Who is the teacher?

Twenty six years ago I walked into my first classroom thinking I was the teacher and from me the students had much to learn.  I quickly realized, however, though I was the one labeled "teacher," the students had many "lessons" to teach me.

Some of the most significant lessons were ones I didn't even recognize while they were being taught.  Many of these lessons were taught to me by Pete.  When I met Pete, he was a senior enrolled in one of my classes.  Due to a degenerative disease, Pete used a power wheelchair and relied on others for most daily functions.  

At the time, Pete's stated goal was to graduate high school with an Honor Diploma.  What Pete accomplished is so much more.  Despite a diagnosis that left little room for optimism, Pete pursued his goal with an admirable determination.  As a first year teacher, I frequently found myself relying on Pete's positive attitude to lift my spirits.  I could always count on Pete to have a smile on his face, enjoying the moment, lifting the spirits of those around him.

Pete taught me that joy is found in simple, everyday moments.  Be thankful for what you have.  Time spent focused on what you don't have is wasted.  Pete's pursuit and attainment of his goal was a lesson on persevering through overwhelming circumstances; his positive, joy filled attitude was a model of character and hope.

At our annual high school academic awards night, a scholarship is given in Pete's memory.  Each year I am humbled and honored by the request of his family to share some of Pete's story and to announce the recipient of this scholarship.  Twenty-six years after meeting Pete, he is still touching my heart and teaching me lessons on living.

Trey

Look Who's Talking by guest blogger Fancying 4th

In the past I've always considered teaching point of view difficult.  I always felt like my students were giving me the blank look.  This year I was determined to help them understand "who is talking".  My quest included calling on the expertise of my favorite graphic designer who happens to be my twin sister and best friend.  She is the mother of a special needs child, former teacher, and a design genius.

Together we created a poster and titled it "Look Who's Talking".  It has helped make teaching point of view a breeze.

Look Who's Talking Point of View Poster

First, I sent a PDF of the poster to a local print shop to be enlarged in color.  The poster is displayed in my classroom at a level where students can use it easily.

In addition to the poster, I made black and white copies for each student to place in their interactive writing journals. We glued the mini posters into our notebooks and used them to discuss, highlight and take notes right on the poster.

During class we began a review of point of view for this semester.  I've included the lesson below:

1. Student's opened their interactive writing journal and reviewed the poster by themselves.
2. Next students "taught" 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person to a partner.
3. We shared and discussed the different points of view (key words, examples).
4. Miss Ohmart, our student teacher, read text selections from 3 books.  After each selection Miss Ohmart would direct the students to show her what point of view the text was written in.  The students would indicate the appropriate point of view by raising 1 finger for 1st person, 2 fingers for 2nd person, and 3 fingers for 3rd person.
5. Next the students were given text selections to read and label 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person.
6. Finally, students read an independent reading selection and wrote on a sticky note the author's point of view (to be discussed during conferring).

The poster visual helped make understanding point of view easier for my students. They are becoming experts at determining the author's point of view.

Fancying 4th & Trendy Tech

Valentine Gift Idea

We are loving these cute Valentine gifts.  These editable Valentine bookmarks/name plates can be personalized for each student in your classroom.

Editable Valentine Bookmarks or Desk Name Plates

Are we different?

One of our first challenges raising a special needs child was the transition from the typical baby "stroller" to a pediatric "wheelchair".  We planned our very first Moeller Family Vacation with Trey's family during the summer of 1995 and made arrangements to pick up Trachelle's first wheelchair on our way through St. Louis.  The transition from a stroller to a wheelchair was one of those changes into the unknown that scared us.  It was one of our first steps from normal to "not so normal."  I remember wondering if the new wheelchair would make us different.  What will people think?  How will they look at us?  How will they look at Trachelle?  Will Trachelle be treated differently?  Will our family be treated differently?  Having let my mind wander through the "what ifs," I finally convinced myself that everything would be fine and that I was being silly for thinking things would be so different.

Fast forward a few days...we had arrived at our gulf coast destination; Destin, FL...we had spent our first full day on the beautiful beaches.  Trachelle loved the salty water and was so happy playing in the sugar white sand.  After a full day at the beach we were all ready for some awesome Florida seafood.  We chose a popular seafood restaurant located directly across from our rental condo.  Trachelle looked adorable sitting in her brand new wheelchair.  The frame was raspberry with a bright seat and back with a splash of different colors...kind of a paint brush effect...it was a SHARP looking chair.  I remember crossing the street, convincing myself to suppress my questions about being different.  Surely my fears were unwarranted.  It was a good night, we were all so happy; laughing and joking with each other.  We entered the restaurant and told the hostess we had a party of 8 and one of those 8 was a wheelchair.  No problem...right?

Finally, our name was called and as we entered the restaurant I quickly noticed the change.  Our seat was an oversized booth and Trachelle's wheelchair could only be positioned at the end of the booth...the restaurant's floor plan was obviously not designed for a wheelchair and the wait staff quickly demonstrated their irritation with the inconvenience of a wheelchair being placed in the serving path.  Some of the staff bumped into her chair and passed by in a huff...others made rude comments as they passed.  I was shocked by the way they were acting and was hurt by the treatment we were receiving.  After ordering our food and witnessing several "bumps" to Trachelle's chair, we decided to take her out and hold her until the food arrived; partly to let her stretch but more because I wanted her out of the chair to keep her from getting bumped anymore.  The empty chair next to the booth irritated the staff even more and prompted the manager to ask if he could put her chair in the back.  Trey told him that Trachelle would need to sit in the chair to eat...the manager communicated his displeasure and walked away.  As he left, I could feel the tears forming in my eyes.  I tried and tried to fight them back but it was wasted effort...as the tears rolled down my face, I left the restaurant...yes, my first little pity party.  My fears were coming true...we were "different."  No longer did we fit in.

Our entire family left the restaurant and we shared several tears that night.  Ultimately, we had dinner at a different restaurant and enjoyed spending our time together as a family.  But damage had been done...I will never forget that experience and it's effect on my life.  It was the first of many reminders that life with a special child would be different.

Thank you and FREE printable

It's FEBRUARY and time to think about Valentines Day!  We just uploaded a FREE Editable Valentine Class List in our TpT Store.  It is our way of saying how much we appreciate all you do for your sweet kiddos.

FREE Editable Class List

Your "positive" and "sweet" feedback is very appreciated!

Happy Valentines Day!

Saturday Morning Breakfast

After eating breakfast at McDonalds with Trent yesterday, I started to think that in just a few short months our Saturday morning tradition will be changed.  For many years on Saturday mornings, Trent and I have been getting up and going to eat breakfast together.  Through the years, we have discussed faith, church life, school, academics, sports, girls, schedules, college, family, Trachelle, etc.  Through the years, the topics have changed, the depth of conversation has changed, sometimes the restaurant has changed; things change.  Plans have been made, changed, re-made and changed again. 

Recently, Michelle and I were talking to Trent about how he has been "changed" by the life that his sister has lived.  It was surprising to note that he has no clue how he has been changed by her.  It should have been obvious to me that he wasn't changed, he was molded.  He has no idea what life would have been like without his sister.  He didn't know life before Trachelle, he only knows life with Trachelle.  For almost 18 years now, we have known life with Trachelle and Trent.  In a few months, things will change...again.