Teaching in the Foods 12 class, I also assisted students who had challenges outside of the classroom as we found ways to navigate the school curriculum and enjoy the process and projects they were making . Some of my students had IEP’s while others worked with an aid. Please enjoy a selection from my practicum reflection:
“The Foods 12 class is always enjoyable. Highlights from my classes with them, were centred on connecting. J— did a great job assisting me with the demo. I spoke with her SEA and she was supportive of my working with J–. During our first class together a few weeks ago, J— needed some time to regroup and left the classroom. After a few moments, I asked Theresa, the SEA, if I could go talk with her. J— and I sat on the steps and I asked her to take deep breaths with me. We chatted briefly about her being a part of the class, and how she was important to it, and she came back to join us. Again she found her rhythm and resumed making a valuable contribution by her presence.
Another day, she was feeling “fuzzy” as she described it, and not in a place to cook. As journaling was part of an activities she participated in with Resource Room staff, it was a natural fit as an alternative exercise. The supplies were handy so I asked her to journal in our Food Travels Scrapbook. She settled down to does just that. In a few minutes she was calm and focused. Seeing her joyful self, brought a smile to my face. I continued with the Sambal beans lab with the rest of the class. The lab went well and had a good pacing. Students took a few pictures of their work and Ms Jung’s class was cake decorating on the other side of the room. We have a photo to mark my time working with her, both sharing a class and as she mentors me.”
Sample of Scrapbook:
ARTIFACT:
Having had the benefit of EPSE 317 with Dr.Lara El Khatib, I enhanced my knowledge around a variety of students needs and exceptionalities. This introduction has fostered greater awareness as I prepare to adapt the curriculum to a variety of students. As the Home Economics program tends to attract a range of students, I can see the direct relevance to my teaching practice. If interested, take a peak….