Promotion

 

The last week of school has wrapped up. Boxes of junk and mess surround the office waiting for a permanent home in the filing cabinet. Looking at my stuff, you'd think I had children of my own. Mr.Potato Head, colorful kid keyboard, magnetic puzzles, etc.

Today I am rewarding myself for successfully making it through Thursday's promotion without a tear. All my Big's and Little's who graduated are moving onto bigger things. The preschoolers/kindergartners were so angsty sitting in their cap and gown. I don't think it stayed on longer than a second... really. Change is usually a challenge for these kids, and wearing a gown (dress) for these boys was definitely a change. Watching them learn and do brave things is so fun. Each of them have grown in one area or another. Language is sprouting and that's what matters.

During the 6th grade promotion each student walked across the stage dressed to a T with princess dresses and mix matched suits. When they made their way across the stage, the college they plan to attend was announced. I pray, strongly pray, that those plans are dreams and those dreams become a reality. The cafeteria was shoulder to shoulder with no wiggle room full of family members watching their kids move on to the next chapter. A majority of these kids come from lower class working families with little to no time spent with them. So this my friends was a really big deal.

When the ceremony concluded I made my way around to give hugs and congratulate my wonderful sixth graders. Their eyes showed excitement to move on yet nervousness to leave consistent comfort. In that moment, I had to pray that God would hold on to them even when they're gonna be just down the street. I pray that He holds them now just like He's always held them before.

God doesn't leave us sitting still for long.. in two weeks I start seeing clients in the am and the pm. Thankful for the opportunity to take on more friends but sometimes we just need to take a deep, long, breath.

I had no idea in September what might happen in June. Opportunities blossoming and clients piling on. It will be a nice schedule change for the summer months. I can smell bbq's, taste watermelon slices, and tons of splashing in the pool. If only, just only, we can enjoy it while it lasts.

-Natalie

Highs & Lows

Oh goodness I'm lovin this coastal weather, are we in the central valley.. seriously? Fantastic is an understatement.

These past two weeks the schools have been underway with state testing. When I was young it was my favorite time of the year. An excuse to chew gum and eat unlimited snacks. Heck yes.

The amount of students I see during this time of year slows down due to testing. However; my older group of students make time to stop by and poke their heads in hoping therapy will take place. Today it did.

I see a group of three students who are all in 6th grade. They come in once a week for 30 minutes of speech and language therapy. At the beginning of the year they were quiet, and I pushed hard to get a word out of them. Homies musta been scared of their 5 foot 123lb blondie speech teacher.

It didn't take long for me to see the hearts in these kids. Genuine and loving, looking for time from someone who would listen and pay attention to them. I started allocating the last 15 minutes of speech to reflect on the good and not so good times in our lives. Which we later called Highs and Lows. You better believe I participate too.

Little did I know how much of an impact this was making. Word quickly got around to the school about our High/Low time and kids were stopping me in the hallways.. "Teacher Natalie, can I come to speech with ______".

Working in an area that has high poverty and hearing deep deep stories from the kids, makes my stomach turn. I take it in and remind myself to exhale. It's not easy and I'm not even living it. I'll be honest, I'm having trouble with the "ins" and "outs". I need more guarantees for these kids to know, actually know, that something greater than their lousy deadbeat parents is out there.

I've never known the struggle of not wanting to go home because of parents fighting, drugs, drama, abuse, going without electricity and water. How can you concentrate in school with all those situations and I'll never know why these young innocent kids were handed a brutal life. Because of that I use speech as a tool to teach life skills. For these kids and myself our High/Low time is beneficial and reminds us of the little things in life to be happy for.

The future for them might seem uncertain and blurry, but in the precious 30 minutes we take once a week, everything that almost existed snaps into focus for a moment. They feel hope peak in with a frown that turns into a smile. If anything... Thats what counts.

Handful of Happy

Today we did one of my favorite things. We attempted the zoo. And it happened. Eight, 1st - 3rd graders with Autism visited creatures they've never seen in their entire little lives. Or for some, are regular monthly attenders.Today was the best day for it. Even with the cloudy skies.

All the animal friends were out puttin on a boomin show or waiting for a scrumptious breakfast. One of us probably looked mighty tasty to eat.

 

 

My co-worker and I decided to call the day at the Zoo our Speech Day. Along the way we attempted to initiate conversation and describe various animals we came across. Lets just say... it went better for some than others. A majority of our students don't initiate conversations on their own or make requests and comment on the world around them. So, much prompting and modeling is given. On occasion it's a little awkward and feels like I'm talking to the trees, and that's okay too.

Amanda and I have a theory that it is our attempt to teach these kids how to learn in any environment we place them in. The zoo was perfect, comforting, and exciting for all. There were plenty of sounds to identify, animals to describe, and smells to distinguish.

Today was an opportunity for parents to join in on the zoo fun. I never quite know how it will play out. Today was flat out awesome. It was touching to see how involved these parents are and motivated to do what's best for their Little's. While in the restroom I overheard a mom talking to her son... even though he understands, it's difficult for him to verbally express. His mom asked him, "How do you feel?" his reply "Haaaaaaapppppy, Haaaaaaapppppy!" It made me light up. He was enjoying his day at the zoo and to top it off mom was there to share that joy with him.

Even with the cloudy skies and light sprinkles we still had a handful of happy today.

-Natalie

Off and Away!

And so the week begins. Difficult to rise up this morning but excited that Monday is one step closer to Friday. Hallelujah!

Lazy butt me, tried to get up to run this morning considering the weather forecast this week is lookin like the hundos...or 90's, still too dang hot for April. Ya hear me? Anyways, the running didn't happen.

Today was the last day for a client I've been providing ABA to since November. ABA = Applied Behavioral Analysis. We go into homes and modify or shape behaviors in the given environment. The children I work with range from 1.5 to 5 years of age and all have Autism. We work on things that typically developing kids learn naturally. By doing so we create a very structured environment.

Throughout the session, structured and unstructured activities are addressed. Today we went for it and meandered out on a 30 minute walk, with bubbles of course! Safety skills, such as looking both ways before crossing the street and responding to commands take place while we walk. Half way through, my little friend needed some sensory time. We plopped down and went for it with the leaf droppings. It could not have been more exciting for him.

Working with some clients for a long period of time their language increases drastically. One might go from 1-2 words "want ball" to a 3-5 word phrase or sentence "I want ball,please". It's pretty exciting when this does happen. This lingo has changed the way I talk to my family and friends... oh, and even my dogs..."Want food?" "Ride, go?"

Repetition has been key in helping these kids learn new skills and behaviors. Not just for individuals with Autism but for all of us. There is a reason we have calendars and alerts on our smart phones. To keep us structured and organized.

It's a bittersweet day. While packing up my materials my client walked over to me, tapped my forearm, leaned his head over to make eye contact and said "Bye Sue-wah-wee"... or Natalie (Hey, it was close!). We have worked so hard on attention seeking and language. It was for sure there today. Thanks buddy. You rock!

Being an ABA teacher and working in the clients homes, I love these kids like they're my own. It's hard not to. We watch them grow and mature in just the few months we are with them. It's encouraging and a huge blessing for us and the families involved. It's always a nice feeling walking away knowing that you did good. A blog friend reminded me of the Dr. Seuss book Oh the Places You'll Go. It really connected today as I departed away.

-Natalie

Marvelous Monday

Today was one of those days where my three alarm clocks just weren't enough, the largest cup of coffee at Starbucks didn't fulfill, and every song on the radio was slow when I needed it to be fast.

Yet I still got up, got ready for the day, and headed to work- cus that's what big people do.

A weekend consisting of 1 full day off (Sunday) just isn't quite enough to rest up. I almost need a rest day off of a rest day.

I quickly remembered a quote a fellow blog friend posted "Just when you're ready to quit is usually the moment right before the miracle happens." Wow. perspective is key.

So I packed up my box with wheels and headed on out to do some ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Speech Therapy with 8 little kiddos.

I love it and I love each of them. To call what I do for a living a job, is pretty silly because it's loads of fun. We play, we talk, and we learn how to have appropriate behaviors. There are days though, like today that I am pushed and challenged. Today, 2 students into my day, the challenge began.

This little fella worked me. He worked me so hard I was sweating after 6 minutes of therapy. All behaviors were present today from head butting, biting, and aiming so perfectly to spit on my face definitely happened. I was more motivated by now then ever to see change in this kid. Expressing his frustrations do not come verbally instead it's through negative behaviors. And they were very evident today.

During task avoidance we ignore and continue to encourage appropriate requesting... for him it is writing on the etch sketch. My repeatitive pointing as a redirection for a request was ever so consistent today. The etch sketch is his best friend and extremely motivating for him. Whoever created it, is flat out a genius.

The 25 minutes felt like 2 hours today, constantly blocking and redirecting behaviors to make use of our speech therapy time. We got through it and I was reminded of why I do what I do. It's not for everyone but I definitely love it.

Of course once the session was over and he needed to switch stations it was not on his terms. Therefore; the transition was difficult. He would rather stay and "work" (play) with the super cool gadgets Teacher Natalie had and not move on to continue with his structured day.

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There are times when all we want to do is quit, take a day off, and pretend like everything else in the world is quiet too. But that's not reality. Sometimes just getting up in the morning feels like a big hill to climb, but ultimately when we keep our eye on the prize and push through, it's a win- win.

and trust me... you'll be glad you did :)

Happy Marvelous Monday!

-Natalie

2 Things I Learned From a Funeral

Today was a day to say goodbye and a day to celebrate the good times that were. A fellow student who attended a school I worked at, went to be with the Lord last week.

Today was his service. A beautiful one to say the least.

Every way I turned I was surrounded by a variety of demographics from all over town. It was beautiful.

As I was sitting at the service I wrote down two quotes that resonated with me:

"He loved unconditionally without criticizing, and saw beyond their circumstances".

"He celebrated the small things".

Powerful and moving all in one tiny package.

This kid really did do both of those things and for us earthly survivors it should be a motto we live by each day.

I think of Devon and how his life was cut short, yet he managed to outlive people who are in their 60's and 70's because of the way he chose to love people and how he celebrated life.

There are things in life that get the best of us whether it be a driver that cuts you off, or a clerk taking a year-and-half to scan grocery items. Devon taught me to embrace life for what it's worth. We all have needs that require special attention; drugs, anger, eating disorders, etc. Some of us just hide them better than others. Down Syndrome didn't stop him. It was the gift that kept on giving. His love was strong and courageous.

That's the lens he viewed life through.

The reality is loss is inevitable. We are given the tools of choice, to live life as better individuals and embrace the little things. No one said it's easy but Devon made it look that way.

If there was a skill he was particularly good at it was stealing people's hats. He was known as the "hat thief" to everyone who knew him. We can now say he's moved on from a hat to a crown in Heaven. Well done Devon, well done buddy.

Celebrate

These past 4 weeks have been a humongous eye opener for me. I've learned a ton about myself, while working in a behavior classroom of only 5 students.

I've learned how to gage behaviors and determine whether to react as a 10 or 1.

I've learned to embrace the word celebrate and use it daily.

This past weekend my heart ached, as I thought about a parent of a child with Autism. I see this mom every morning when she drops off her child. I see exhaustion, discouragement, with a little bit of hope left on her face. Hope that today will be better, that good news will go home on the daily report and that maybe, just maybe she will be told that her child had an awesome day.

Today I reached out of my comfort zone and asked her if I could give her a hug. I encouraged her to breathe and celebrate the great accomplishments her child is making.

That's just what she needed.

For many parents "normal" is a word they want to hear. For others it's their biggest nightmare. And if you're like me "normal" is just a setting on the dryer.

Having one child with Autism may seem like a lot, imagine having twins who are both on the spectrum? Both with limited vocabulary, both not potty trained, both with self-injurious behavior.

Imagine that.

Think about being the parent, wondering what else you can do to make things right. Juggling ways that would make all the pieces fit together.

Our classroom is made up of only 5 kids. They are given all the accommodations in the world, that's what special about this school. The school ranges from 3 years to 7th grade. A majority of the students that attend will most likely never be in a mainstream school. It's also a school that parents fear of having their child attend. It's not a neighborhood school, it's a commuter, medically fragile, short yellow bus school. But we celebrate that.

At the end of the day what matters is that the kids are going to a school where they are accepted and praised for what they can do! It's a place where we celebrate the things that might seem so small. For it is not about grades, it's about goals.

As you head off to the weekend, do me a favor and remember to celebrate the little things.

-Natalie

Two Weeks In

Everyday is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

I am almost halfway through summer school as a Sign Language Interpreter in a behavior classroom. This class is special, and when I say special I mean super cool in so many ways. I get the privilege of spending time with students who have been placed on our campus because of behavioral problems

... and we (our team) love it.

We work towards positive behavior. We use books, toys, crafts, and my favorite, music.

If one thing doesn't work, we move on to something different. It is a constant activity of reintroducing things that haven't worked in the past, hoping it might work a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th time around.

We reinforce, with stickers, candy, or something the student really enjoys. (maybe I'll enjoy it too ;)

I've learned while working in the special education field, that a constant desire to have courage and try new things is important. Staying positive is even more important. Just because we might not be successful at one thing- at least we know we made the effort.

I strive to make the impossible, possible! It's our motto, our dream, and the reason I show up for work each day.

Happy Hump day!
-Natalie

Gluten Free Baby

In the past year I have learned a ton while working with children who have Autism. I see a lot of myself in these kids. One thing in particular that I noticed, is a growing population of ASD kiddos are going on Gluten Free (Wheat, Barley, Rye flour), Casein Free (dairy) diets. So what the heck is there left to eat?

When I was first informally diagnosed with Celiac Disease I had no frickin idea what this whole diet entailed. I googled, read some books and realized it's a ridiculously expensive diet. Yup, that's it.
A vast majority of spectrum kids that go on this diet show great improvements in a variety of areas. No more gold fish's and animal crackers. It's all about the rice chips and off brand Mac & Cheese.

When I first went on the diet, going to the grocery store was a entertaining experience. Carefully and diligently reading every label looking for words like enriched bleached flour or whole grain fiber- all were out of the picture.

I initially told myself to try the diet for 2-3 months to see if it worked, after 1 month I knew my body was completely different and much healthier. It  was no longer having to suffer from things it couldn't digest.

At first it was just a "me" diet but then the family slowly began to catch on. Going to the grocery store is beginning to get easier and easier, especially at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. They hand you a GFree book upon request with all of their products. Bam, easy peasy!

After a year on the diet and much Internet research, I know I'm pretty much an expert now. Occasional cheats here and there kill me but I'm getting stronger and my body loves me a tad bit more.

So with that being said, so long Birthday cakes, girl scout cookies, cheese its and quesadillas. You'll be missed.

With much Gluten Free love,
Natalie

Smack Down

Here we are, happy weekend folks! We are coming up on another week full of busy schedules and crazy goodness. The other day I had an AH-HA, slap in the face, you're so funny, God moment. It was pretty real.

I went to the park with my friends children. We had a lovely taco bell picnic and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. From a distance I hear a lady yelling and overemphasizing every phrase to her child. As I mumbled "that's annoying" under my breath I looked over and noticed it was a lady, whose blog I follow.

(insert gulp, deep breath)

It's like a reality TV show, you feel like you know the people. You know their life story, their situations, and everything else. It was at that moment I knew exactly what she was doing, and why she was doing it. She's not annoying, but yes overemphasizing. For a good reason.

These characteristics are mine. I see them, I fix them, and I do them. That's my schedule. Haven't you heard the term, "you are what you do"? On a daily basis I work with children who have multiple disabilities and we work as a team. We overemphasize everything we do and we practice, over and over again.

We are all given passions and desires to reach after. Some it takes years to figure out and for others its been pretty darn clear from the beginning. Working with children who have multiple disabilities is not a job it's a lifestyle. Every week I am blessed by the students and I am encouraged to be a better person because of them.

So where am I going with this?

We can be so quick to judge, and make comments just like I did.

It was the moment at the park that I was nudged and given a reminder. Instead of being quick to criticize, look in the mirror and know you may be just like that person.

It was a defining moment.

Hidden Gifts

It's that time, the beginning of a new year, where all the kids are heading back to school after winter break. Teachers have been on break for a couple weeks, which in reality feels like a couple days. Unless you're a mom and absolutely ready for your child/ren to go back. It all goes by so fast doesn't it?

I've been thinking a lot lately about parents of my students who get nervous and cringe at sending their child back to school, because the classroom environment has proven to be a tough place for them. It means revisiting old worries, long exhausting meetings, and lots of questions, What's wrong with my child, What can I do to help them be normal?

We all wonder. I am going to talk to you about your children. If there is anything to get out of this post here it is...

Every child is a gift. All of them. Each and every one of them is special and unique in a certain way. Every single kid has challenges. For some, the classroom setting is the most difficult place to show their genius and where their challenges are easiest to see. For others it may be socializing on the playground where they are clueless about being a friend or better yet, how to actually make friends. What I do know is this, if we are patient, calm, and loving we will eventually see the special something in each child.

Like my student with Autism, who is dressed to a "T" on a daily basis. Most stylish girl at the school. One activity turned into her singing a song. That was the day I discovered her gift. If she only knew how beautiful her voice was.

Like my student who is a severe stutterer. Bless his heart, a sentence can't come out of his mouth without some form of dysfluency. But his soccer skills are beyond me. Wouldn't doubt seeing him play in the World Cup. He has the gift of athletisim.

Like my student who has Cerebral Palsy and most likely will never be able to walk or talk. Yet he tries daily to achieve those goals. His smile is contagious and blesses many. His presence is a gift.

Like my 5th grader who is at a 2 year old language level. His work ethic is harder than anything I've ever seen. Never a late assignment, always on time. He has the gift of leadership.

Like my student who constantly gets in trouble for bad behavior. The principal knows his first, middle, and last name by heart. In fact, her office is his classroom. The day he painted me a picture for my bare classroom walls, I knew he was the next Van Gogh. He has the artistic gift.

Every single child is gifted and every single child has challenges. In the school system those gifts are harder to see. As a teacher we are working hard at finding those gifts and celebrating them. As a parent you can help too. Help by believing in your child when you know school is tough. There is one way to help... It's super hard but works.

Help by believing that our kids are okay.

Everyone of them. The perfect ones, the mean ones, the shy ones, the oh-so-hyper ones, the so far behind ones, and the autistic ones.

Here's the deal. These kids can handle a teacher, or another student accidently suggesting they're not okay. As long as when they go home they can look at mom and dad and know that they truly are ok. Make sense? We are all a team striving to make every students life a success story. Let's do what we can so that they believe in us and know we are happy to be on their team. Celebrate their challenges and respond by believing.