Early morning snowfall and teacher workday, and Autism video

         

Yes, as I wrote in the previous entry, it snowed... really it did. In some parts, like in Sunshine, Colorado, they might call this a dusting. It looks like a dusting when compared to what they're getting in Colorado. But it's our first winter season snowfall here in the middle of North Carolina.

Coincidentally, today was a teacher workday, so I was able to run outside in my slippers and snap some photos before getting dressed for school. Max hesitated at first, but after the two of them saw me clump down the stairs with the golf umbrella they eagerly raced each other down the steps.

                                    

Afterward, Max returned, begging for me to wipe the stuff off of him, and Misty's feet were cold, but they seemed to enjoy their early morning chase around the yard.

                                    

Just in case some of my students had slept in this morning and missed the event, I took some pictures around our classroom building to add to the screensaver slideshow on my classroom computer. They love seeing pictures of themselves and our classroom file across the screen.

It was a great day, as far as workdays go. My student teacher and I attended an excellent and well presented Autism workshop... I learned somenew facts, interventions, and strategies that I could use to teach my students who live within, or at least in the very near vicinity, of the world of Autism. I'm going to share with you some of the things I've learned about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By explaining it here, to you, I will be able to better understand it for myself.

                   

I found this video tonight... one of many I will feature as I write on the subject of Autism. This one is about a young girl named Jessica. It features photos of her first fourteen years of life. Her parents love her and nurture her, ... what a blessing she is to their family!

I plan on writing an entry or two on the subject of Autism soon, but not tonight. Tonight, I'm taking it easy.

We spent the rest of the day meeting with various teachers regarding the writing test and the new focus in writing after the test. We also talked to a few teachers about Ms. J observing them in the upcoming week, and planned for her to observe a student or two and do an on-task behavior check list for each of them. This will help me get a handle on specific behaviors, and help me make a plan to help them modify their behaviors. It's do-able. I couldn't do this without her help. So glad she is working with me this semester.

I'm feeling better after having coughed my way through the previous four weeks, maybe longer. It started just before Thanksgiving, went away two weeks later in time for the week before Christmas, then returned a few days before Christmas, eased up around New Year's eve, and hit me with a vengeance a week later. So really, it's been more than a month. Still hoarse, but feeling better today.

Today I went in for a chest x-ray to see if the "consolidation" in my lung has cleared up. Will know more by Monday. Thank you all for your comments, prayers, and concerns regarding me, and my sister. We both appreciate the well wishes.

 

Tags: Autism, teacher workday, first snowfall in NC, YouTube Video