Katlyn+Coombs

This week had gone by pretty smoothly. Rodrigo is communicating alot more, Lee is getting excited about going to Handcrafters, and everyone knows that the end of the year is near. Unfortunately Cathy has been out due to a surgery and I worry that I may not see her before we both leave this #|school for good. We've become exceedingly good at money bingo and Rodrigo has even been helping others out with finding their money - how funny! I'm sad that it is almost time for me to go.
 * May 18th, 2014**

This week was pretty uneventful except for one awesome thing! We went to the #|Special Olympics on Thursday and it was beyond awesome. All of the kids were so funny and did amazing in their events. I wish I could have gone before or #|continue to go. Everyone, including myself, had an awesome time and it was nice to get out and do something as a class. John's reaction to his events was something I will never forget - THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE YALL!
 * May 11th, 2014**

This week I wasn't there as much as usually am so it was a bland week. We are looking forward to the Special Olympics and making plans and preparing for the activities. We are all definitely losing motivation - either I'm rubbing off on them or senioritis is not just senior thing.
 * April 27, 2014**

This week the kids and I ate my birthday cupcakes that they deliciously made - thank you Mrs. Powers and an awesome gift. Also, this week was Mrs. Adams (Cathys aids) last week with us before she moved, everyone mixed emotions about her leaving. We met her new aid Mrs. Rhonda and she's pretty awesome! We embraced the changes with open arms and continue to kick butt in Math and get a new free days.
 * April 20, 2014**

This week was pretty great! We celebrated both me and Patrick's birthday and they definitely made me feel old, yet loved. We just keep moving along with our math rings and getting things done with Math. We do Star-Math and everything has slowly became a routine that nobody complains much anymore. We get what we need to get done done and have a good laughs and times in the process. I love being with the kids and spending everyday with them.
 * April 13, 2014**

This week in the classroom I tried to help Rodrigo count to 20. He seems to be getting it but it'll take some time for him to fully rememeber. He is even learning more sayings like I'm sorry and bless you it warms my heart! Pat got his boot off this week finally! Everything is back to normal with no snow and full school weeks. I think we even had a full class this week which is rare. I can't believe we are reaching the end of the year so quickly!
 * March 24, 2014**

This week in the classroom we all worked on getting caught up in the budget the first half of the week which went well. Everyone is pretty much caught up. Also LeAndra went to HandyCrafters for her #|admissions testing and I'm so excited for her! I think that it'll be a wonderful experience for her but I'm sad to see her go. She's moving on to that and I'm moving on to college, I bet we are as scared as eachother. We had substitutes for the first time this year in the class which went surprisingly well. It's good to see them accept new teachers and behave.
 * March 16, 2014**

This past week we had our first whole week of school since before Christmas break, yay! We started working on the budget again and it seems like we are catching up on some work. We also have to do two StarMaths to make up for March and February which is difficult with everyone's schedule. Cathy came back but is still sick, it's heart breaking to work with students like her because I can't help her anymore than anyone else can. The rest of the kids in here and in the entire school got the rest of their iPads which is both exciting and distracting. Overall the class is running a per usual and it's the best place to be.
 * March 4, 2014**

With all of the snow day and two hour delays I have barely seen these guys at all. Everyone is in different spots because of everyones rearranged schedules but we keep right along with the budget. I find it fascinating how some of them remember things that others cant, makes you wonder how the brain really works. Fernando seems to have a good wrap on what's going on. I'm impressed with Pat's willingness to work these past couple of weeks but sad to see him in a boot! The closer we get to the end of the school year (if we ever get out) the more I realize how much I am going to miss them.
 * February 27, 2014**

This past week we have stepped our game up and gotten some stuff done. We worked on the budget, played #|math games and even celebrated a birthday! I'm learning a lot doing the budget too, it's all a learning experience. Fernando always impresses me with how fast he picks up on things, and how the other kids are always so willing to participate. Rodrigo has mastered answering his math rings in English which is incredible to me! He is speaking English so well now but he is still distant from the rest of the group - makes me dislike technology.
 * January 20, 2013**

This was our first full week back at school and it was hectic with all of the two hour delays and below zero weather conditions. I realized one thing this week that made me really excited, at first when Lee would talk to me I could not figure out what she was saying, but now when she talks I pick up every word. For some reason that makes me feel great and it's so amazing how spending time with someone even for a short time can help you adjust. It was awesome hearing about everyone's holidays and them telling me everything that they got for Christmas and what they got for New Years. I even saw pictures online of John at a New Years Eve party which made me really excited! I love that they get out there and do everything they can. On the math hand however we haven't been doing much but at least we get our Math Rings done! :)
 * January 12, 2013**

I only had 2 days with them this week due to my surgery, but in those two days we worked on math rings and have been doing StarMath like crazy! Trying to get testing in with the holiday schedule is a pain but totally needs to be done. Lately we haven't had a full class together in awhile with everyones schedules and health concerns. It's hard to see Kathy sick so often and Rodrigo sad but at least the class is its own support system. I hope everyone has good holidays!
 * December 23, 2013**

This week in the class we had a short week because of all of the snow days! It was awesome to have the time off especially during the holiday season. It was Rodrigos first time seeing snow! We began to make new math rings for some of the kids, more challenging and more for them to work through. It is awesome to see them make progress and keep moving forward with their learning. We have been lazy because it's that time period between holidays but it's normal. It's interesting that Lee still believes in Santa Clause but I support her 100%!
 * December 16,2013**

This week was a mixed up week, we didn't really do much out of the ordinary. We continue to get rid of a get new flashcards and work on their math skills. It is interesting to see how their minds work and with the games we play - how they catch on or use tricks to help them figure things out. Or in LeAndras case, tricks to get help and the attention she needs. They are all very competitive which I find funny! Between all of our schedules, it is rare to have us all together in one classroom or someone not leave. It is almost Christmas time and everyone, including myself, is beyond excited.
 * Decemeber 9, 2013**

The last week with the kids was great. We had the Thanksgiving Feast and it turned out to be a huge success. Not only was all the food amazing but also, the kids did a great job greating everybody and showing off their skills. We had some "big league" people come true which was exciting! I would be proud to be showing off the children and how much they are achieving. I'm sure they had a wonderful time making pies and the food, John even told me all the ingredients to an apple pie which was impressive (I don't even know.) Although Rodrigo was quiet, he is becoming more and more conscious of what is going on around him and understanding English so much better! I'm happy that the school is becoming more involved in the program and showed their support by coming and showing thanks with us.
 * December 2, 2013**

These week we have been knocking out Math Rings left and right. Fernando is beyond determined to make sure all of his notecards are gone and he didn't have many to do. The kids earned themselves a free period again which is great! The rewards system for good behaviour shows them a lot I think. It's a motivation and an encouragement to try harder and do their best. Everyone is anxious about the Feast and things don't feel as hectic as they had been. Although with the holiday seasons creeping up on us, we had to double the dose of Star Math which everyone loathes. Bring on the holidays!
 * November 18, 2013**

Last week we tried to catch up on some #|budgeting and make some other plans for the future. They talked about making Mexican Wedding cookies for a school even and excited for the Thanksgiving feast coming up. We are all getting antsy and excited for the time of year. I love how comfortable we all are together and it makes me happy to see them learning these things and enjoying the seasons coming up. I wonder if Rodrigo celebrates these things too or if his family will be here to do so. I wish we had more ways of communicating with him. Other then that, of the kids are doing well and hyper as ever. The best class of the day.
 * November 11, 2013**

We are making huge milestones recently! We finally finished the checking activity and have been slowly but surely lessening the math rings load. Fernando is beyond determined to get rid of his math rings asap! I can also see Rodrigo loosing interest and motivation which worries me, is he trying to learn? Nobody can seem to get through to him. I think the winter weather is hitting everyone, not only has everyone had a cold recently, everyone has been down in the dumps. With all the constant talk of holidays, we are trying to catch up on budgets and get things done before the holiday breaks start. The kids invited me to the Thanksgiving Feast, which is exciting, I don't even know how to make Thanksgiving dinner.. I trust that they are going to make a great feast, I know it.
 * November 3, 2013**

This week was exciting and long anticipated because it was Halloween week! It was nice to relax with them and just do the connect the dots, I feel like when we're in a group thats when you get to know them the best. Each of their personalites shine through and everyone is always laughing and smiling tgether - those are the memories that all of us will carry with us. I also learned that without medication, learning and many other aspects of life become very difficult for them. I'll be honest - I never even thought they were taking medicine for their diagnoses. I now truly can see how hard it has to be to try and learn but being so distracted and so frustrated. I see all of them working hard and making progress!
 * October 27, 2013**

Wednesday is Rodrigo's first day of work which is very exciting! We have also noticed that Rodrigo seems saddened by some things and that's a total downside to having students who don't speak English - you don't know what's wrong. I'm finding that in the past four weeks I've known these kids they have taken such an interest and a friendship in me than anyone I have ever met. They show genuine concern and care for everyone and that has to be the best quality of everyone in this classroom. The checking activity is almost complete, and luckily checks aren't used often because they do not writing them. The first marking period is almost over and every has almost reached their tally goals and improving everday!
 * October 20, 2013**

This week was pretty smooth, however with everyone being out on different days with work and other programs it has been difficult to perform as a class. I love the idea of budgeting and these are things that I wish I could have learned while I was in school! I love how interested they are and what they are able to remember and learn. This isn't just a math class, it is learning math that you will actually use in real life - not like the value of x. I truly believe that they are benefiting from every lesson and experience they have in this classroom
 * October 14, 2013**

I'm really excited for Rodrigo to be able to go to work with all of the other kids soon, hopefully! He has come such a long way and is doing good with learning basic English. It's been really interesting to learn the personalities of the individual kids. I've seen how Leandra looks for attention whereas John just hangs back and waits for his turn. Also, how wrestling can be used as a bribe to make Patrick behave. I think it's amazing how Cathy has so many disabilities but she doesn't let them phase her, she continues to keep up with all the rest of the kids and do the best she can. She's inspiring really. The number one thing I've picked up on is how patient and calm-tempered you have to be to work with children - especially ones who need extra help.
 * October 6, 2013**

I didn't realize how boring my day would be without the kids being there, however I think it's a great opportunity for them to be able to go out into the work world. I can't wait until Rodrigo is able to go! I've had such a good time trying to teach Rodrigo numbers and figure out things, I knew teaching would be fun but it's nice to feel at ease (because we are both confused and learning.) Everyone has been putting a good effort forward and things are flowing more smoothly. A month in and not as many people whine about the math rings, and they probably know them even better now. I think the check activity is pretty creative and I'm excited I get to be a part of it!
 * September 30, 2013**

The past week has been kind of a blur with the kids and school, Homecoming week and Homecoming had everyone excited and off-task - including me. It was nice to see them have school spirit and participate in the festivities. I was also introduced to Star Math, although the kids seem to loathe it, I think its a brilliant idea. Testing them to see where they individually need help and how they are improving from test to test. It is interesting to see how they can't figure out problems that seem so easy to me.. some of them find their own techniques to figuring it our and others can't be bothered. I have fallen in love with working with the kids and I love learning about them and their personal knacks. It makes me laugh how John flies through the 10 + this and 10 + that problems. He totally gets them and the others totally don't. It's unique what some know and learn so easily and others don't. They each have their own ways and own talents - it's eye opening really.
 * September 24, 2013**

Working with the kids this week helped me realize that there are some situations that I might run into, whether it be now or in the future, that I don't known how to handle yet. Behavioral issues are hard to handle and I don't have the slightest clue on how to be stern.. or what they proper thing to do would be. Another situation that I might have trouble with would be trying to keep all the kids focused and on task. I am thinking in the long term for when I become a teacher or even when I'm just trying to help out in the classroom. I can explain, help and teach well but trying to keep them all working well and behaving would overwhelm me. However, I did notice how much the students in our class depend on their parents for guidance and help, that shows how important parents and teacher interaction is for success.
 * September 16, 2013**

I have been with some of the students for two weeks now and I have fallen in love with the class. It amazes me how different their personalities are and how far advanced they are in the classroom. Sometimes their personalities have deceived me in what I thought they would be capable of. Pat is the biggest goofball and hates doing math, but put flashcards in front of him and he knows them like the back of his hand. Each of the students have shown me something that I would love to improve in myself, Pat; my sense of humor, Fernando and Rodrigo; my language/bilingual, Lee; my "big girl" role to others, John; my friendships and trustworthiness and last but not least Cathy; my ability to laugh and smile through any obstacle. I look forward to working with them everyday and is the best class I have of the day! I think we are going to form strong relationships through out the year and I can't wait to work with them further.
 * September 9, 2013**