Changes

The time after Christmas flew by and here we are almost into March!  We have been busy in the classroom.  I got a new student with pFASD, which was a new situation for me and another that has been identified with pFASD as well as ADHD, so I have been doing lots of research and reading as well as doing evaluations of my classroom and teaching style.  It's hard when you have to take a really hard look at yourself and what you do.  I was pleased when I had to make very few tweaks to my routines and style, especially when we are already so far into the year.  A resource that I have found really helpful has been POPFASD.  They have some good videos and articles that help explain FASD and tips of what can help in the classroom.
With these two students I am able to have an EA in my room for the first time.  I have had her for only a week, but already I can tell we are a good fit and having her around has already made a big difference.  The kids that need the constant attention and prompting are getting it and I can see all those kids that I don't usually get to on a regular basis.  I know that I try really hard to get to those "middle of the road" kids that don't need a lot of help and follow all the routines, but realistically, it's impossible when 4 or 5 kids are in constant need of attention and/or assistance.  There's one of me and 20 of them, and it can be difficult.  Now I feel like I have a chance.