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:

Individualized Education Plan

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….

Here are the accounts of my first experienced navigating my Grade 8 Applied Skills, Textile  classroom:

The Great 8’s are my pride and joy as they continue to grow me as a teacher. They are rambunctious and bright. As Mrs. W said, a number of the boys are also very immature for their age. Yet they are eager to learn, and I am trying a number of creative methods and standard classroom management tools. The students are listening, doing a solid clean-up and for the most part, doing the task at hand. I will continue efforts to keep them on task.

In the Great 8 class, a few of the boys mentor the others and assist them, while three additional boys require extra assignment, as they are ahead of the pack. I am developing mini projects they can do semi-independently when done the day’s lesson.

At one point, one of the students mentioned we should have music in the class and I said. Yes, classical music (calming) they all looked at each other and I, and we laughed. I think they had other music in mind!

And the following week….

My Great 8’s are a source of pride this week, as they continue to grow me into being a better teacher. I had two very good classes with them and plan to finish strong promoting their success. We got a lot done today and they were on task. It was very rewarding. A number of students rose to the occasion. As I guide them, and manage them as teacher and team captain, we are meeting our goals. If we keep this up, super-do! S has become an indispensable leader in the class assisting his other classmates. M is doing quality work and grow his confidence. I work with him, however I see he is capable and encourage his independence. Again it is the person, and adapting their abilities to the task at hand. Thanks to Mrs. W for being part of the team too! And for her tips.

In the end, the students completed the boxer shorts, learned something about textiles and sewing and more importantly, gained new awareness and confidence about themselves and others. Walking down the hallway hearing ‘Hi Miss Q! and knowing they are well on their way, testing their teachers and their wings. It makes me smile.

On the last day of my practicum, we all enjoyed ice cream cones as a treat before I said, “good-bye!”