Scratching an Itch

July 21, 2012

I know what you're thinking.  You're crazy.  How could you possibly want to be blogging in the middle of the summer about the up coming school year.  I know, I know, I am shaking my head at myself as I type.  But something must be done when the kids are napping here on the home front right?  Not to mention, I need to start preparing for the school year!  Do you know what it is like to teach Kindergarten, let alone children who live with Autism?  Yeah, preparation is a must!  I am going stir crazy.   Alright, I will admit I am also scratching an itch.  I have this inner artist/writer, that is always wanting to rear her artsy/craftsy/writery head.   Seriously, over the past few days I have spent more time doing crafts because I can not sit still,  I am paranoid that I will run out of ideas for the upcoming school year.

I know what else you are thinking, "you're going to school(Autism endorsement on my certificate), taking care of three children, teaching, having to finish your M.I.N.T* orientation, PCM** trainer training( that sounds weird), AND blogging?!  You nuts lady?"  NO....not nuts, just living with my own little demon, it is called ADHD.  I would be willing to bet most teachers have it, it is almost a necessary evil in my opinion.  Hence the over abundance of crafts done in the past week or so.  Unfortunately, when I feel like I need to focus on something, it gets a little out of control.  I almost go the other way.  I become obsessive, all in all not a bad thing per se, and its usually over quick.  I get bored!  But my walls look all the better for it, as do the kids rooms.   

Back in the saddle again and this time I will have some wonderful new readers.  The parents of the kids in my room.  Rest assured no child's privacy will be violated, nor any families for that matter.  This blog is simply here to show parents what their children do on a daily basis in the class, and to show other readers out there that these children can be taught.  Through creativity, art, music, and pure patience, every child can learn.  And I will be the one to teach them, with my para, Ms. K, as my right hand (wo)man!  See you soon!

Mrs. S

P.S. please take care when leaving comments, but do leave them!  This is public and for the children/teachers/parents in my community.   I am anxious to hear what you think of the class!

Yes Peanut Butter and Jelly!  These are my own children's initials.  We made these from cardboard 12" cutouts and old scraps of materials from previous projects!

After they were dazzled around the rough edges with beading and dried, they were hung.  Took about an hour to do the project start to finish.  Great for fine motor.  I am contemplating making a cloth alphabet with the class this year to hand in the room.

Awesome and can NOT take the credit.  The site where I learned how to do this is listed below. So fun but NOT for children to do.  They can help you by handing you crayon colors, and can help presort etc.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQRf0x836Q

My five year old did this.  It was simply wrapping a ribbon around a dollar store wreath.  I made the twin flower from this tutorial:     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQRf0x836Q

This appears to be a mess.  It was.  But so worth it!  I have been dying to make a swirl out of fabric for my sons room.  I finally did it today in about 45 minutes.  Made from old scraps.  Bibs, socks, shirts, old material from quilts I have made etc.

This was my own idea....and I love it!  Its about 18x20 inches...hangs so nice in his room!

J's wall

You can look ANYWHERE online to find out how to make your own chunky crayons.  A lot of children with autism have difficulty with grip, whether too tight or too limp these are perfect!  You can create a plethora of sizes or shapes, use silicon molds for perfection and ease of release when they are done.  Basic rule of thumb for a full pan is 250 degrees for 7-15 minutes. You will know they are done.  Great for sorting/color recognition/mathematical concepts/color words...and so much more!

* M.I.N.T orientation is the Mentoring In New Teachers program.  It takes 3 years to complete.  It has a slew of classes you must take through the county as well as many observations of your teaching in the classroom.

**PCM is professional crisis management.  This program is how we help our children deescalate in the classroom when they are upset in any manner.  I have been asked to be a trainer for the county.