This morning I had the privilege of doing ice breaker games with special needs students.  I started off with reading the bulletin and attendance. I wanted to energize the tired students so I did a “sit down” game.  This was fun because there only turned out to be 2 winners but I gave chocolate to all students anyway.  They all deserved chocolate for participating!

I then proceeded to learn their names and interests.  I used images from an old calendar and had them choose their favourite picture.  I went around the table to ask them to say their name and why they chose the picture they did.  The purpose of the exercise was to encourage them to talk about themselves and to share this with others.  After that, it was revealed that they had to leave half an hour earlier than I originally planned.  I decided to just do the fun activities.  I asked if they would be interested in doing Art trivia and they said yes!

I found a list of “easier” art questions and one of the students got nearly all of them right!  Super impressive.  She even impressed my SA and the other special needs workers.  Who knew she was so brilliant?  After the trivia, I had each of them contribute to a collaborative drawing.  Each of them had about a minute or two to draw something on the paper.  Afterwards, I put the collaborative drawing up in the room.

My second class was a ceramics class.  This was also an introduction day.  I could sense from the beginning I was going to face resistance from some of the children. There were eye rolls, whispers, and stares while I spoke.  Someone went so far as to alter my name on the outline I gave him/her.  I began to feel uneasy and wanted to hide but I couldn’t.  I knew that I had to keep my composure and bear on.  I must not waver.  After a week and a half of “holding it in”, I released all my emotions after the class was over.  I was feeling emotionally drained and stressed from all the planning and lack of sleep.  I spoke to my SA and she said I needed to take care of myself.  The most important thing was to realize that I am doing my best, that I show confidence, and to not take things personally.  What affected me more than anything was the supposed teasing from a particular group of students.  I could sense they were unhappy with my approach to art making.  I don’t want to disappoint but how do I keep going?

I spoke to another student teacher from a different program and she too was feeling like bursting into tears.  We shared stories and explained that we are in this together.  It is a learning experience and that’s all it is.  I will take my SA’s advice and sleep earlier.  I know that without proper rest, I have difficulty functioning.  And with that, I will call it a night.