Daily Thoughts

My Frame of Reference is important because....

My frame of reference has shaped the person who I have become today. I believe the biggest influence my life has been the people I have surrounded myself with. First and foremost have been my parents, who have given me nothing but positive experiences to mold my beliefs and values. Second has been my group of friends who have all been determined, motivated individuals. They have inspired me to be the best possible person I can be, both personally and professionally.

I believe this is important when it comes to collaboration because I believe that everyone has the ability to be successful. My parents always praised me and encouraged me to do my best, so that is how I try to be as a teacher. I always notice improvements in skill or behaviors when I have praised the child for doing something good. I also believe that my personal frame of reference will help me be a better listener when it comes to collaborating with my colleagues, parents or students. Without a positive attitude, no common goal will ever be reached.  

I believe communication is a the most important part of the collaborative process. Communication is needed on all parts of a team. For example, in an IEP Team, each person has to be able to bring ideas, suggestions or solutions to the table. They need to be able to do this in a clear, efficient manner. While someone is bringing up a new solution, the remainder of the IEP Team should be active listeners. Whether or not the people agree with their solution, they need to be able to give feedback in a positive manner. As a good communicator you should be able to take feedback well. If you always use the one sided, linear approach, people may get lost while you talk and feel intimidated around you. This means you will never get any feedback. Collaboration requires a group of people who are willing to put an effort while communicating.

Communication is an important tool in collaboration because....

I can think of a personal example from the past year of teaching. I was the youngest teacher at the school I taught at. There were multiple times I was spoken down upon. Although it was my first year teaching, I felt more than capable to handle both my physical education classes, as well as administrative duties. There were times when the Principal would delegate duties that were my responsibility to others because she believed I was not capable of them. This made me feel less competent, I will be sure to stand up for myself next year to prove that I am a good member of the collaborative team. 

Collaborative Swimming...

Much like last summer in Chico, I have really enjoyed my time in the pool with students we worked with. My first thoughts of swimming with a child who has a disability is fear. Questions rise in my mind; Will they drown? Will there be toileting issues? Will they be of harm to themselves or others in the pool? Each time I have gone swimming, I have had nothing but positive experiences. The students have far exceeded my expectations in the water.
Swimming with students who have disabilities must be a collaborative process. First it requires the parents trust to allow the educators or aides to take their child into the water. Next it requires much background knowledge of swimming safety given to the children before they even step foot inside the pool facility, this is most likely done by the teacher. After the kids are ready to go, the teachers and aides work together to get their group ready to swim! They have many responsibilities such as changing into bathing suits, sunscreen, and toileting before they can enter the pool. Once they got to the pool the teachers and aides communicated on how they were going to get each child into the pool. Some children were able to get in on their own, while others needed assistance. Once in the water the teachers were constantly communicating with the students and each other. They made sure safety was the number one priority. After reflecting on yesterday's experience, I see how valuable collaboration is a must in an educational setting.
During one of the transfers, I learned a little more about myself. I realized how confident I felt assisting a child during a transfer from her wheel chair into the swimming pool. I do not believe the student felt uncomfortable with the way I was helping her, so that made me feel good! I also realized how great the career that I am pursuing is. Although each job comes with it's difficulties, spending your work day in the water with a great group of kids is an awesome day at work!  

What I think about blogging...
I have really come to like the idea of blogging! As a product of the Millennial Era, I have grown up being hooked onto technology. As hard as I try not to, I am constantly looking up things on my iPhone, checking facebook and instagram and NOW browsing around my classmates blogs!

I believe that it is important to step outside of our comfort zones and create something that will soon be the norm of our future. Blogging is bound to be a popular resource amongst professionals. I also like it for personal use, because I can now organize my own resources, thoughts and upcoming projects via the internet. As long as I have internet, I am always able to check on this and update it, even if I am not on my own computer! A colleague of mine, Erica, has created a great blog about her experiences being a Physical Education Teacher, and her journey on becoming an Adapted Physical Eduction Teacher, check it out at http://apechico.blogspot.com/ I have also enjoyed reading Luz's blog at http://alifeinprogressatchico.blogspot.com/  

Diversity...

As a GPE Teacher, I think it is extremely important to consider diversity. I think I have learned a lot this past year by teaching in the Bay Area. Each of my classes consists of all different cultures and backgrounds. At one of my schools, the majority of my students spoke Spanish as their first language, if Spanish was not their first language, they were learning how to speak it. As a non Spanish speaker, I had to be very conscious of the language I used. I always made sure to have my cues of each skill written in English and Spanish. I also taught dances that were relevant to their culture. I had the students demonstrate many different Latin American Dances, that they have learned in After School Programs or family events.

I think different types of learners also contribute to diversity. For example, the different ability levels students have. As a teacher, it is important to recognize that all students learn at different paces, and are capable of different skills. Modifications and accommodations are always encouraged by the general and adapted physical education teacher. Next year, one of my personal goals is to embrace diversity in my classes even more. I would love to teach more cultural activities and games. These ideas can come from the students during the first part of school. I am sure they will appreciate my consideration and allow them to create the curriculum!