What a blessing to receive a detailed follow-up to Julianna's first day! I have copied the text that we received from one of the special education coaches who was with her all day, shadowing her to support her success toda...and successful she was indeed! Please read below...and peek at the pictures that Kenny posted in the previous blog...Enjoy...Annie
Julianna had a very good first day! She located her name in the cubbie area and placed her belongings in her space with one cue. Her table group is "yellow". She joined the class on the rug area and listened and watched all the other students during opening activities(calendar, weather, songs and a story). I sat back from the group and she occasionally would look back at me and give a beautiful smile. I gave her a nod and she turned her attention back to Mrs. Nowlan each time. Toward the end of the activities, she started to stretch out on the floor. Mrs. Nowlan directed her to "sit up" and she quickly responded.
Next was journal time and I did sit next to her to assist with the task. Mrs. Nowlan had made a sentence strip for her to copy the sentence starter as the class copied it from the board. Julianna was very focused on the writing. She was fascinated by the large erasers at her table and methodically erased and brushed the crumbles from her paper. She definitely likes order and is tidy. I did redirect her to her work and told her no more erasing for now.
When she finished her work she chose a puzzle to complete. She did a number puzzle and a Goofy puzzle.
She transitioned easily between activities. Next was computer class, navigating an alphabet activity. She did wear the headset, but really wanted to "type" on the keyboard. She wanted to do the mouse by herself and didn't want my help, but when she kept clicking and opening other items, she did allow me to assist and get back to the site.
The next class activity was letter/sound association, with Mrs. Nowlan showing the class photographs and choral response. Julianna participated and copied the gestures being used without any cueing from anyone!!!! The last photo was a yellow tulip and she pointed to the yellow crayon in the basket. She was all smiles when I held it up and showed the teacher that she recognized the similarity.
The guidance counselor presented a mini lesson on how she helps students with their feelings. The students had to draw a picture of something that makes them happy. Julianna and I talked about her playing ball and she drew some circles and colored them. Mrs. Kaloz asked the students to raise their hands if they wanted to share their picture. She volunteered and was so proud to have the teacher show her work.
Indoor recess was the end of the day. Julianna got her snack and then played with a Lite Brite. Another student, Alison joined her and when I asked her to tell her new friend her name she did. When it was time to leave, Mrs. Nowlan asked the one other student getting picked up to help Julianna to the cafeteria area. Olivia told Julianna that she would teach her English, if Julianna would teach her, her language. It was precious.
Julianna had a very good first day! She located her name in the cubbie area and placed her belongings in her space with one cue. Her table group is "yellow". She joined the class on the rug area and listened and watched all the other students during opening activities(calendar, weather, songs and a story). I sat back from the group and she occasionally would look back at me and give a beautiful smile. I gave her a nod and she turned her attention back to Mrs. Nowlan each time. Toward the end of the activities, she started to stretch out on the floor. Mrs. Nowlan directed her to "sit up" and she quickly responded.
Next was journal time and I did sit next to her to assist with the task. Mrs. Nowlan had made a sentence strip for her to copy the sentence starter as the class copied it from the board. Julianna was very focused on the writing. She was fascinated by the large erasers at her table and methodically erased and brushed the crumbles from her paper. She definitely likes order and is tidy. I did redirect her to her work and told her no more erasing for now.
When she finished her work she chose a puzzle to complete. She did a number puzzle and a Goofy puzzle.
She transitioned easily between activities. Next was computer class, navigating an alphabet activity. She did wear the headset, but really wanted to "type" on the keyboard. She wanted to do the mouse by herself and didn't want my help, but when she kept clicking and opening other items, she did allow me to assist and get back to the site.
The next class activity was letter/sound association, with Mrs. Nowlan showing the class photographs and choral response. Julianna participated and copied the gestures being used without any cueing from anyone!!!! The last photo was a yellow tulip and she pointed to the yellow crayon in the basket. She was all smiles when I held it up and showed the teacher that she recognized the similarity.
The guidance counselor presented a mini lesson on how she helps students with their feelings. The students had to draw a picture of something that makes them happy. Julianna and I talked about her playing ball and she drew some circles and colored them. Mrs. Kaloz asked the students to raise their hands if they wanted to share their picture. She volunteered and was so proud to have the teacher show her work.
Indoor recess was the end of the day. Julianna got her snack and then played with a Lite Brite. Another student, Alison joined her and when I asked her to tell her new friend her name she did. When it was time to leave, Mrs. Nowlan asked the one other student getting picked up to help Julianna to the cafeteria area. Olivia told Julianna that she would teach her English, if Julianna would teach her, her language. It was precious.