some great ideas that I think would be a very effective and fun way for students to aquire different aspects of language. It's always great to broaden the horizon when it comes to education.

Article!

I'm really glad someone pointed out that the article had missing pages. I skimmed through it the other day and realized some things didn't quite make sense, but I figured it was because I didn't fully read it. So thanks to whoever figured out the whole page thing and I'm off to work on it now! :]
See everyone monday!

Spring Break!

I cant believe our spring break is almost over :( I have done some home work, but I feel like I havent done anything....which is good :) I havent done the test or article yet...but there both not due until the 19th, so I will do them this weekend!! I look forward to class on Monday, but I really wish this spring break wouldnt end!!

Seven Weeks

I hope everyone is enjoying their break! :)

I didn't get to vacation this spring break, but I am enjoying the time off-nevertheless! I just looked at my calendar for the rest of the semester and there will be only SEVEN WEEKS of this semester left (not including finals) after we come back from SB~ Yay!

Also, thank you very much Mrs. White for allowing the extension on our exam and article summary/critique. You are one of the most caring professors I've had throughout my college career! I love that I'm able to finish my exam on my own time... instead of while I was bombarded with a million other things to do during midterm week.

Thanks again- I hope everyone is getting plenty of R&R!

Question about observational report

I forgot to ask this. So we can go into a regular education room or does it need to special education room? I just wanted to clarify this. Thanks

Article - Reading Response

If you were NOT in class on Monday, your article - reading response IS STILL DUE in two weeks, March 19th. I would suggest you contact a classmate and make a copy of the article. It does not scan well in order for me to transmit it (email) electronically.

The Test

Mrs. White, I just wanted to thank you again for extending the date on our test and article!!! Im one of those people who does not deal with pressure well, and the fact that we can open our test up more than once and have after Spring break to finish is GREAT! However, I also love getting things finished so Im trying to get everything resolved before I leave Friday. ANYWAY thanks soo soo much..it helps my anxiety tons!

Family Emergency

I have not quit the Monday night class, last week I attended the Wed. class. My mother went for what was supposed to be a small routine surgery last Friday evening for a bowel obstruction, but it turned out to be much more than that. I was scheduled for military training and was already at the training site taht night, when my sister called to tell me I had to get to Somerset as fast as possible because the nurses had came out to tell them my mother was not going to live through the surgery. She did pull through, but she is in intensive care at Somerset Hospitle. There is no certainty that is going to make it just yet, but things are slowly looking better. I am taking turns with my father staying by her side all through the nights. I am going to do my best to be in class tommorrow night, but I am still curious as to what we went over?

test 2!

i just wanted to confirm that we did NOT [do not?] have a test today! for some reason, i have it written in my planner that we do, but i thought we did not....if someone could help clarify for me, id really appreciate it!
thanks everyone!

Class Monday

I agree that class was helpful. But it also made me start my child search over! And then I thought I would use a 4 year old my cousin babysits, but apparently she is a child genious and has perfectly developed speech!

Monday Night's Class

I really needed monday night's class! I was definitely confused about the language sample project and had NO idea where to start. But last class really helped me out! I think I'll be doing mine over form instead of the other two. I seemed to grasp it more than semantics or pragmatics. I'm pretty good with sentences and I think that would really show that I know what I'm doing. :)

I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend!

Language Project - Make Up - Help Session

I am willing to do a Make Up session and go over each section of the project for ANY ONE who is interested - IF THERE IS AN INTEREST. I'll do this for ONE student or ten. Numbers do not matter. One is important.

Because of my full time work load the only time I could do it would be a Thursday evening or a weekend (most likely a Sunday afternoon). However, depending on IF and WHO responds I'll make the decision at that time.

If you are interested in attending a "How to Do My Conduct & Analyze My Language Project"

Nice Flair!!

I love the way some of you - at least there are some in this class and/or the other...have included their picture with their post! I think it personalizes the posts not to mention helps me put faces with names.

Feel free to upload photos to the blog, post your picture, etc. I encourage your creativity!

Language Sample

I now have a greater understanding of our language sample, I know that we all discussed that pragmatics seems to be the easier of the three, but after Monday night I feel that Form would be the one thats less in depth. We didn't hit on semantics but it would seem to be pretty difficult. Just for the sake of discussion, does anyone else have some thoughts about this or anything else to do with the Language Sample?

Hey everyone!

I'm at work at the EKU library and it's still snowing outside! I hope everyone has a safe and warm commute in the morning! :)

(BTW- if you're ever in the library when I'm working at the main circulation desk feel free to stop by and say 'Hi')

Tonight's class!

I enjoyed tonights class because it clarified a lot of questions that I had about the project!! Brainstorming really helped me to get an idea as to how I was going to do my project, and what child I was going to use as well! However, I'm very concerned about my test score!! Is there going to be anything that we can do for extra credit? It wasn't that bad, but for a perfectionist like myself it was heart stopping!! haha!

Establishing & Maintaining the Topic

It is good to see the various ideas that are being shared on the blog. As we are now used to logging on and posting to the blog it is time to take our online communication "to the next level." How can we create a place that fosters more effective communication, interaction and discussion of ideas in one place on the blog?

Pragmatics - how we USE language effectively is one of the components of language we are addressing throughout this semester. Online pragmatics are different than face to face. Establishing and maintaining the topic on a BLOG is a bit different than face to face.

One of the skills that would promote having ONE conversation about ONE topic is to post all comments about a topic in ONE place. This means prior to creating a NEW post please scroll through the recent posts and see what has been posted recently. Often times the idea or topic you are getting ready to post regarding is ALREADY in a another place with a current THREAD of discussion. Please post to THAT discussion MAINTAINING THAT TOPIC in that one location. Before you create a new post think about your idea and see if/how it might fit into another topic that has been submitted in the past week or so. If no posts/discussions on THAT TOPIC have already been started then "establish a new topic/create a new post."

You receive points for posts or comments that you contribute to the blog.

Welcome to Holland

Since everyone is talking about inspirational children I wanted to share one of my favorite poems written by a lady about her son who has Down Syndrome. It really puts handicaps into a new perspective.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
byEmily Perl Kingsley.
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Class Monday

I was also very moved by the stories shared in class. It has me thinking about my own dreams and what I want to do with my life and it's pretty overwhelming.

I also like looking at the books in class and hearing other people's ideas on how to incorporate them into classroom use.

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!

Help~!

I had to miss class tonight as well because I too have the flu!! I've gotten lots of soap operas in, and lots and lots of medicine and soup :-) Ive read that a lot of people have it, and I hope everyone gets to feeling better because it's definitely not fun!!

I also need Mrs Whites telephone number because I have lost it, and I got locked out of the test earlier, yes, leave it to me! I've emailed but I'm not sure she's recieved it!

The Stomach Virus

I really thought the sickness was all over with and now my family is starting with it. After nursing my husband back to health yesterday and spraying tons of Lysol I was hoping it would pass by me. I started getting sick late this afternoon and I hated to have to miss class because I really wanted to go over the test. If someone would post the details of Tonight's class I would really appreciate it.

The Test

I was late taking the test, but I did complete it today. I thought it was challenging to put the answers in different perspectives like that. I guess we get used to only having to know what material is for a test, and now we are having to understand how to apply it in an actual classroom. I think it is good to have to consider those things. It makes me understand how I will be using this information in the classroom, which is more helpful to me than just simply knowing what something means. If I can't apply it, what good does it do me to know it.

That test killed me !

Open ended question plus me equl bad news.... Just had to say that !!

Extreme Home Makeover

So I can't say that I watch Extreme Home Makeover all the time but I did tonight because it was done in Louisville (which is where I'm from). The guy on the show said something that was really inspiring (and made me cry) so I thought I'd share it with you guys. The guy was blind and had several other disabilities. He said that some people see being blind as a disability but he sees it as an ability. People who can see make judgements on an outer appearance and he can't see that, so we he makes judgements they're about a person's inner self. He said that the words black, white, yellow, and red mean nothing to him because he can't see them. It just really touched me so I thought I'd share it with everyone else. Hope everyone has an amazing week!
Renee

Hello everyone!!

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well and not taken any of the nasty viruses going around! I had to miss the last class due to a death in the family and then a couple days later, I got the flu. So, needless to say, last week was tough for me! Just thought I would tell everyone hi and I hope to see you all in class Monday!

hope everyone is doing well...

Well I finally took the test. I had to put it off for a few days due to my other 2 tests this past week. But it really challenged me to put the things I learned into perspective. And after I did, it seemed as though I came away with a complete understanding of the material discussed in the previous weeks. I found the test to be helpful in correlation with the things we went over. When I finished, I understood how the first 5 chapters related to one another and how they connected into daily life. I'm used to filling in a blank and never seeing that material again. But this test acutally helped me. And I'm not used to that!

Have a great weekend and be safe everyone! :)

Play A Game

Could this be used in a classroom?

Who Wants to Be a
Millionaire?

I hate taking tests....

I believe learning should not be based on taking tests. People put too much emphasis on it and I hate it. If I had it my way there would be no tests because many people have testing anxiety and perform worse. I would be one of them. Grades should be on what you learned and not how much you can reflect on paper. However, that is not the society we live in. Tests are everything...for example the ACT. You have to have a certain ACT score to get into college and/or the departments. There is WAY too much emphasis on tests. That is my opinion.

Just blogging...

Hello everybody! I was just looking through everyones post, I havent taken the test yet either I was going to wait until this weekend to take it because i've had 2 other test and 2 other assingments that were due this week, and plus my internet has been messed up....just got that fixed this morning! Anyways I hope that it does not count points off for waiting, I guess just as long as I get it done by next monday right?

Class Last Monday

I thought the way we went over counting utterances and morphemes in class was very helpful. After class it actually seems pretty easy. I haven't taken the test yet, so I am still looking fowrard to that. This is my fourth test this week, so my brain is pretty racked out at this point. The Kentucky game last night didn't help out any. They scored a record low 11 points in the first half, and ended up losing by 41 points (OUCH). I have to some how put that loss behind me and focus on these last two test. Good luck on the test everybody.

class!

i wasnt able to attend class tonight [and im going wedn night.], but was wondering how class went. was the information hard or pretty interesting. sorry i missed you all, but ill see everyone next monday!

mrs.white!

i asked about coming to class wedn. instead of monday, but i need the classroom!
thank you so much; i really appreciate it!
:]

Very Sick :(

Hello everybody! I have read through everyones blogs and this has helped me out a whole bunch. Unfortunately I have the stomach virus and i've been down in the bed sick for a day and a half now, im feeling a little bit better but im still really weak, and im probably not going to be in class tomorrow night :( The only question that I have, and I didnt see this answered on the blog is: After we open up the test, what is the time length that we have to get it done? If anyone can answer this for me I would appreciate it very much! I hope im not going to miss to much tomorrow night...Sorry I cant make it :(

Need a little help...

Hey, everyone! I had to miss last Monday's class, my son was and still is pretty sick. Could anyone let me know what we covered and tell me anything new that is going on with class? Thank you so much!

About the test

How is the online test set up? Multilple choice, fill in the blank, essays...That part was kind of confusing.

dumb question...

I'm not sure on what chapters the test on monday is over. Is it week 1 -5 (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, &13) or just week 1 -4 (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4)?????? Thanks so much!

-Danielle

Had to miss class!

I had to miss class last night n(2-4) because I had to be in TN for a funeral. Could someone please let me know what I missed? Also, did everyone notice we have our first text next week?!~

Last Night's Class

Last night was very informative. I really got so much information from watching those video clips. You can find so many crucial key points in a child's development just by watching them. And I had no idea that you could gain that much from observing their behavior. Also, the videos enchanced the lecture and only made the key points more prominent and comprehensible! I loved it!

Hope everyone has a great tuesday night! :)

Thanks Tiffany and Nancy!!!

I just wanted to thank you guys for your help with catching me up on last week when I missed. That was really cool of you two to help me with the notes....you're the greatest!!!!!!!!!!

Unable to Attend Class Tonight-

Hey Everyone,

I have a family emergency and I will be unable to attend class tonight. If it's not too much trouble- will someone please let me know what we cover in class tonight? I would really appreciated it. I've already printed off the powerpoints, but if there are any key facts or topics of stressed importance please let me know!

Thanks Again~

Tonight!!!!

Whats up everybody!!! I wasn't in class last week so I missed out on the good time. I look forward to being there tonight, and getting involved in the material. I also look forward to getting to know you guys. Welp, I'll see ya there.

YES!

Okay...so I am finally able to post on the blog! How exciting! Cathy, I hope everything with you is okay and I thank you for getting back with me so soon considering the situation. Well, here is a little about myself-I am a second degree student here at Eastern and am not an education major-but instead a nursing major and in nursing school. I am taking this class one because I needed some hours to pick up and secondly because my 2 1/2 year old attends speech and I thought this class would give me some insight to his development and also ways that I could better benefit him at home. Not only do I think this class will do that-but I find that it may be very resourceful to the nursing aspect. Many think of nurses as individuals that only provide care, but lets not forget we also do a lot of teaching and educating to the patient and their families. I find myself relating the information I receive to the nursing field and find that it will indeed help overcome communication barriers because we deal with people of all backgrounds. I look forward to the semester!

A Helping Hand

Okay- I'm posting this as a reminder to Mrs. White to bring her special bag with all of her tricks and goodies to class tomorrow! :)

I know what it's like to forget things & a little reminder *almost always* helps me remember everything that I need to bring or finish~

Everyone have a good night & day tomorrow-

I have a question

I was wondering if Mrs. White said that if we left someone a comment would that count as a blog to?? or do we actually have to blog here?? if anyone can answer this for me thank you very much!!

Class!!!

I am really liking this class, last week helped me a whole lot with learning the material. I think what I liked the most was the group activities!!

tests!

anyone may be able to answer this, but this is mostly directed to mrs.white. :]

i noticed that we have a test coming up in a few weeks, but i also noticed that we have a test section on blackboard. are our tests online or how does that work? i think you may have already told us, but i forgot....sorry!

thanks to whoever can answer!
:]