God Is Always at the Center

 God Is Always at the Center

So today I want to share a story with you from a few weeks back. I spent a lot of yesterday writing and feeling compelled again to share with you my thoughts, in hopes (as usual) it might help someone else get through a difficult time, or just help you recharge a bit. I'm not sure if I've shared this with you all before, but I've always had this desire to write a book. It's been something I've wanted to do ever since I was young, but have not shared it much with others. But as the years have passed and I get older I've felt more compelled that maybe someday it will come true. So my point is, if I shared with you what I wrote last night it might not make sense because you're missing some of the pieces from the beginning. Now I know that "Mrs. L's Cozy Corner" focuses mostly on education, or that's my goal to help share with you tips and tricks on education. However that's not all that I am. I'm not just a teacher right? I'm also a Mother, Wife, Daughter, Friend, Christian, and well I'm ME. So you'll at times also hear about those other aspects of my life. Today isn't so much about me as a teacher, but some of this you can take and put towards that as well. So here's today's thoughts for you.

About 2 months back I had a moment with my son that made me stop and think a bit about God and how he's always at the center of our world and lives. I had woken up and walked downstairs to find my dog had gotten into the trash...again. I stood in my kitchen cleaning up the trash spewed all over the floor and my older son started to talk to me about some things on his mind. We often have our one to one talks and it’s one of my favorite things we share. I hope with all my heart that he always comes to me with “stuff” no matter what it is. See this is something I often did with my father growing up. We'd sit in the garage talking about life events. It really helped me get through some tough times as a teen and young adult. We still have those talks today.  

This time we were discussing soccer (which is most often the topic), and his friends, and what this year is going to look like for him playing both Middle School soccer as well as his 5th and 6th grade team. As we were talking about all of life’s “problems” for an 11 almost 12 year old it hit me how God’s lessons are at the ground floor of everything. He’s truly our foundation. During our conversation we discussed how this year for my son the focus isn’t so much about building his soccer skills, but it's about a time for him to learn how to be a leader, to be patient with others, and to help guide and teach others on his team that may be less experienced. It's about sharing his love and knowledge of soccer with others. In this moment I saw how much God is always present in what we’re teaching our children. In this moment my purpose wasn’t to talk to him about God and his teachings, but he ended up there anyhow. God in that moment was talking through me to my son about what he’s seeking from him in this time of his life. 

TJ is truly a great kid, but at times he struggles with being patient with others that are having difficulty. Especially when it's something that comes easily to him. The night prior I had watched him and his teammates turn around after finishing their run and go back to help and support a friend and teammate finish the course. They went as a team to run alongside a teammate as he pushed to finish up his run. They worked together to support one another and encourage one another. These are the moments I’m most proud of.

Even the smallest of moments throughout our lives, God is always at the core of our journey. He’s the foundation that we build upon. He’s at the center of each struggle with the purpose of teaching us a new lesson. We just have to slow down to see what that lesson may be. We often forget in the hustle and bustle of life that our "Teacher" is always most silent during a test. You see our father doesn't speak loudly, he speaks to us softly and we just need to listen to those whispers.

 

 You see today's blog isn't some crazy life event, it's not some amazingly compelling story, it was just a small moment in our day, but a moment that was pretty impactful. In that moment I was talking to TJ about the importance of what God is trying to do through him. It was a moment that wasn't about him, but about others, about his team. If we didn't stop to listen in that moment we could have missed an important lesson. 

I have struggled at times with what to share with you. I at times am looking for this big moment, this big story, this amazing "Aha!" moment, but then I realized that sometimes it's the small moments that have the most impact. My students and my children are often making me stop and look at those small moments. I want you to try and do the same. Stop and Listen. Take a moment to see what is at the core of your struggles and your successes. That is when you see God the most. That is when you see your true purpose. Don't forget that! 

Much Love! xoxo

Overcoming Fears-Living with Selective Mutism

As parents we see the struggles our children face every day. Who knows our children better than us really? Not only in my personal life, but in my profession as a special education teacher as well, I see children climb those invisible mountains. However, nothing pulls at your heartstrings more than watching your child face struggles that are naked to the eye and knowing how hard it is for them. But then, that one day, that day that you watch your child finally climb that mountain and break through those walls is truly a feeling like no other.

I want to share with you today something that I've not spoke much of to people outside of our family or our close circle. Really only our family, closest friends, and son's teachers know that he was diagnosed about a year ago with Selective Mutism. Maybe because many don't even know what it is. You'll hear people say "oh well that's just him choosing not to talk", or " oh he's just shy", but in reality it's so much more than that. Selective Mutism is just starting to break the surface with people becoming aware of this anxiety disorder. Many think because it has to do with talking that it is a speech and language disability, however it is a severe anxiety disorder. This is why today I've decided to share with you the struggles my son faces to start bringing awareness to others, but also (as always) I want to share with other parents. I want others to know that we are our child's advocates and that by being silent to "protect"our children in all reality isn't protecting them. The more we talk, share, confide, and support one another it's in return going to help our children. Awareness brings strength.

So let's start by going back to the beginning. 
When my youngest was in preschool I started having concerns about his activeness in school, difficulty sitting still, focusing, and  sensory seeking behaviors. I would talk to others about this, however I always got the "he's a boy", "he'll settle down eventually", "he's just busy" and all the other phrases I'm sure you've heard. However, deep down I knew in my gut that there was more. I for a while listened to others and didn't go with my gut. Which now I'm regretting, however we did eventually get somewhere. Fast forward three years, many tears and stressful nights, OT evaluations, PT evaluations, hearing tests, doctor's appointments, psychologist appointments, specialists, school evaluations, and referral meetings my son was finally diagnosed with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety. I thought finally we have our answers and can start doing what is needed to help him. We tried for a while to go the no medication route, however he still struggled and was falling further behind in his school work and academics. My husband and I made the difficult decision to try medication. This....this was the hardest decision we've had to make to date. I cried....and cried...and cried. I did not want to give my son medication every day. He's still so little. "Am I a horrible Mom?" I thought to myself. But what broke my heart was my child coming home, in tears, crying that school is too hard. That he was always getting in trouble. That he couldn't do it. That he had no friends. When your child's heart is breaking you have to do something. I thought for us...for him we had to try it. 

After various appointments with his doctor, a therapist, and a psychiatrist we decided on what medication to try. After a few weeks he came home smiling. He was happy. He was starting to excel in school, and HE COULD READ!! I was so beyond proud of this little boy. 
So you're thinking "what about the Selective Mutism?" Well you see it came a bit later. Zachary had started doing well in school, he was in first grade at this point and just started medication. His teacher's hadn't thought too much of him not talking at school because he was so busy and unfocused. However, now that Zachary was able to focus better and had started to progress in his school work his teacher started noticing he wasn't talking much. We started discussing it at parent teacher conferences and monitoring it. We discussed ways to prepare him to share at show and tell, or I could discuss with him before hand what was going to happen at school to maybe help him prepare. None of this was working . He'd get all excited to bring in a show and tell and share at school but then when I asked him later on if he shared he would say no. I was then starting to put pieces together. I was noticing how at home he wasn't talking to unfamiliar people that would come over, he'd not talk out at stores or restaurants, and he'd hide a birthday parties when there was a lot of people he didn't know. So I than reached out to his doctor and a few other specialists. We were able to quickly get in to see a highly recommended neurologist. She referred us to a specialist in Selective Mutism. I started researching Selective Mutism and started to see this is was the missing piece. This was what my gut was telling me. 

After seeing the specialist for Zachary's evaluation he was diagnosed. This then started our journey in understanding this piece of our child and helping others know how to work with him. Many think that Selective Mutism is a speech and language disorder but it's actually a sub category of anxiety. Selective Mutism is defined through the Selective Mutism Association as "Selective mutism (SM), formerly called elective mutism, is best understood as a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child or adolescent’s inability to speak in one or more social settings (e.g., at school, in public places, with adults) despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings (e.g., at home with family)." Despite this definition stating that it is seen in children and adolescents it is also seen in adults. As we moved forward from finally having a diagnosis we met with his teacher and the special education teacher to adjust his 504 plan to reflect his new diagnosis and how within the school setting we can best meet his needs. 

Zachary with our support has begun to feel more comfortable in certain social situations. Last year he had an amazing teacher that worked well with him and accommodated him throughout the school year to build up his confidence in speaking in larger groups. She was open to learning about his needs and listening to suggestions. This made a world of difference for Zachary and us. Which brings us to today. 2 months ago Zachary started karate classes. When he first started he was so nervous despite his excitement for his new adventure. We started with a one on one class to ease him into being in a larger group. I felt this would build his confidence and he could get adjusted to the surroundings and his new Sensai. Over the past 2 months Zachary has been working so hard. I've seen a passion in him for this sport that I've not seen before. He was first so nervous to talk or "Ki I" when they punch or kick, but he now has started to develop a voice and a new sense of confidence. He's becoming more in control of his body, and learning so much so quickly. Just last week he had his first belt test where he was tested on the 5 combinations/skills he's learned. He was taken into a back room with the Master (whom  he's never met) and was evaluated on his skills. As I watched from afar through the window I was filled with nerves and had tears streaming down my face. I saw my little boy that has been so anxious over the years stand so confidently. A boy that was afraid to speak to others that are unfamiliar was speaking and performing with confidence and assertion. I could not have forseen this 2 years ago, but now he has found something that is helping him control his impulses and learning how to cope with his anxious feelings. The Selective Mutism hasn't gone away, but we're learning how to help him realize that he doesn't have to be afraid. That he is strong, smart, confident, and an amazing little boy. 

As parents we are going to face many challenges with our children. We are going to be put in situations we could never anticipate. I never expected when my little boy was born 5 weeks early that I'd be facing these challenges down the road. I sometimes feel that it's more difficult having a child with a disability that is invisible to the eye because people often look at them as misbehaving or naughty because they can't see the struggles they are facing on the inside. I've learned that in these situations I need to be patient, speak with confidence to support my child and educate those that don't know. I've learned how to be strong when I didn't think I could be. I've learned to be an advocate for my children when others wont be. I've learned to trust my gut over the years when I knew there was more and others thought I was crazy. I've learned that my children will take me on one of the most difficult journeys in my life, but will give me the most incredible rewards. 

~xoxo 
Mrs. L

* Writing My Eulogy*

As I sit here on this Saturday morning with my cup of coffee in my favorite pink Valentine's mug, a candle burning, my book The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren sitting next to me, my boys sleeping, and the snow beginning to slowly fall outside I'm thinking of a training I did the other day by Craig Holiday. He asked us to write our own Eulogy. At first I thought it sounded a little grim, however the more he spoke of WHY this was important it really inspired me. Have you ever really thought of what others would say of you if you were no longer here tomorrow. I don't mean how they would judge you, but how your life would look through their eyes. What would you have accomplished? What type of person would others say you were? Who's life would you have touched? Would you have made a difference? What impact and legacy will you leave behind?

As I sat and thought about this I had all these thoughts run through my head. I decided in that moment that I wanted to write my own Eulogy. That I wanted to put Pen to paper (or keys to a keyboard in this sense) and write down what I want the rest of my life to look like. The person that I want to strive to be. I want to share my struggles and my story and where I want it to go from this day forward. Now it's not that I'm not happy with how my life is now. I have a wonderful husband that I love deeply and that loves me. He's always supported me in my crazy ideas and goals that I've set for myself. We have two incredibly amazing little boys. A home that we're raising our children in, and live in a town with amazing friends. We have supportive families, and jobs that provide us with what we need for our family. I've accomplished my goal of graduating with my Masters Degree and I'm working in the field of Special Education. I've also started a business that I can do from home where I can help others in feeling their absolute best through teaching them about living a healthy lifestyle, something I'm passionate about. This business also helps in providing more towards my family. However, I have always felt that there is so much more out there. I've always felt that I can DO MORE. I've always had this burning feeling inside that I can make a difference in the lives of others. So I got to thinking how...

I've written 2 Eulogies in my time so far. I stood up and spoke and shared my thoughts about two of my grandparents. It's an amazing thing to reflect back on someones life and share how they've impacted the lives of others and share what they accomplished in their lifetime. It is really therapeutic and an amazing way to cope with the loss of someone. But it gets you to thinking what are others going to say about me. How have I impacted the lives of those around me and my loved ones. I don't want them saying that my past struggles affected my future. I want to leave this world with people saying I was an amazing mother. I want people to think that I was a supportive wife that loved my husband with my whole heart. I want others to say that I was caring and inspiring and hard working. That I inspired others to be their best self and supported them in reaching their dreams. Have you ever thought of writing your own eulogy? Have you ever thought deeply what you wanted YOUR life to look like? What you wanted to accomplish in your life and have others share about you? It really gets you to think doesn't it? It makes you stop and reflect on what can I do over the rest of my life to make a difference? As Rick Warren wrote in the first 4 words of his book "It's not about you."...It's not. Our lives are a reflection of the lives of others that we've touched. When we're gone no one is going to talk about what we've done in our lives for ourselves, they're going to talk about what we've done for others. They're going to talk about how we've impacted the lives of those around us and what we've done to change the course of their lives. They're going to speak of how we are giving, loving, caring, kind, and supportive. They're going to talk about what we did to raise up those around us and help them be successful and reach their goals. As a mother I want them to speak of what I did for my children and how I worked hard to give them the best life possible. I want them to talk about how I was strong in standing up for what my kids needed through their life. I want them to talk about how I supported my husband in reaching his dreams and helping him care for our family. I want them to speak of the strong, passionate, endless love we shared through both good times and bad. I want them to see how I was a Special Education Teacher and worked tirelessly as a mother and full time preschool teacher to complete my degree so that I can help students with special needs be successful in school and get them the supports they needed to learn along side their peers. I want them to talk about my strong Faith in God and how it carried me through my life. I want to connect with other women and mothers and help them feel inspired to make their lives the best they can for their families and their children. I want them to talk of what I did to make a difference in this world.

So I want you to do something. I want you to start today thinking about how you can make a difference in this world. How are you going to make an impact and leave behind a legacy. How are you going to change the lives of others around you? Think today about how you can reach your personal goals in life and in the process touch the lives of those around you. Think hard about how you're going to move forward in your life and leave a lasting impact. What will your Eulogy say about you someday? Will it say that you changed the lives of others? Will it say that you left a footprint in the sand? Will it say that you had passion? Will it say that you LIVED?

Much Love <3 

* I Want To Be The Woman You Think I Am*

The other day I was driving in my car listening to Carrie Underwood's Storyteller CD when her song "The Girl You Think I Am" started playing. Now I've never really listened to the words before, which is surprising because music is something that always truly touches my soul. I always listen to the words and often make connections to the lyrics. I'm totally that girl that you see driving down the road sobbing as I listen to a song. So I'm surprised that this was the first time that her lyrics really hit a cord with me. Have you ever listened to the lyrics of this song? Well the other day I started tearing up, because this song is like it was pulled from my heart.

"You think I'm strong, you think I'm fearless
Even when I'm, I'm at my weakest
You always see the best in me when I can't
I wanna be the girl you think I am
*
I got my flaws and I've got regrets
And I know there's more on the road ahead
When I wonder if I'll ever measure up

* 

Cause you think I'm brave, and you think I'm beautiful
You think that I can do the impossible
You always see the best in me when I can't
I wanna be the girl you think I am

*

Cause you think I'm strong, and you think I'm fearless
Even when I'm, I'm at my weakest
You believe in me; yeah, you're my biggest fan"

Above is not the entire song, however it's the words that touch my soul deep inside because I often think of how much I want to be the woman that everyone things I am. I'm so often told how I'm so strong, how I'm fearless and attack things head on, how I'm beautiful, and brave. Growing up I was the one that people thought had no fear and just went for things in life, however that is so far from the truth. It may look like that on the outside, however on the inside I'm riddled with fear, anxiety, and stress. I always over think things in my head and worry until I make myself sick, however others don't see that. My head is ALWAYS swimming with the fear of "what if". This song took the words right out of my mouth. I WANT to be that person. I want to be the person that is fearless, that is strong when things are tough, that is brave and goes out to chase my dreams, that can do the IMPOSSIBLE!

 Do you ever feel this way too? Do you ever wish and dream to be the person that others believe you are. I feel so many of us put on this front, this disguise to make things appear more than they are. I mean isn't that what social media is? A platform for us to make out lives look so magnificent and perfect, but on the other side of that computer screen is reality. Is where the fears, struggles, and self doubts lie? Where we all look at the lives of others and think "I wish I had there life". I wont lie, I've done it. But then I remind myself, there life is only what they show me. That they have their struggles, their fear,s and their self doubts too. 

I guess that's why I love to write. I vowed this year to do more writing and I decided to do it here on my blog to share with others because so often we believe others lives are so amazing, like that saying "the grass is always greener on the other side." Well honestly it's not. We all face the same problems in life no matter where we are. We all fear failure, don't believe enough in ourselves and what we're capable of, and don't believe we're beautiful enough. Carrie's song reminded me of that. But it also reminded me that I need to focus more on believing in me. In believing that God has made me strong. That I am beautiful, and that I am capable of achieving ANY dream that I set my mind to. That in this life he has given me the power to not only make my dreams come true, but to help others believe enough in themselves to also make their dreams a reality. That with support, motivation, encouragement, and love together we can crush our goals in life. 

I want to be a mother that my boys look at when their older and say "We are Proud of you Mom". I want my boys to look at me and say she did everything she could to give me the best life possible. Each one of us have self doubts. I think it's what keeps us humble. It's what doesn't allow our heads to get too big and over confident. But we have to have enough confidence and belief in ourselves to know that with hard work, dedication, and hustle we can do what God has put us on this earth to do. To serve. 

~Much Love <3

*You have a purpose--Keep pushing through *

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Sunday. This week I've been doing a lot of self reflecting and growth through personal development. Over the past few weeks I've been reading my devotionals and listening to some audios from some great speakers on self motivation and drive. There has been one constant thread that has carried through this week in my readings and through the speakers...God. God has spoken to me loudly through each message. The common thread I've heard is that he's put each of us here for a reason. We each have our own special purpose. Not one of us is put on this planet by accident. Each of us has a deeper purpose to make a change in this world whatever that may be.

I shared a post this yesterday morning on my social media accounts and it really got me thinking; which then in turn compelled me to sit and put my thoughts on paper (or well my blog). I feel that these words and messages aren't just for me, but for you all to hear. Maybe that's silly, but I just couldn't move on without sharing. So maybe, just maybe it will make a difference for even one person today.

What I want you all to know is that you need to keep pushing. Keep pushing through your struggles and those bumps in the road. Through life their will be set backs, but you have to keep moving forward. Keep putting your head down and have FAITH that you will get to where you are meant to be. We all have those times throughout our journey when things get tough, but that is when you are learning the most. Think of Corinthians 12:9 "power made perfect in weakness". God puts challenges in our life to help us grow, to help us believe in ourselves, to help build up our strength so that we have a story to tell. We ALL have our own stories. We all have our own journeys that are not just meant to help us grow, but to share with others to help THEM grow too. God has put each one of us here to help teach one another his way, his word, and his purpose. Through sharing our stories we make HIM stronger. But we need to LISTEN, we need to hear his words and share his words through our words.

We need to remember something though. That this all takes time. It doesn't happen over night, it doesn't happen in a week or a month, it happens over years of constant work, dedication, time, and belief. Our journeys are exactly that, a journey because through trials and tribulations we all grow. We can't grow and learn when everything is easy. We grow from difficult times because those difficulties teach us a lesson and grow our story and inner self. If you think back in your life when did you learn the most? What made the biggest impact on your life. It was those times that you were at your lowest. But, you're not going to learn from that if you keep a negative mindset. You need to look at it with a positive mind and open heart, because THAT is what will bring through the lesson that God is trying to teach you.

Here is a little story for you. So a few years ago I started my journey as a Beachbody Coach. I was on a team with some nice people that were providing me with training and teaching me the basics of how to help others through Beachbody. However, in the 2 years I worked with them it didn't feel right. Something just didn't fit. I kept trying to push through, but as I got further into finishing up my Masters Degree and becoming a certified Special Education Teacher my coaching business fell to the wayside and I ended up closing my business. I then got a job teaching in an elementary school, working with children with special needs which has always been a big dream of mine, and was settled back into a normal routine. However, in that time I was pushing so much to do my best at my job I started neglecting myself. I was stressed, I was tired, and I wasn't taking care of me. I then saw an old classmate sharing about her journey as a coach. I had this little voice, this nagging feeling...this calling to start coaching again. So I reached out to her, we started talking, and I started to coach again. I started to share my journey again. I then had a friend ask about starting a program and drinking Shakeology. As I met more of my new teammates on this new team this common thread came back. God. They all have this strong Faith and belief  in God. They all feel that he's called them to this journey to help others. To inspire them to grow and be their best self. I felt now I was in the right place. Because like me they all believe they've been called to help others grow. To motivate and inspire them to share their journeys and their messages with others to help people change their lives through self love, self growth, and healthy living.

I'm sharing this with you today because I wouldn't have been brought to where I am today, to these people with the same vision and passion, if I hadn't realized before that where I was wasn't where I was meant to be. They were all great people, however our vibe wasn't the same. They had the same goal to share their story, however we want to do it differently and that's okay. What's important is to remember that had I not fallen off my path a little bit I wouldn't have found these amazing women that have now helped me feel like my best self. I wouldn't have found them and reignited my love for teaching and fitness. Two of my passions. We have to have struggles and failures through life to find triumph and growth. But....yes...but it all takes time. So don't be afraid of the journey and the time that it takes for you to grow. Enjoy that journey. Embrace it. Because it is what is going to make you who you are today, tomorrow, and years from now.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phillippians 4:13)

Gods Love,

~Chrissy

"So You're Not Really Teaching..."

"So you're not really teaching..."--That is what someone said to me recently when talking with them about my teaching position as a Special Education Teacher for students with severe cognitive disabilities. I have been an early childhood education teacher for over 12 years and have my Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Over the past year I worked in a few Elementary Schools as a substitute teacher and Long Term Substitute for Special Education. This past summer I was hired to work as a Special Education Teacher in a somewhat self contained classroom with students with severe cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other health impairments. The students I work with are truly amazing and make me smile every day. Honestly it's my dream job. However, when I recently was sharing my excitement about my new position with someone I've known for years, this person said to me "So you're not really teaching these students...". Needless to say I was beyond stunned. I was stunned because this is a person I've known for a long period of time, this person has worked with kids for many years, is a mother, and has children that receive special education services for their disabilities. I looked at this person and said "actually I am teaching these students, despite that they have a one to one aide." Then I stopped myself because I didn't want to get into a very heated discussion. However, since that day the comment has really been bothering me.

As a Special Education teacher I wear many hats. My job entails more than writing lesson plans, teaching my class, and correcting papers. Most people don't realize all that encompasses a Special Education Teacher/Case Managers job. I shouldn't feel as though I need to justify myself, but this isn't just for me, it's also for all the other Special Education teachers that are often not understood. For the past 3 days I have been working on putting together schedules for all my assistants and students. I've been making sure that all their needs are going to be met per their IEP's, and that they'll receive the education and services that they need, and that they will see the specialists to receive services. I have been collaborating with specialists and teachers through email. Special education teachers work very hard to make sure that they are not only "educating" their students when they work with them but they are also working tirelessly to make sure that they are receiving the best education they can. My students work very hard every day to learn skills that are more difficult for them to learn than a typically developing student. My students need specialized instruction from me as well as Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Behavior Specialists, General Education Teachers, Vision Specialists, AAC specialists, and the list goes on. As their Special Education Teacher I work with each of my students in small groups multiple times a day. However I need to schedule, collaborate, and coordinate my student's schedules to make sure they're also seeing and being taught by all the aforementioned specialists. This week I've been told by many classroom teachers that they admire what I do because of all that it entails, but they wouldn't want to do it. I don't only teach but collaborate each day with numerous people, make phone calls, and send emails. I don't only have to plan lessons for what I'm teaching my students but I also have to put together lessons for what my assistants are going to continue to work on and teach their students when they are in the general education classrooms with their students if the lessons can't be easily modified for the students understanding level.

As you can see I am quite heated by the comment that this person made and that she I'm sure didn't think twice about. However, to someone that has a passion for what they do, believes in their students, and worked extremely hard to get to this point, it was very thoughtless and heartless. I know many other Special Educators that have a deep passion for what they do. I also know many parents that have children with special needs that would probably have lost their mind hearing a comment like this. I do teach my students. I teach them math, reading, and writing through one on one instruction or in small groups. I teach them skills that help them adapt in their every day life as well as their general education classroom, I teach them functional skills, I teach children that have difficulty socializing how to play and work in groups with their peers. I teach children that are non-verbal how to communicate. I teach adults how to educate children that can't read, communicate, or follow simple directions because they've never taught a student like this before and are unsure how to. But wait...someone said I don't teach...

Children that grow up with a developmental delay, cognitive disability, speech impairment, hearing disability, health problems, intellectual disability, (and the list goes on)...struggle to learn. They need teachers as well as paraprofessionals that can bring the learning to their level to make sure they are understanding what is being taught and can learn in a way that their brain can process. Teachers that work with these students ARE TEACHING. Their teaching them more than math, reading, science, or social studies, but they're also teaching them how to navigate in an unforgiving world. They're teaching them how to socialize with their peers. They're teaching them skills that will help them later survive in the great big world. They're providing them with tools to get through their every day life, that is often a challenge. So please, when you are talking to a parent of a child with a disability, a teacher, or a professional that works with these students, please be mindful of what you say. Be aware of the words that you use, because you may say something that you don't realize is very offensive to a parent or teacher that has a deep passion for what they do, a love for their students/child, and has worked their butt off to get to where they are, or to get their child the services they need to be successful in their learning and throughout life."Teaching" isn't just academics, and even a general education teacher would say that to you. In today's world being a teacher, whether Special Education teacher or classroom teacher, is so much more. Teaching children with severe cognitive or behavioral disabilities encompasses so many facets. All I ask is that you keep an open and understanding mind.

~Mrs. L

Engaging Ways to Make Summer Reading Fun!

Well summer is in full swing! However, for teachers that means we worry about all the hard work that our students put in and that the dreaded "summer slide" will happen and they'll lose what they've worked so hard to gain during the school year. Today I'm going to share some tips with you so that you can help your child maintain their reading skills. This will not only help them with their reading, but it also helps them maintain skills in other academic areas. I know summer gets busy, but there are still ways that you can find time to read and have it be enjoyable! 

One fun way that you can get your child to want to pick up a book this summer is to start a reading challenge. Many schools will provide this for students over the summer months or provide you with information on where to find local reading challenges. If your child's school doesn't provide a summer reading program you could create your own summer reading log where you can track how many books your child reads. You may have an incentive or reward they earn at the end based on how many books they read. Here's two examples for you that I simply pulled from searching google. 

 

Another fabulous resource is your local libraries. Many town libraries will provide summer reading challenges that you can join. Stop in and see if they currently have any summer reading groups or challenges going. Most libraries are free to join and often offer other fun summer time activities and programs as well. 

Another way to engage your child in summer reading is the longest running summer reading program through your local Pizza Hut Restaurant. I remember when I was young doing Pizza Hut's summer reading challenge, which they've been providing for over 30 years to families, and it's still going strong today. Head over to your local Pizza Hut to enroll in their Book It Program. You can find more information here-http://www.bookitprogram.com/

Now I know it's not always easy to make time to sit with your child and read. Believe me I KNOW, with two busy boys of my own, summer camp, sports, and wanting to fit in fun activities during the warm summer months, it's difficult. So I'm also going to give you some tips on how to fit it in and keep your little one reading and finding fun adventures all around. 

As a teacher and lover of reading I have many fabulous books and learning activities at my fingertips, and I'm going to share those with you here today! Your child doesn't only have to read books to learn, yes you heard that right, there are many other fun and engaging ways that your child can stay active in their reading and building their literacy skills and logical thinking skills. Your child can use fun wipe clean activity sets to learn their letters, sight words, and engage in literacy activities. Check out these pictured below that you can find through amazon.com.

Click on picture to find this book and others like it!

One of my favorite activities for little ones on trips are word puzzles and logical thinking games. These are a great way to keep your little ones engaged on trips and when out and about this summer. With wipe clean markers they can complete mazes, puzzles, and draw pictures over and over! There are various options available in my store!  

Click on Picture to take you to amazon.com to find this book and others like it

 Lastly, it's always fun to get your little ones engaged in activities that can incorporate not only reading skills, but math and science skills as well. Cooking is a fun way to do this with your children. "Start To Cook" is a great way to get your child engaged in reading, math, and science while teaching them important life skills.

Click on Picture to find on amazon.com

 Reading is an important skill that doesn't have to be a tedious task, but a way for your child to stay engaged with you. Finding time to sit with your child, engage with them, and share with them in building their imagination is critical. It's proven that children that read with their parents do better in school and achieve more later on in life. Take this time this summer to enjoy fun adventures with them. Talk about the books they read with the. Share your favorite stories as a child. Build on your bond this summer. Much Love
~Mrs. L