I've been at work since 6:30 AM. I am usually more productive in the morning. It has given me an opportunity to reflect on how far our class has come. Sometimes, it feels like I'm chipping away at a big block of marble. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes therapeutic. It may seem like little progress is being made since one is chipping away inch by inch. However, when you take the opportunity to take a step back and look at the overall blcok, you may see parts of your masterpiece emerging.
I hope that as the year winds down, that we all take a step back and see the masterpiece of our children beaming through!
Our Classroom
Special Day Classroom for high school students with Severe Disabilities. Our focus is in creating a safe learning environment where our students can explore vocational opportunities, as well as master functional academics for their future success & independence as young adults.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Test Anxiety
It is that time of year again - Standard Testing!
I think I'm as nervous as my students, especially since this is my first year administering the test. I have mixed emotions about all of the testing our students undergo - STAR, CAPA, CAHSEE, and other assessment tools. I understand the need to have baselines and assessments, yet it is difficult to find a completely comprehensive measure to fit the individual.
I hope my students do well. I'm sure we'll survive!
I think I'm as nervous as my students, especially since this is my first year administering the test. I have mixed emotions about all of the testing our students undergo - STAR, CAPA, CAHSEE, and other assessment tools. I understand the need to have baselines and assessments, yet it is difficult to find a completely comprehensive measure to fit the individual.
I hope my students do well. I'm sure we'll survive!
Monday, March 26, 2007
March Showers
Good afternoon!
It is a wet, rainy day in Northern California. My students are enjoying a quiet afternoon of reading with a peer. This gives me an opportunity to look back on how far we have come since the beginning of the year.
Transitions have been a challenge for our students and staff this year. Some of the freshman had a hard time adjusting to high school life, while the upperclassmen had a hard time adjusting to a new teacher and new staff members. Fortunately, we have come to a delicate balance- most of the time, our students have gotten used to the bell schedule and using their own organizers to keep track of the day's events.
Daylight savings time was a hard adjustment for both staff and students. We survived and the rhythm of the classroom is almost back to normal.
We are approximately 5 days away from Spring break. I am looking forward to the break. However, I know we will have some transitions issues again when we come back in 10 days. Yet just as every day is different, we will adapt and be flexible to assist our classroom community back to our usual level of productivity and learning!
It is a wet, rainy day in Northern California. My students are enjoying a quiet afternoon of reading with a peer. This gives me an opportunity to look back on how far we have come since the beginning of the year.
Transitions have been a challenge for our students and staff this year. Some of the freshman had a hard time adjusting to high school life, while the upperclassmen had a hard time adjusting to a new teacher and new staff members. Fortunately, we have come to a delicate balance- most of the time, our students have gotten used to the bell schedule and using their own organizers to keep track of the day's events.
Daylight savings time was a hard adjustment for both staff and students. We survived and the rhythm of the classroom is almost back to normal.
We are approximately 5 days away from Spring break. I am looking forward to the break. However, I know we will have some transitions issues again when we come back in 10 days. Yet just as every day is different, we will adapt and be flexible to assist our classroom community back to our usual level of productivity and learning!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Welcome to Cyndi's Class
Kamusta! That is "How are you?" in Tagalog (Pilipino)
I welcome you to my virtual classroom. Here you will see glimpses of my High School classroom for students with severe disabilities. I hope this "corner of cyberspace" will assist parents, students, and peers during the transistion from middle school to high school. I will also give you a "sneak peek" of what the adult program and beyond may look like.
My goal is to assist our students to gain independence (at whatever level is appropriate for them, a sense of belonging in our community, and the ability to advocate for themselves.
I welcome you to my virtual classroom. Here you will see glimpses of my High School classroom for students with severe disabilities. I hope this "corner of cyberspace" will assist parents, students, and peers during the transistion from middle school to high school. I will also give you a "sneak peek" of what the adult program and beyond may look like.
My goal is to assist our students to gain independence (at whatever level is appropriate for them, a sense of belonging in our community, and the ability to advocate for themselves.
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Classroom Kitchen
Our students learn food preparation skills. From basic hygiene to planning a Thanksgiving Feast, our students take an active role in all aspects no matter what there ability level is. The magic of cooking is the ability to combine math (budgeting, measurements), reading (finding recipes & following directions), writing (creating shopping lists), and health (hygiene & sanitation) into an arena our students can understand, manipulate, and excel in.
