Volunteer/Observation Part 2

My final observation was as eventful as my first; in the few hours I was in the classroom I was already getting attached to the students. They were as curious about me as I was about them and seem so eager to learn. I took my place at the back of the classroom, trying not to interrupt their routine too much. I noticed two students identified with ASD (autism spectrum disorders), having what the teacher described later as having an off day. As the teacher tried to keep these students calm, while maintaining order and routine for the other students, I saw one of the students went over to the computer, as he sat down, he pressed his face very close to the monitor. The teacher informed me later, that even though he wears glasses, he still has to press his face close to the screen. She is waiting for a larger monitor; wish would help accommodate his needs. She gave another student a drinking straw to chew on and this seems to calm her down. As I reflect on this classroom, with all its students with varying needs, I came to the realization that in all my discussions about our urban communities and students, I never really consider those students in the urban communities who have special needs. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet these students and their teacher; I believe she meets most of the criteria of a star teacher. She has a passion for her students, she cared about each of them and she was ready and willing to share all that she knows with me. Only our time together was not long enough, but I believe we have will continue collaborating via email or phone. If most of the teachers are like this teacher, then I can see why this school continues to be successful. Resources she shared with me: www.fcrr.org a free online reading readiness resource Book: The Well Managed Classroom 2nd Edition Authors: Michel Henley, M.S. Walker Powell, Susanne Lake, Scott Hartman, M.S http://www.kaganonline.com/index.php