So, apparently I'm not very good at this whole posting on my blog thing. One of my resolutions for the new year is to post more frequently. Hopefully I'll be able to do that.
Overall this has been a very successful half a year. It's been a great transition, a little challenging at times, but overall great. Even with the challenges, I wouldn't go back to middle school. It's amazing how when you find the place you are supposed to be, even the tough stuff isn't as bad. While things aren't perfect, nothing ever is, I wouldn't trade my new school, kiddos, and colleagues.
The most difficult part of moving to elementary has been figuring out the curriculum. I have to create so much of it myself. At the middle school level in my district they have several curriculums that the district bought for special ed that we are supposed to use. In elementary, that is not really the case. While there are some resources, it's mainly what reg ed has and we have to adapt it. I'm starting to get the hang of it and really like the freedom and ability to tailor my lessons to what my groups need instead of using a boxed program that I'm given.
I have seen such huge gains in some of my students. One of my groups went from not understanding how their writing and pictures relate to illustrating the words they are trying to write. They have also started to sound out their writing! It's so exciting seeing the changes and growth in each of them since the beginning of the year.
Now for the second part of this post. I'm hoping by writing down my resolutions, I will be better able to follow them.
1. Post on here more often!
2. Keep better data. I have data on each of my students, but I need to find a better way to track and record it. I plan to spend the last couple days of break, working on a plan to tackle to this.
3. Go to more PD about writing and math.
I'm so excited to start a new year. I hope the second half of the school year is as good as the first.
