My current position at the same school but in a different classroom is a whole new ball of wax. I am working with a blind student who is also non verbal and has autism so I need to use some ASL and try to help her practice using a braille typewriter. It's very interesting for me, and the other teachers, but also frustrating because we don't know exactly how she learns or what we need to do to help her.
I also work with the other students who are all on different levels of intellectual ability, and most of all we have kids who are essentially incontinent because they were never able to be potty trained. So that level of independence doesn't exist and we need to do numerous diaper and pull-up changes throughout the day.
I don't go to outside classes elsewhere in the school building anymore, except for the gym or the cafeteria for PE and 'work experience'. So in a way I am more isolated; no more drama class or computer animation class, or ceramics. I tried to balance this by attending the art club meetings after school once a week because I am also friendly with the teacher, but I have been so emotionally and physically tired that I have only been to two of those.
Something different form last year is that we go on field trips in this class and even though I have some negative memories of school bus experiences from my first year, the outings have been very successful. We have gone to the movies and a pumpkin patch and a holiday tree festival. Our teacher is new to the school and really supportive and knowledgeable about her work. She's very caring and shows great concern for us and the students. I will end this return to writing on that positive note. Thank you and goodnight!
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