Have a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of you all and I hope that it is blessed. Also be safe for the New Year and I wish all of you well. I had a great semester with everyone and even made a few friends. Good luck to you all and take care.

Final is over!

I just wanted to tell everyone to have a good Christmas. I just finished my final, and I done for the semester. I really enjoyed this class, and I learned a lot...but I am also SOO realized it is over! I am sure I will see most of you in future SED or EDF classes!

Good People

I just wanted to give a big shout out to some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with. I do not want to name names but I would hope that the people this is referring to understand what they have meant to me and that they are appreciated.

AmeriCorps

Hey everyone, I just had to tell you a little about AmeriCorps before this class ended. I have been a an AmeriCorps member this year serving at Oak Hill Elementary in Somerset, KY. It is one of the best things I have ever done! It is so challenging, and takes a lot of hours, but the benefits are wonderful. I work with children who need a little extra help in reading and math. It's wonderful to see the "light bulb" go off when the students understand what is being taught. It is great experience in the teaching field. I would recommend it to anyone! EKU has an AmeriCorps program and I hear that it is great. I am serving through The Learning Corps located in Barren County. The only reason I am serving through them is because they hired me first. Both are great people to work for and with. During your service through AmeriCorps you earn a living stipend of around $1100 a month, and if you put in the required hours you get a education scholarship. It really is a great program and I really felt the need to share! If you have anymore questions you can email me at april_bolin8@eku.edu. Thanks!

East Jessamine High School Schedule

Posted below is the link to East Jessamine Boy's Basketball Schedule...... We have more games, but they will not be posted until later.


http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kybbk08/?id=28507

Or. . . just click here!

East Jessamine Boy's Basektball Schedule

The One Teacher

In a lifetime you only get the chance to meet someone that is very special to you. From a school stand point you usually have that one teacher that holds that special place in your heart and you would do anything to not disappoint them. You even feel bad when you get a bad grade in their class because you think that they might think you did not put the effort into the work. I had one of those teachers when I was in fifth grade her name was Mrs. Janet Clem. While in fifth grade I was diagnosed with a kidney disease causing me to miss the entire year. But she tutored me all summer so I could pass summer school. She was always around in town telling me to not do certain things such as in a rival game against West Jessamine, which she was the cheerleading coach I gave the crowd the bird after hitting a three pointer while they chanted negative things at me. I ran for this if you wondered. But I went to her house the day after and she told me to stick out my hands and she proceeded smack them. Then she said don't you ever do that again. Mrs. Clem passed away my first year of college and it broke my heart. On the ride home after the last class I was thinking of Mrs. White and how much I felt the same way about her as I did about Mrs. Clem, because of the tough love and never wanting to disappoint her. So Mrs. White you now know what you really mean to me.

Sincere Question - Interested in Your Opinion

Just curious as to your opinion . . . Do you think an instructor/professor should prepare for the class he or she teaches - or come to class and decide upon arrival what to do that day/evening?

Do you think a student should have to PREPARE for a class in order to be able to make a good grade in the class? How much time do you think a student should have to put in to a class OUTSIDE of the class in order to be able to do well? What type of activity do you think is practical or reasonable to expect students to do on a weekly basis to prepare for a class in order to make the class time a richer learning opportunity?

As long as we are posting pretty poems and stories...

This is a very special poem to me. I first read this poem in a packet of notes that my professor had made for an education class at Liberty. I feel so blessed but at the same time I don't. Perhaps that is why I want to teach. To me, the biggest blessing of all is the opportunity to help others, especially children.

We Pray for Children-by Rabbi Susan P. Fendrick

We pray for children who put chocolate fingers everywhere, who like to be tickled, who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants, who sneak popsicles before supper, who erase holds in math workbooks, who never can find their shoes....

And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire, who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, who never "counted potatoes," who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead, who never go to the circus, who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions, who sleep with the dog and bury goldfish, who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money, who cover themselves with Band-Aids and sing off key, who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink, who slurp their soup....

And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no safe blanket to drag behind them, who watch their parents watch them die, who can't find any bread to steal, who don't have any rooms to clean up, who pictures are not on anyone's dresser, whose monsters are real...

We pray for children who spend all their allowance before Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick their food, who like ghost stories, who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse out the tub, who love visits from the tooth fairy, who don't like to be kissed in front of the school bus, who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone....

And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who aren't spoiled by anybody, who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, who live and move and have no being.

We pray for children who want to be carried, for those who must, for those we never give up on, and those who will grab the hand of anyone kind enough to offer it.

If You're a Blogger

I know not everyone is a blogger! But, for those of you who enjoy staying in touch, sharing resources, fun ideas, etc. I have created a blog at a different site where ANY ONE can post. This is simply an invitation for those who would like to participate. Perhaps it will continue over the semesters and become a site people can use to network, stay in touch and use in a variety of ways if they need ideas or help in other classes or once they get into their classrooms.

I've not used this other blog site before so it's a totally new learning experience for me. Honestly, I have no idea what I'm really doing so perhaps we can learn together and you may end up having to teach me! So, if you'd like to stay in touch or check it out (nothing there right now except one post to get us started - perhaps you can help with that) visit it at http://ideas4us.wordpress.com/

A Beautiful Poem

I read a beautiful poem online that I would like to share with you. It is written for parents of special needs children, but as a future special education teacher, this poem touched my heart. I hope it touches yours as well!

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth!
It's time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the LORD above,
This Special Child will need much love.

His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent,
We want his life to be content.
Please LORD, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.


By: Edna Massionilla

THANK YOU MRS. WHITE

I truly had a great semester with you and learned a lot. One of the most valuable things that i learned was that as a teacher of special education I need to look at the child as an individual and not as a disability. Because any child can do anything they set their minds to and as an educator I need to support them in any situation that they want to pursue. 

I also had a great time getting to know the people in my class and thank you for making us get out of our comfort zones and try new things because that is what we have to model to our students when we become teachers. Thank you so much for a fruitful semester :D 

I hope that you and everyone from the class has a great Christmas and a happy new year. 

Bethany :D  

Christmas Bird

Future Educators

So . . . sincerely. . . I do hope you'll tuck my contact information away. Feel free to use it if you ever need a reference or help with something. But, definitely do remember me once you're in the classroom. I am always having classroom withdrawl and definitely want to come read to your students.

Thanks to a great group of future educators!!!

This story may be irreverent, but I am thankful for each and every one of you, and I know that our paths will cross again (I heard that!!!)
I just had to share.

I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and knocked. Just a minute answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.


There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.


I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.


For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.


Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.


As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.


'There are other passengers,' I responded.


Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.


'Thank you.'



I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.


I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.


You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people. But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on.

Thank you, my friend...



Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Your Opinion

I am interested in your opinion. I am considering having ONE blog for both classes to participate in next semester instead of one per class. The blogs from semester to semester and class to class have been so incredibly different and used in such different ways. Just wondering what YOUR thoughts are about having both classes participate in the same blog.

Any other ideas or suggestions are also welcome as I reflect and prepare to revise for next semester.

Language Project Questions

If you have questions about your Language Project I would encourage you to post them here on the blog. I'd also encourage you to attempt to answer one another's questions. I'll chime in as needed - monitoring the posts.

Also, I will be staying after class on Monday and Wednesday in Wallace 346 to answer questions, work with people on specific issues on their projects, etc. I would still encourage you to post items here that could give you a big jump on next week.

I've seen SEVERAL drafts of projects. They ALL have looked OUTSTANDING! The questions I am getting are EXCELLENT questions and the typical ones we have as we begin to analyze language. Keep them coming via email, blog or phone - all are welcome.

Test

Mrs. White I was just wondering if all the test have been graded because mine hasn't and I was wondering when it would be done. Thanks!

Christmas Wish List

hey,
I was just wondering what everybody was wanting for christmas.
post your top three picks for hoho to bring you. i'll start
1. xbox 360
2. radio flyer wagon for my little girl
3. blu ray version of Dark Knight

Language Project

Hello Everyone (again),
I am thinking about working on my language project over the weekend (as well as the extra credit). I was wondering if anyone would like to get together and make a "study" group. We dont have to be working on the same topic.. I however, am doing form. I would be more then happy to help anyone bounce questions around or come up with questions no one can answer and post them HERE!
If you are interested let me know!
-Lindsay 425-466-9171

Field Trip

Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to start a discussion on last nights field trip. I thought that is was a great yet hectic experiance!! I loved the idea of the next step of the project to put the books to Sign. I think that next semester I am going to look into volenteering twice a month on a Friday. What did everyone else thing oflast night?
-Lindsay

december blogs

How many blogs do we need for the month of december?

Car Pooling

Just in case I posted in the wrong place. I can transport 3 people in my truck if anybodies are interested in leaving from the Wallace building. Just give me a call. 606-620-7506. I should be in town around 5:515. I need to be back by 8:45 to pick up my friend who rides with me from Corbin.

Directions for the Field Trip

Here are the directions for the field trip/class tomorrow. Please post any comments, questions, thoughts, ideas, etc. here in this post.Directions to Bluegrass Technology Center:

• From I-75 take Exit 110 Winchester/Lexington Exit.
• Drive towards Lexington, approximately 1.4 miles to the last traffic light before New Circle Road Exit.
• Turn left at the light onto Fortune Dr.
• Take an immediate right onto Beasley Street.

Bluegrass Technology Center is located in the last building on the left of the Fortune Business Center between the Kentucky Lottery Office and OfficeWare offices.
Bluegrass Technology Center961 Beasley Street Suite 103ALexingotn, KY 40509-4120Phone (800)209-7767(859) 294-4343

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving :D I am really looking forward to the field trip on Wed. ;D See everyone there :D 

Oh, are people going out to eat after?? 

Language Analysis Project

I was just wondering where everyone was at on their language projects? I was suppose to be able to work with a child this weekend and record my "sample" but plans fell through with the parent so I've honestly yet to begin. Im hoping plan B with another child will work out for me and I can get my sample sometime before the end of this week since the semester is quickly coming to an end. The point of this blog though was to ask if anyone happened to be further into their project than I am? Im nervous about spending so much time on this and then not fully understanding the directions. I was hoping that someone who wouldn't mind would let me just look at thier's for an example to go by.

News from Washington, D.C.

Greetings from the nation's capitol! Gallaudet won 95-83 tonight although they were ahead by 25 at one point in the first half! Here you see Sekoe going up to score 2 of his 21 points to welcome us to our first game of the season. We look forward to watching him play again tomorrow night and then heading back to Kentucky Monday - arriving just in time MONDAY'S CLASS!!

I look forward to spending tomorrow grading tests!!! I will do Monday's class first. I'm also taking off work on Tuesday to recover from my trip. I will finish grading tests for the Wednesday night's class and have everyone's test graded by the time we have class at Bluegrass Tech Center.

Lost Book

Did anyone find a book last Wendnesday, the last night we had class? I have misplaced my book somewhere. I am not sure if I left it in class or not but I was just seeinf if anyone found one.

Field Trip

Hey, so what exactly are going to be doing on the field trip? What are we going to be doing while we are there?

Field Trip!

Hello!
I just got the Email from Mrs.White about the field trip and am posting about carpooling! I do not have a car and live on campus. If anyone is willing i would greatly appreciate a ride. I would also like to stay after and grab dinner to ask a few last min questions about the analysis project. If anyone would be able to help me ou please give me a call at 425-466-9171!!
-Lindsay Florence

Thankful

I am thankful for many things this Thanksgiving, and I would like to share them with you. This may seem a little childish, but I work as a substitute teacher, and this is something I do with elementary students. We may be in college, but we are never too old to express what we are thankful for...


This class

Happy home

An education

New beginnings

Kids to teach

Family, friends, and fiance

United country

Lord and Savior, Jesus...and Love



Please join in and share what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches. . .I am thankful for each of you - sappy as it sounds and what you have taught me this semester. I'd say I'm thankful you have listened to me preach - but then - what choice did you have . I'm thankful for students who want to learn, who email and ask questions, who call and make sure, who put family first, who come to class when they don't feel like it, who know when they need to check their priority list and stay home (or go to the hospital), who choose a different major when they realize teaching isn't for them, who dig in and give it their all for the love of children, who know when to laugh it off and realize it's not about the grade it's about what they've learned - and they've learned all they can for that day, who believe that no matter where you come from, how much money your parents have in their pocket, how much education they had, what language they speak, what their skin color is, how well they can walk, talk, think, hear or see . . . I am thankful for the student who believes that child can - despite what society would say - can learn at high levels and WANTS to teach them. That's why I am thankful for so many of you.

Parking

Okay, So I communte and park at Alumni Coll. I am very paranoid here lately walking by myself to my car in the dark. Where does everyone park?

Wed Night class

I thought that wednesday nights class was very interesting. I really liked that we watched those videos because it helps me see real life situations instead of reading from the book. I have learned a little about CP and TBI's in another class, but class gave me better insight to both of them. Hope everyone has a great weekend and a great Thanksgiving!

Test?

Hey wasn't the test supposed to go up tonight because I just checked and it wasn't up?

I hope this story touches you, as it did me!

I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away. As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle . . .Somany details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old! To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church. After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfied this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years. The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiancé Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot air, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black. Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died. I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our hometown, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding. Tim turned to me. 'Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements.' I mumbled, 'Sure,' as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links. Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling. 'Lord,' I prayed, 'please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!' I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias, courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds. As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house...No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good . . .No shotgun. When I stated my plea the man beamed, 'I'd be happy to!' He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me. Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, 'Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today.' 'No, Ma'am,' he said. 'You don't understand what's happening here.' 'What?' I asked. 'You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday. On Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday . . . He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. 'On Wednesday I buried her.' He! looked away. 'On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left.' I nodded. 'This morning,' he continued, 'I was sitting in my den crying out loud. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, 'Who needs an eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody!' I began to cry louder. 'Nobody needs me!' About that time, you knocked, and said, 'Sir, I need you.' I stood with my mouth open.

He asked, 'Are you an angel? The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room...' I assured him I was no angel. He smiled. 'Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?' 'No.' 'I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why, I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve the Lord until the day He calls me home!' I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, 'Forget it! It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today.' But God found a way. Through dead flowers. 'Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's
the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.' If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you may have missed a laugh. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. May God's blessings be upon you. THIS IS SO TRUE, BEING NEEDED IS SO UPLIFTING TO EACH OF US.

SUBMITTING Observation

Make sure you submitted your observation to Blackboard AFTER THURSDAY NIGHT AT 11:00 or it is lost in cyberspace. If you submitted it prior to that you MUST SUBMIT IT AGAIN.

Last nights class was really interesting! I ejoyed learning more about the differences between children with autism and those with intellectual disabilities. I knew that they were different but didn't realize to what extent. I had never really thought of the fact that children with autism were happy being in their "own world" and don't really care to communicate with anyone. Children with intellectuall disabilities on the other hand, want very much to communicate and interact with others. I also thought that the information on echolalia was interesting I had never heard of it before, but understood what it was when Mrs. White gave the example of the movie "Rain Man".

Put Reading First Booklet on Web - Bonus Points

Some folks asked about accessing the booklet used for bonus points on the web. Yes, you can! Whenever I ask myself that question . . . I always just go to Google - - - you all can do the exact same thing (grin)! I typed in, "Put Reading First" which is the title of the book (I can see it in the graphic on the blog here.
Several links came up to it.

Here is the first which is the text on the web:
Here is
the .pdf version

NEXT WEEK!!

Hello,
I just had a few questions... first of all i am going to be out of scool till december 1st hopefully at the latest... but it not i am going to miss a few classes... If you all wouldnt mind posting big ideas and main points from class i would really appreciate it! ...
Also i missed class tonight and would love a chance to get bonus points so if anyone wouldn't mind me using their booklet this weekend and i return it on monday i would be really greatful ( but i asked Mrs. White if there was a digial version.. so if that works ou never mind) i would have it all done by monday i didnt do well on the last article and missed a ot of points thats what i get for not reading the directions to well... so yah just let me know ...
-lindsay

Observation

I just wanted to make sure that the observation is due on the 19th and not tommorrow night. If anyone could please let me know that would be great.

Bonus Points Available

Everyone in class receives this booklet FREE. It is a GREAT way for you to see how the components of language that we are discussing are essential in teaching students to read. We have discussed how these develop in a child's spoken language. The book will show you how the various components of syntax and semantics are so important in developing reading skills.
You have to do NOTHING with the booklet. However, if you WANT you have the opportunity to use it to earn bonus points.
What you will do is you will choose either syntax or semantics. You will read through the book using the Double Note Entry form. On the left hand side make notes - you do not have to copy entire paragraphs or EVERY one. You will choose what you believe are the MAIN ideas or key points. You might put the beginning of a phrase and the page number on the left. On the right side then put a reflection of what we have learned about that idea in class, an activity we have done, a personal reflection or a connection you have with that to the real world. The number of points will be determined by your effort, the amount of information you provide up to 20 points.

Down With the Sickness

A stupid flu type bug has been cultivating in my household. it has struck my wife for about a half a week and then she gave it to my daughter, (what a nightmare that is) and now i got it and i feel like words that i probably shouldn't type in here.
anyway i just wonder if anyone else is fighting off or coming down with a sickness.
its on my mind cause well its been my life now for about 2 weeks.
sorry for rambling but i just feel bad.
this is why i had to leave early the other night (Sorry Mrs. White) my wife was just not at her optimal level of childcare, so backup had to be put into place.
i hope i feel better by wendsdays class.

Observation Reports

I am trying to figure out how these reports are supposed to be configured. Are they supposed to be like a paper or just a non-formal piece about the class we observed...Can anyone give me some pointers?

Observation Hours

I work at Clark-Moores Middle School and I am sure there are teachers there that would love for you to come observe their class. My mother also teaches at Waco Elem, so if any of you need observation hours at either the middle school or high school level just let me know and I will certainly ask teachers in any specifications you wish to observer.

Just wanted to tell everyone Happy Halloween! Stay safe and have fun!

Anyone want to talk about the article???

I have to admit, I really, really liked this article. It made me think about things that I haven't thought about in years. I mean, when was the last time you sat and thought about the kid that everyone picked on in elementary school for acting different. Or, how about those "goth" kids in high school that wouldn't talk to anyone. We thought that they were just being weird to freak everyone out. What if that wasn't the case at all. What if they didn't know what to say and when to say it. It never occured to anyone at the time that maybe they wanted to be involved with the rest of the class but didn't know how. Gosh, it makes me pretty sad to think that I was so judgmental in high school, but then again everyone was. I also thought about that scary kid in my BIO class that blurts out weird things. He is not stupid by any means. In fact, he is pretty friggin' smart. So why does he say off-the-wall things that don't make sense. While I was reading, these are some of the things that I started to think about. How isolated some of these people must feel from the rest of their community. No wonder they dress gothic, become suicidal, and go on killing sprees. How else are they going to communicate so much anger and frustration if not verbally. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am on a crusade. Too many kids are acting out violently and turning our American classrooms into a war zone. Something has got to be done. I am not saying that this is always the case with every student that lashes out in this way, but I do think that communication is an issue.

I saw the post about the Special Olympics and instantly was curious as to if there are any things concerning the deaf community for me to participate in here in Richmond. I know about some things since I am in the Deaf Ed. program but I was wondering if there was anything local for me to get plugged into and build up my sign language skills. If anyone has any information please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. :D 

Also, I am in need of some help with my Observation project. Since we are not aloud to conduct it at Model I am in a bind. I am not from around here and do not know of any other schools or special education teachers for me to observe. If I could get some help on this as well that would be great.

Thanks a ton :D  

I missed class last week over chapter 11 could anyone fill me in on what I missed?

Please pray for my mother and family

On Friday I had to call an ambulance to come get my mom. When I got to the hospital I had to decide whether or not to put her on a ventilator. She is still on it, but hopefully getting winged off. So please pray for her and my family.
Thank you

Special Olympics

I was always wondering how to get involved in the special Olympics. does anyone know how to go about doing this? I see it as a great chance to be involved and would really like to be a part of it in some shape or form. So if anyone has any information please let me know?

Bonus Points Available

I have sent an email to the class offering 12 bonus points. If you have not read your email to learn HOW this will work, I'd encourage you to do so now! It's a ONE TIME offer - not available throughout the semester.

More SCEC info

I noticed a lot of you were interested about SCEC in my previous post. The organization's information was placed on my Blackboard this week, and I wanted to share with you what they have posted. I have copied and pasted the information below. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions!

Watch for updates on our site! Our next chapter meeting will be posted soon!

What is SCEC?
SCEC stands for the Student Council for Exceptional Children. The chapter here at Eastern is chapter #723. We are simply a student organization meant to carry out the goals and mission statement of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). CEC's mission is "to improve educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities." We, the student chapter of CEC, believe in that statment and hope that through our meetings, activities, and service projects we can improve outcomes and experiences of those with exceptionalities. Through direct interaction and by preparing future professionals with the skills and attitudes necessary, we can help these amazing idividuals grow and succeed!

On my blackboard, there was also a membership form and constitution by laws that I tried to attach to this blog, but I don't know how! If anyone knows how to upload an attachment on here, please let me know. If not, look for the SCEC website through the EKU web page. I haven't checked, but maybe they have a membership form on there if you would like to join.

Class on 22nd

I'm not able to make it to class this week due to an illness. If you all don't mind I would greatly appreciate some classmates letting me know what was talked about in class. Thank you.

Shooting at Western College

I was at the bank earlier and over heard a mother terribly upset because her son goes to Western college. She said they are in under a lock down because of a shooter. Students recieved a text message in to regards of the shooter and another one was sent saying shots have been fired. My prayers go out to those at Western.

Wednesday - November 5th Class Time

As each of you are aware there are NO CLASSES on Monday, November 3rd due to Fall Break. This means the Monday night class wil miss an additional week of class.

You will notice on the course schedule there is currently no Wednesday night CLASS scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th. This is an attempt to keep the classes on basically the same schedule.

HOWEVER. . . I do plan on being at EKU in room 346 on Wednesday night, November 5th. I will be available to work with individuals one-on-one or in small groups to go over your Language Project work, material for the upcoming test, review your Observation or discuss any concepts you're having difficulty with in the course. This is purely OPTIONAL however, I will be in the room that night regardles.

If you wish to meet with me that night feel free to "drop in," email or post a comment here and schedule a specific time during that 6:00 - 9:00 block to chat. You will not be coming for the entire time - it will be only the time needed.

I would encourage those of you who want to get input on the analysis of your Language Project to sign up for a time and bring your transcription with you. We'll work on a part of it together ensuring you understand how to complete it.

Video Clips

I've added a couple of the video clips we watched in class to the side. I've also added a new one - Diagraph Rap! Where do you see this connecting to our study of children with LD or EBD?

Observation time

I have a question about our observation time in the school system. Can we observe a math recovery teacher. I have recently talked with a teacher who does math recovery at Mayfield, and within our conversation I learned that she video tapes/tape records her students. This allows her to go back and observe how the student responded to questions, and to find any clues that they might not truly understand the concepts. She has noted that see can really see what is going on in the video verses while she is teaching. Such as finger counting under the table or counting ceiling tiles.

Reading Response

I have sent email to everyone regarding the article and reading response assignment. There is additional information on Blackboard in the Assignments tab. I encourage you to look at this EARLY before the due date.

The response is now due on Friday, October 31st. This is DIFFERENT than what was discussed in class last night.

Feel free to post questions here on the blog or discuss with one another ways you are approaching or completing the assignment.

Daily Dozen

As we near the middle of the semester with many assignments, projects and tests on the horizon. . . 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.

ASL Monster Bash

I thought that I would write to see if anyone was going to be attending the ASL Monster Bash in Wallace this year. It seems like fun and a great place to learn a little more about communication and how everyone on campus can be interactive on campus. I had heard about in lab last week and then got an e-mail about it.

Second Test

Has anyone had any problems so far on this second test? I have not started it yet, I am going to do it tomorrow while I am at school, so if anyone has any tips or if any questions are more imposing than others please feel free to blog anything you feel necessary about this exam.

Virgil's Home!

Thank you to each of you who took the time to pray for my husband and me. The CAT scan showed no blockage. The abdominal pain and other issues he was having were the result of medication. Once they removed the tube from his stomach, changed the medicine and started feeding him again through his mouth rather than the IV he was able to keep food down and everything started working well. Although we spent our anniversary at the hospital yesterday he was released and able to come home today. Now to see if we can get him to and regain some weight!! Here's a picture from our summer fishing trip in Wisconsin. I'm praying for a repeat trip in July of 09!!

Class 10.8.2008

I just wanted to say that I thought the lesson plan for class yetsreday was amazing. I was excited to see how the ideas we were understanding all fit together in the end. I know from experience that classes sometimes seem as though they have no point. And after last night I can see now how our professors can link information from one point to another. Thank you Mrs. White and class for a fun night.

Small Problem

Hello all,

I have a slight problem that i am sure some of you share. I cannot find a child to do my project with.
I live on campus with no car but will pay for gas to travel if anyone knows of a family in your area that has a child they wouldnt mind me working with that would be great... i have lots of experiance with children and would be willing to meet them bf actually doing the project if that would easy any anxiety... i would even compensate by babysitting for them.
i am pretty easy going but really need to try and finish this project soon due to the fact i am having surgery soon that will limit my ability to get around and be active...
if you have any ideas please let me know or if you just want to brain storm please let me know!
-Lindsay

I really enjoyed class tonight. I love how Mrs. White is so willing to help us whenever possible. I have never met a college teacher willing to go the extra mile.

Test Questions

Since we have already taken our test, I would say it would be safe to talk about some of the questions that were on it. I didn't do good on question #9, did anyone else have problems with it? It was about the Hart & Risley study.

I also missed last weeks class, my son was sick with a stomach virus. If anyone could, please let me know what I missed? I will check the other blog, too, just in case. Thanks!

I was absent on Wednesday

I was absent last week because my son was very ill. I would also appreciate it if someone filled me in.. I had to miss all my classes last week so I am far behind in everything :(

One more thing! I had to leave class early on wed. due to a meeting, can someone help me out on the things i missed!

First Test

Hey Guys, I was just wondering if everyone did well on the test. I tried really hard and ended up with a 41/50, which averages to about a 82 but thats still not wonderful. I was just wanting some feedback on everyone elses first test experience. Thanks!

MLU Discussion from 8.24.08

In all retrospect, I have been trying to figure out all week how get'em was an included part of the language analysis we did. I understand how contractions are counted, but I do not see how get'em can be counted. How can it be counted when it is more of a slangterm than anthing? Even when analyizing a child's language does slang count? Does anyone have an idea to help me figure out how to count this word?

SCEC

This past Tuesday, I went to my first SCEC (Student Council for Exceptional Children) meeting and joined as a member. I have always wanted to join SCEC, but the meetings were always during my class times. This year, I was able to join! When I went to the meeting though, I was surprised to see only about 10-15 people there! There are so many education majors here at EKU, and I expected to see the room filled up. All that the SCEC asks for is that you have a love for exceptional children, as I think all of us do. So if you are interested in joining a group of students who share a love for exceptional children and want to help support them, then please consider joining this group. The officers were very nice, and they discussed fundraisers that they would like us to participate in to raise money for exceptional children. We are currently selling wrapping paper and other holiday items from a book to raise money. If you are a commuter student like I am, I know how difficult it is when you want to participate in a group, but you are never on campus when they meet or do things! The SCEC only meets once a month, so it won't take a lot of your time. This group supports a great cause...so if you are looking for a group to join or just want to be able to help children, please consider joining SCEC. I am really happy I did!

Class Tonight, September 24

Alright guys and gals, as you already know I wasnt there tonight. So, I could use some help here...what did we go over tonight? Give me all the good details...I talked to Mrs. White and she said that some of the stuff would be on the language analysis assignment...other than all that jazz, how was class tonight?

Pragmatic Skills - Like the Blog????

If one of the pragmatic skills is "maintaining the topic" how can that be similar to "conversation skills" on a blog?

When a person posts a comment is this the same as starting a conversation? How can one maintain the topic by posting a COMMENT rather than starting ANOTHER conversation with the exact same topic?

How can we create CONVERSATIONS on the blog to DISCUSS ideas back and forth, building on one another's ideas, actually demonstrating acknowledgement of other's ideas?

Challenge for the week as we conclude blogging for the month. Posts that demonstrate the pragmatic skills such as turn taking and conversation skills we've addressed in class.

last wed. night

So, I was really glad about last weeks class. I feel like I really learned a lot more by being in groups then I would have doing it on my own. All of the input that everyone put in was also very helpful:D 

Test Questions

I realize I have made the test an online test and give you the opportunity to access it multiple times. I also realize I've said you're welcome to study together. However, I do not want test questions posted on the blog, nor students explaining to one another what THEY believe a question MAY mean and giving EXAMPLES of ANSWERS to use.

You are MORE THAN WELCOME to email or call me and ask these questions and I will try to give you some guidance with questions.

wed nights class

Wed. nights class I thought was great. I really liked how we got in small groups and worked to figure out the answers. I think this helped me understand things better and I hope that we do this more often. P.S. everyone good luck on your tests.

Class

I enjoyed class last night too. I just find it rather hard to distinguish which experiences in each model. For example we as groups came up with a different model for each video clip. Some where easier than others, but it's your opinion or what you see as a person that your seeing occur.

Class Tonight

I really enjoyed how class was conducted tonight. I feel like I took in the information better, because we were actually having to look for it, watch videos, and come up with our own thoughts on the topics. Being lectured to is ok...but it can get rather boring, especially with such a long class. I felt more intrigued in the topic, because I knew I would have to talk about and do my part for the smaller groups of four. We taught each other about our topics and ourselves which kept my attention. I think that we should have more lessons taught in this way or similar to tonights class. Anyone agree?

Repeating Vocalization

When an infant is just learning should I say vocabulary they really just repeat what your teaching them. I'm sure they know your their mom or not but it's bascially what you want them to say. I feel it's later in their months that they fully develop the meaning of things.

Tomorrow's Class - the 17th

Tomorrow night we will be continuing our thingking about how children develop language. We will look specifically at acquisition - how do babies, children acquire language.

We will be watching more (different) video clips. You will be working in small groups. You will need to have your books with you in your groups for reference. Please bring them to class. I would strongly encourage you to look over the material on Blackboard or at least highlight the major ideas in the book prior to class time in order to maximize your ability to participate in the small group activities.

Each group will be PRESENTING out to the large group after the class has watched several clips.

I look forward to what YOU will be TEACHING all of us as we continue to work with this interesting material.

Bonus Points

I think that for those of us who keep up with this blog and who post more than four times, should get some bonus points.
Lets have a debate about it. I am sure all agree now if we all sign this patition i am sure that the teacher will give us all bonus points.:}

Repeated Vocalization vs. Intentional Word Production

As we REFLECT on Wednesday night's class and prepare for our upcoming class . . . share some some thoughts on when babies, toddlers or children repeat sounds and words and may NOT have any cognition of the MEANING of what they are saying. Can you think of other times when they may produce sounds or words INTENTIONALLY to communicate a meaning.

Thoughts on the difference between these two situations?

Class

I am so glad we reviewed what we learned last week, last night that helped me so much and I thought that class yesterday was very interesting. I enjoyed watching the videos and I felt like I understood what we were talking about by reviewing.
ps the popcorn girl was my favorite too

Which movie was your Favorite?

I really enjoyed the movies about the kids in class yesterday. I was wondering what everyone else thought was the best movie.
Personally i like the girl and the popcorn the best although all were good.
Lets hear from you guys.

Infants

I have a 7 mth old who is blabing, but I think it just depends on the child and what communication they have with those around them. I had a friend who's 2 year old wouldn't say much. My four year old was talking by 1. I talk alot so I guess he learned from me. I talked to him all the time day till night whether it be about things going on or just how our day went. So keep it up making them talk to you and hopefully they'll come around.

Infant language

Since this is a language course, I was wondering if anyone knew at what age infants begin to talk? I have a baby cousin who is 1 yr and a half old. She says a few words, but is quiet, nods her head, or just mumbles most of the time. I've been trying to speak to her a lot recently and ask her questions, and the other day she surprised me with a response of "I don't know". I asked her the question again just to see if I was imagining things or if she really said three words, and she did :-) So I was just wondering if anyone who has been around babies knows what age infants begin to increase their spoken vocabulary, and if there is anything I can do to help her with the process? Thanks!

Drop Outs..

Speaking of drop outs and the rates.. did you guys read about the teenage boy who dropped out of high school to play guitar hero? WOW.. I couldn't imagine..

Wed. Nights class

Wed. nights class was very interesting for me atleast. I have never really talked about this subject in depth and really it is kind of new to me. I was a bit confused when we started, but once we talked about it, it became very easy to understand. I am still very interested in this class and hope to keep learning new things each week.