Teaching children with special needs

As I visited an Inclusive Early Childhood Education Classroom, I confirmed my passion and interest for teaching children with special needs.  The children were are a part of the learning community.  I observed the teachers creating activities and the classroom environment  to meeet the needs of the entire group of children.  The children participated in activities that helped them develop eye-hand coordination, visual -motor activities, self-help skills, and behavior management.  I strongly believe that the positive adaptations and support enhanced the qulaity of the experiences and activities for the children.  I would have enjoyed seeing the parents and families be a part of the learning communty.  The teachers arrangement of the physical environment maximized the interactions and activities.  I learned the effective strategies and techniques that I plan to use in my classroom.  Unforunately I was not able to meet with the chldren because of classroom coverage but I plan to visit again.

Teacher Appreciation!!

Although I Love teaching and working with children, today I really feel that I am appreciated.   Over the past coupled week, I have been feeling overwhelmed by the heavy loads of required paper work (observation, screenings, check points, lesson plans, Teaching Strategies Gold, and etc). But today I left work feeling a sense of pride and appreciation for Who I am and What I do at work.  I usually have the pleasure of this feeling when my children development and transition to the next level. As I was feeling drained and overwhelmed today after the children where resting, my supervisor came in and requested we have a meeting.  During the meeting she informed me that I was nominated for a teacher's award and will recieve the 2011 Chicago Coalition award.  She also stated that I should invite my family to the ceremony and dinner that will take place on Tuesday November 15, 2011 at the Ramada Inn.  I am so proud of myself for my personal and professional accomplishments.  Now I will have something more to look forward to as I continue to teach and make a difference in the lives of children and their families.  I'm looking forward to recieving the reward and continuing to teach and further my educational.

Observing and Interacting with professionals and Chlidren and families

During a classroom observation and meeting with our agency's Mental Health Professional, I learned some symtoms and ways to work effective with children  with Special Needs.  I was given some strategies to explore in our classroom.  The Mental Health Specialist observed for a couple hours.  She took notes and then she met with us (The Master Teacher and me).  She discussed her findings.  She also discussed ways to work in smaller groups with the children.  she was able to determine which children she was observing without us pointing them out.  She gave some suggestions on classroom management, transitions, and small/large group activities.  The Mental Health Specialist will be coming back in two weeks for a workshop on Classroom management and transitions.  Im lookong forward to the workshop so that I canb explore the suggestions and materials I obtain from the training.

All About Me

My name is Tasha McDuffie. I am an Early Childhood teacher.  I co-teach with a Master Teacher.  We have 20 children in our classroom.  The children in our classroom are ages three-five years.  I have been teaching for over fifteen years.  I am a senior at Kendall College.  I plan to research health, nutrition, and physical activities for my internship.  I'm looking forward to becoming resourceful with the children and families I serve.

Interviewing Professionals in Early Childhood

I interviewed a Master Teacher (Type 04) and a Literacy Coach.  I informed both professionals that I am preparing to do a research paper. I discussed my plan to focus on literacy in my research paper. Both of the professions was pleased to discuss their concerns and experiences with literacy development.  The master teacher concerns were based on children learning a second langauge (Spanish) in Early chilhood programs.  The literacy coach shared conerns about supporting and enhancing family literacy.  I agrre with both of their opinions and concerns about literacy.  I gained valueable and resourceful information from the interviews.