Last day in Resource

A couple different things happened today on my last of in the resource room. When I talked in the teacher asked me to help two students with a math game they were playing to help memorize their prime and composite numbers. One of the students needed almost constant help and supervision to get a good score on the game. The other student was a little better but needed occasional tips but was quicker with internalizing and understanding prime and composite numbers. I followed the student that needed extra help to her classroom to help her more. The teacher informed me that this was one of her more needy students that required lots of help. I sat next to this 4th grader and helped her write down notes during the history discussion. The class was studying some of the early acts of the 1700's. The class was instructed to write down notes on a special paper. The student I helped didn't know what to write or where to write it even when the teacher explained it to the class. She seemed very confused. She is also very small and frail for her age and had facial features that could indicate a specific disability. I often had to repeat what the teacher said to her and prompt her on what to write on her notes. She was never defiant, only confused. If she didn't have me sitting next to her she wouldn't have finished the assignment in time like all the other children at her table.

When I returned to the resource room, I was asked to read with a group of 5th graders. I have read with them before, but today they were especially rowdy. Two of the three girls were whispering to each other and either kneeing or laying on the floor. After firm direction, I got them to sit back in their seats. The third girl is usually happy, but today she was sad and a little mopey. She didn't want to read, didn't want to follow along, and was fiddling with her bookmark. Afterwards I over heard this girl speaking with the teacher, apparently the two other girls were whispering about her which made her sad and embarrassed. I had no idea that was happening! I don't know how I missed that, but I wish I could have been more sensitive with her and more stern with the other two girls. The last group that came in included about four kids. The first boy wouldn't sit on his seat. After not listening to the teacher, he was asked to sit in another seat and then warned that he would be sent back to his classroom. He started back talking the teacher a little being defiant, then didn't want to incorporate himself in any other activities. The other children really enjoy working with the teacher.

Working in resource has been very enriching. I have seen how the teacher interacts with the children and how the children are able to grow from her instruction. I can see how some children just need extra help and guidance and that many of them have challenges from their home life that can affect their day at school. I believe the greatest thing we can teach these kids is that they are cared for. Knowing that will be the best thing they internalize.