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Homework Checklist
Hello teachers! I get a lot of requests for an editable version of my Homework Checklist. When I reformat to make it editable, I lose some of the fonts that I'm able to provide in the PDF version. So, I'm attaching both versions for you to download for free. Have a great school year!
Proud to Begin Another Year Teaching
This is the time of year when, as teachers, we have many responsibilities stacked upon us. During this time, we break away from our own children who we've been able to spend quality time with during the summer, and they have to adjust to seeing much less of us.
It's always a tough adjustment, and during this time of year, I like to remind myself of the things that I love so much about what I do. When I go to trainings or professional development, in preparation for the new year, I'm surrounded by other special education teachers. Without fail, if we're shown a video or photo of a student smiling, I hear gasps and ahhhhs in the audience of teachers. We're all in this together, to see those students smile, engaged and loving school. So to start this school year, I want to share with you a letter that a parent gave me this past June.
To my son's Angel,
How do you thank someone who has changed my son's life...forever? My son came in as a 6th grader. He wanted independence and to be liked by others. But he couldn't. He didn't have the skills. He was inflexible, had poor planning and a high frustration level.
You took him in and taught him flexibility, limitations and self-control. You did it firmly but with love. It was just what he needed. Oh, what a tough job that is!!! Where did you ever find the patience and stamina??
Next, you taught everyone who wanted to help him how to do this best. Time and again, he would be stuck in a class and you would step in. You made visuals and schedules, sent emails and offered advice on how to help him the best. You always worked to find a way through the obstacles and didn't give up. You helped him succeed in his classes and gave him a sense of accomplishment.
You were constantly trying to figure out ways that he COULD be independent. You seemed to always come up with a plan when it didn't seem possible. You could have said no, but you knew how important it was to him. And yet, you also taught him, unfortunately, we all have limitations. You helped him realize that we don't always get what we want. That is a tough lesson to teach.
You helped my husband and I have better parenting skills. You taught us how to manage his frustrations, give him directions and direct him towards the goal. The lessons you have taught us and the guidance of when to assist, when to stand firm, and when to let go are invaluable. We will continue to use them.
And most importantly, you were his "safe space." He knew you were always there for him when he needed help. This was true when he was proud, frustrated or sad. He was so comfortable with you, he would even come to you when he knew he was wrong and in trouble!
So again, how do you thank someone who has helped turn your little boy into a person who will succeed and become an independent person? How do you thank someone who has given him skills of planning, flexibility, ownership, self-control and pride?
How does it feel to know you have changed one person's entire future? I am not exaggerating. Through the past three years, you have been the most instrumental person in his life! I cannot think of anyone who has helped him more. I have always said, God sent us an angel. You will always be an angel in our eyes.
I am so sorry to say goodbye. With unbelievable gratitude.
So, I proudly say congratulations to my students who are beginning a new journey in high school. I will miss all of you, and I know that you will make your mark on the world in your own special way.
To my new students, I say welcome to your new adventure. I'm going to build you a home away from home. I'm going to constantly be learning from you, and based on that, I'm going to set my expectations just high enough to challenge you. I'm looking forward to turning you into team players.
You will be the biggest part of my life for the next three years, and I will honor your time. It's not always going to be easy, and sometimes you won't be happy about things, but that's okay. You are all going to succeed to the best of your abilities because we care about your success, and we're doing everything we can to get you there! Welcome to my class.
It's always a tough adjustment, and during this time of year, I like to remind myself of the things that I love so much about what I do. When I go to trainings or professional development, in preparation for the new year, I'm surrounded by other special education teachers. Without fail, if we're shown a video or photo of a student smiling, I hear gasps and ahhhhs in the audience of teachers. We're all in this together, to see those students smile, engaged and loving school. So to start this school year, I want to share with you a letter that a parent gave me this past June.
To my son's Angel,
How do you thank someone who has changed my son's life...forever? My son came in as a 6th grader. He wanted independence and to be liked by others. But he couldn't. He didn't have the skills. He was inflexible, had poor planning and a high frustration level.
You took him in and taught him flexibility, limitations and self-control. You did it firmly but with love. It was just what he needed. Oh, what a tough job that is!!! Where did you ever find the patience and stamina??
Next, you taught everyone who wanted to help him how to do this best. Time and again, he would be stuck in a class and you would step in. You made visuals and schedules, sent emails and offered advice on how to help him the best. You always worked to find a way through the obstacles and didn't give up. You helped him succeed in his classes and gave him a sense of accomplishment.
You were constantly trying to figure out ways that he COULD be independent. You seemed to always come up with a plan when it didn't seem possible. You could have said no, but you knew how important it was to him. And yet, you also taught him, unfortunately, we all have limitations. You helped him realize that we don't always get what we want. That is a tough lesson to teach.
You helped my husband and I have better parenting skills. You taught us how to manage his frustrations, give him directions and direct him towards the goal. The lessons you have taught us and the guidance of when to assist, when to stand firm, and when to let go are invaluable. We will continue to use them.
And most importantly, you were his "safe space." He knew you were always there for him when he needed help. This was true when he was proud, frustrated or sad. He was so comfortable with you, he would even come to you when he knew he was wrong and in trouble!
So again, how do you thank someone who has helped turn your little boy into a person who will succeed and become an independent person? How do you thank someone who has given him skills of planning, flexibility, ownership, self-control and pride?
How does it feel to know you have changed one person's entire future? I am not exaggerating. Through the past three years, you have been the most instrumental person in his life! I cannot think of anyone who has helped him more. I have always said, God sent us an angel. You will always be an angel in our eyes.
I am so sorry to say goodbye. With unbelievable gratitude.
So, I proudly say congratulations to my students who are beginning a new journey in high school. I will miss all of you, and I know that you will make your mark on the world in your own special way.
To my new students, I say welcome to your new adventure. I'm going to build you a home away from home. I'm going to constantly be learning from you, and based on that, I'm going to set my expectations just high enough to challenge you. I'm looking forward to turning you into team players.
You will be the biggest part of my life for the next three years, and I will honor your time. It's not always going to be easy, and sometimes you won't be happy about things, but that's okay. You are all going to succeed to the best of your abilities because we care about your success, and we're doing everything we can to get you there! Welcome to my class.
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