tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38790416450528228712024-03-13T08:22:23.047-07:00Mrs. Virdell's BlogJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-43046639000701171902015-07-19T12:29:00.002-07:002015-07-19T12:29:25.961-07:00Oh my goodness<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c766b9d6-5208-4acf-9975-6a26eefdd75e" id="0d02a915-0b51-4118-8bac-1918deb8111a">...</gs>it has been two years since I've blogged<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c766b9d6-5208-4acf-9975-6a26eefdd75e" id="9e87bae2-e4d2-4efb-ba5b-36423a68c237">...</gs>I'm so embarrassed.<br />
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Life, and all its beautiful wonder, has truly gotten in the way, along with learning all the other social media outlets like Twitter, Google Plus, Periscope, the list goes on forever it seems.<br />
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Last year was awesome and this year I expect to be a new sort of awesome. I'm never sure what each year will bring because I generally have a new group of students that I get to learn about and help find their place in the world. I'm going to make what I call a "New School Year Resolution, " and try to keep this blog more up-to-date with exciting things happening in our program.<br />
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Until then I'll be finding ways to keep up and cross-use the social media world. Wish me luck!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-60657727080335105162013-02-03T11:27:00.001-08:002013-02-03T11:27:49.663-08:00Texas Transition ConferenceIf you are in special education at a secondary level, as a VAC/CBVI teacher, life skills teacher or transition coordinator...the Texas Transition Conference is the place to be! Feb. 20-22 in Austin.<br />
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ttc.tamu.edu<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-14717538413224793872013-02-03T11:23:00.001-08:002013-02-03T11:24:16.406-08:00Happy New Year!What an awesome ear it has been so far! I have one student working in the janitorial dept. of a local factory, another at Taco Bell. Our newest student, Cyle, has started the long process of building a resume, job searching, filling out applications and interviewing. He will be participating in a mock interview next week to help prepare him for the questions of asked in an interview.<br />
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Where are your students employed and what (if any) background work did you do when trying to get a student hired?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-16387170669313437282012-09-29T08:57:00.001-07:002012-09-29T08:57:26.165-07:00A new yearWow, I'm almost 99% certain I have less extra time with only 3 rather than the 7 my first year!<br />
It's been another great start to yet another great year. <br />
I sometimes feel like I'm in 1950 at the Transition House because, yet again, we are without Internet and looking up everything in a variety of different books. It's been such a long road getting our facility everything needed and within district guidelines of funding. So...in making a funny...this would have been me in 1950....had I been born years earlier. Happy 2012-2013!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHrZmmahUrg/UGcaYlKFjTI/AAAAAAAAANE/Fch3B5hVUOY/s640/blogger-image-1762038221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHrZmmahUrg/UGcaYlKFjTI/AAAAAAAAANE/Fch3B5hVUOY/s640/blogger-image-1762038221.jpg" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-69601718771565928342012-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:002012-07-11T12:29:09.886-07:00August 1...let the countdown begin!I have decided that the first thing on my agenda for August 1 (the day my sweet new baby starts daycare) is to block off 4 complete hours to read through all of my friends blogs and see what cool things they've blogged about over the past few months. Then start on all my to-do lists!<br />
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I've been able to add a few more blogger teacher friends in between changing diapers, making (or washing) bottles, playing with my 3-year-old and of course the housework. What husband?! ;)<br />
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There are so many cool teachers out there. I aspire to possess, even a fraction, of your great talent. Thank you all for being such inspirations to me!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-22716445677672281742012-07-02T09:59:00.002-07:002012-07-02T10:01:02.681-07:00Vote for Mrs. Virdell's Blog<a href="https://plus.google.com/114115129339565269276/posts" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://plus.google.com']);"><img src="http://accelerated-degree.com/fascination-awards-images/sped-teacher-blogs/fascination-awards-sped-teacher-vote-for-me.png" alt="The Fascination Awards" border="0" /></a><br />
Please go vote for my teacher blog, by following this link!! <br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-83916317251910821942012-06-27T17:39:00.001-07:002012-06-27T17:39:29.284-07:00A new award!<br />
<a href="http://www.accelerated-degree.com/2012-fascination-awards-special-education-teacher-blogs/" ><img src="http://accelerated-degree.com/fascination-awards-images/sped-teacher-blogs/fascination-awards-sped-teacher-nominate-me.png" alt="Awards Emblem" border="0" /></a><br />
I don't know much about the awards, but I do feel extra special when I get any kind of award! Thank you faithful readers and fellow bloggers!
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-78873851218357717042012-06-25T07:47:00.001-07:002012-06-25T07:47:27.249-07:00Happy Summer!Our newest transition family member has arrived, so I'm enjoying this nice summer break with my new bundle of joy, Kamryn.<br />
Closer to August, this blog will be hopping again with great info about the transition program!<br />
Stay tuned and happy summer.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyr74BM1FSg/T-h5_dNZwQI/AAAAAAAAAMo/0980hQuy4iM/s640/blogger-image-1146824512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyr74BM1FSg/T-h5_dNZwQI/AAAAAAAAAMo/0980hQuy4iM/s640/blogger-image-1146824512.jpg" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-29271735296171123502012-04-23T20:16:00.001-07:002012-04-23T20:16:07.526-07:00The final countdownI have officially embarked on week 32 of my pregnancy and I am so excited to be finishing out the year with my students before this baby arrives.<br />
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It has been such a wild last few months. Having all of my students aging out at the same time creates such a strain on the brain in trying to plan ahead.<br />
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If I could wave my magic wand, I would wish for 100% support on the home front in the transitioning process and with that support for my students to continue working post program.<br />
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Many of my students have only known public school since they were 3-years-old, so breaking out into the real world of unstructured schedules is tough.<br />
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At a network meeting last week, a presenter told us we, as 18+ program teachers, need to be giving parents a blank schedule at the beginning of the program and having them really look at what they want that students daily schedule to look like when they complete the program. I helps to build better IEP's and keeps everyone realistic in expectations. Great idea!!<br />
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Everyday is a learning opportunity as an 18+ teacher and the more of us there are swapping ideas, the richer our programs will be!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-869760152251501562012-04-10T20:16:00.001-07:002012-04-10T20:17:01.957-07:00The mountain tops and slumpsWhile I would like to paint the picture of being an 18+ teacher as fun 24/7, the truth is, it's not always rosy.<br />
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Disappointment is one of the absolute worst parts of being a teacher at any age level, but it really hits you hard with this type of program. Having a student just walk away when they show so much potential, being lied to repetitively, or having to do damage control from manufactured rumors between students and outside sources can get me down faster than anything else.<br />
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It is all very trying and many times it's additionally stressful in trying not to make it a personal fault as a teacher, but rather simply a bad decision made by adult students.<br />
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The peaks are, of course, the breath of fresh air that help re-gain focus. One such example is me asking a student what she wants for graduation and getting a teary, "Just a pair of shoes nobody else has worn." Yes, I cried too...more like sobbed at the humble request.<br />
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It only takes one special moment every once in awhile to erase the bad situations, and that's what fuels me to stay in education. I hope you all have those too.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-75915344469565085252012-04-10T19:58:00.001-07:002012-04-10T19:58:08.977-07:00Concession Stand FunEarly last week my program decided to take on the task of running a concession stand for our districts 2nd Annual Special Olympics Track Meet.<br />
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What an undertaking! One if my students was so bored in his "guard the money" duties that he decided cat naps would help pass the time. I had to share this picture because it's do priceless!<br />
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This was our first concession stand so there was a slight learning curve...like hot dogs sell (and bring a better profit return) and candy is too expensive to NOT sell out of. I believe we made all of $25 due to a lot of product purchased but not sold, so we are making notes and plan to strategize our concessions better next year!<br />
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The silver lining: we had a blast!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yVDhyDqg9t8/T4TzIOGyblI/AAAAAAAAAMM/ccuWhlaUrZs/s640/blogger-image-1525990459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yVDhyDqg9t8/T4TzIOGyblI/AAAAAAAAAMM/ccuWhlaUrZs/s640/blogger-image-1525990459.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfGKbdr6-8w/T4TzI1tj6WI/AAAAAAAAAMU/4IdCvjHaS64/s640/blogger-image--1322072523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfGKbdr6-8w/T4TzI1tj6WI/AAAAAAAAAMU/4IdCvjHaS64/s640/blogger-image--1322072523.jpg" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-89959068875375944402012-04-10T19:44:00.001-07:002012-04-10T19:45:53.183-07:00New doesn't always mean betterHi Blogger friends! I bet you think I've forgotten about my blog...I can assure you I haven't. For the past month we have been without Internet at our brand new facility. I'd tell you all the <strike>excuses</strike> reasons I've been given, but neither of us have the extra free time to read through it. So I'm hoping we will have it back soon and I can catch up on picture-posting and blogging about all the exciting things going on in our little corner of the world.<br />
My home computer doesn't have the photos loaded onto it, so I rely heavily that connection for pictures from the camera, instead of my iPhone.<br />
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In the meantime, please watch our Twitter roll!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-86599790290284142672012-03-16T03:29:00.000-07:002012-03-16T03:29:47.616-07:00Hello to all of my blogger friends! I'm sorry for the long delay in posts- it has been such a busy semester....not complaining though...I'm on spring break and finally getting caught up on my favorite blogs!<br />
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If you haven't looked at the Twitter roll on the right of this page, you'll want to see our gorgeous bluebonnets covering the yard at our facility! Wow! Truly the best time of year in our area...everything is in bloom!<br />
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Next Friday we are holding our 2nd annual garage sale. When the program started, the main fundraiser was candle sales. Last year we really looked at how our students would truly "fundraise" in their own lives post-program and opted to do a garage sale. I believe that year we made about $400 which is amazing!! This year our donations are down, but it's really about the experience that our students get in putting on a sale. It will go on to serve many of them in the future, very well, I hope. Pictures will follow the sale!<br />
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On an exciting note... Our facility is getting an iPad! I'm thrilled about this because it will allow for my job coaches who need to teach students various tools on the job sites, how to do it, using some really cool checklist apps. Do you have a favorite life application app? If so please comment and share!<br />
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Have a great Friday everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-34530971164027342452012-02-16T06:20:00.000-08:002012-02-16T06:20:04.027-08:00It's here!This is<strong><em> truly</em></strong> my favorite time of the year...<br />
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<a href="http://ttc.tamu.edu/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Texas Transition Conference 2012!</span></a><br />
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If you are planning on being at the conference, please let me know! I would love to meet up with some of my SpEd blogger friends!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-52373201505865676752012-02-07T06:15:00.000-08:002012-02-07T06:15:02.261-08:00Transition Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSn06NjbwFI/TzEwK32dcjI/AAAAAAAAAL8/aw4TnOsn8GY/s1600/Publication2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSn06NjbwFI/TzEwK32dcjI/AAAAAAAAAL8/aw4TnOsn8GY/s320/Publication2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>Two of our local 18+ program teachers, from Westlake (Eanes ISD) and Lake Travis (Lake Travis ISD) put on a wonderful Transition Fair this weekend in Lake Travis.<br />
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The fair had approximately 50 vendors from various types of government agencies, private organizations and non-profit organizations, with booths set up and eager people ready to tell you about the services they can offer your special needs child or students.<br />
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I wish I could post everything I collected because WOW...these vendors provided such a plethora of great information for the very young students up to adults. One of the stand-outs for me was our local <a href="http://www.nami.org/" target="_blank">NAMI</a> group. I have honestly never heard of this national organization, but they truly blew me away with their passion and transparent eagerness to help educate families, educators and anyone else who may be effected by someone with some sort of mental illness. I'm going to make it my mission to get these ladies connected to my director and hopefully hold an information session to better educate me and the rest of my SpEd team.<br />
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If you are in the Austin-area and didn't get to go, please email me and I'll send the packet via PDF email to you...OR...if you are just interested in seeing what types of services would be offered at such an event...email me. I'm so happy to share this great information!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-27563151758414489972012-02-02T13:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T13:03:48.830-08:00About Me<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: magenta;">A huge thanks to my blogger buddy, Karlie, over at <a href="http://karlie-johnson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">We are ALL Special</a>!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>So here are the rules:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1. You must post the rules.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Post 12 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 12 new questions for the people you tagged.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">4. Tag 12 people and link them on your post.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">5. Let them know you've tagged them!</span></span><br />
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</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Fun Facts About Me</span></span></span></div><ol><li><span style="color: #660000;">I live in the same little town I grew up in...only leaving for college at <a href="http://www.txstate.edu/" target="_blank">Texas State University- San Marcos</a> Eat'em Up Cats!!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I met my husband at a bank...he was the banker and I, his secretary...he loves to tell this story to make it sound scandalist, only he leaves out the facts that we were both in our early 20's and single.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I have one daughter...at present...but expecting my next little girl in June. Very exciting!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My degree is in Public Relations, but I soon learned it's entirely too cut-throat for me...and went back to my original plan in becoming a teacher.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I could eat Tex-Mex every meal of the day...and, admittedly, have before. If you don't know what Tex-Mex is...click the link to one of my favorite restaurants, <a href="http://mattselrancho.com/" target="_blank">Matt's El Rancho</a>!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">One of my favorite writers is Lisa Kogan and I only take the O Magazine to read her columns. I recently bought her book and am enjoying very much!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I love to cook and Pinterest makes me want to cook that much more!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My celebrity crush is Channing Tatum...he's stole my heart in Dear John and I suspect it will be the same with The Vow.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I am a very picky, yet widely diverse music lover...I enjoy old country, classic rock and lots of 90's hip-hop and alternative.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My favorite place to vacation is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico</span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Now it's my turn to learn about you....</span></div><div><a href="http://www.rtiandyou.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Blanton</a><br />
<a href="http://www.busybeeideas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a><br />
<a href="http://www.michellespecialeducation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mrsrachelsroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thoughtfullysimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ms. Hall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kate</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lifeinspecialeducation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karla</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
<span style="color: #7fa247;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">1. Where do you live/Where are you from?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I live in the beautiful hill country of Texas...almost the same place I grew up!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">2. What is your best teaching advice?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ask a lot of questions in the beginning of any new position, and above all...treat the kids like mini adults. They seem to appreciate the respect and give it in return.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">3. If you could only keep one thing that's currently in your classroom what would it be?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I have a very unique "classroom" so I would probably say my scanner. It's cut my files in half!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">4. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Shop of course, but anything that I can do with my daughter and husband is a great weekend...Sea World, Local Zoo, Going to the park, etc.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">5. How long have you been teaching?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is my second year</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">6. What is your favorite teaching memory?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Doing a community scavenger hunt. I organized clues at various important places around town and they students learned about their community while hunting for some missing pumpkins. It was a BLAST and the places involved got a huge thrill out of it. Win, win!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">7. What is your favorite store?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Target</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">8. What do you typically wear to school?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Right now, maternity khakis, a long shirt and Sketchers...but generally slacks, a blose top and slippers/sandals</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">9. What is your favorite activity to do with your students?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Anything in the community. That is where they will spend their time post-program and it's a lot of fun to be among our community members.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">10. What is your favorite book?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I don't get a whole lot of time to read, but I really enjoyed reading Tina Fey's "BossyPants." Everything is so serious in the world, I enjoy comic relief when I escape to a book.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">11. Do you have a Pinterest?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Yes! I'm so addicted. I thought Facebook was bad...geez.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">12. What is your favorite restaurant? </span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">When I can afford it, <a href="http://www.trulucks.com/" target="_blank">Trulucks</a>...but anytime <a href="http://www.mattselrancho.com/" target="_blank">Matt's El Rancho</a> or Outback Steakhouse</span></div><div><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">1. Which state/region are you currently teaching?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">2. What has been your most awesome "ah-ha" moment in special education?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">3. How did you feel your very first day on the job (first year or in a new position)?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">4. What age group do you teach and is it your preferred grade?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">5. What is one component of Special Education/Teaching you connect to the most?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">6. What is your "go to" song when it's just been one of <em>those</em> days?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">7. Do you have teacher assistants and what is the best things about having them in your room?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">8. What are your hobbies outside of work?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">9. Do you have a favorite website that you cannot go one day without viewing?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">10. Which store do you find it most difficult <em>not</em> to spend $100 on any given day?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">11. Do you have a bucket list and if so, what is one thing you want to do the most?</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. Favorite sitcoms/anticipated movies for the spring</span>?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thanks for reading! I hope you will all participate so I can learn more about my favorite teachers, inside and outside of the public profession.</span></span></div><div></div><a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-3849708727795501572012-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:21:43.938-08:00The Mid-Year FunkI am really in search of some inspiration and uplift right now. It's January 26th...about the same time last year I found myself in the mid-year funk.<br />
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We've had so many changes in our district recently...and for me...added classes on top of now having to give an assessment test....has me feeling really funky right now. I'm sure these changes are all for the good of the children (or at least I can hope) and I'm trying hard to avoid the negative Nancy's who paint the doom-and-gloom murals during happy hour or in passing at the grocery store. But it's often very hard to overlook their, sometimes, very valid points and even harder not to let it get the best of me.<br />
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How do you get through the mid-year funk?<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-89433452462212449282012-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:22:17.906-08:00Party Planning Lesson: Creating the Seven-Layer DipI'm so sad to say that one of my darling students is flying the coop and moving on to brighter places in the world with her family.<br />
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The silver lining (we must always find a silver lining) is now we get to plan a party! I gathered up my "party committee" of students and staff and we voted to have light finger foods and a cake at the going away party.<br />
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We've honestly never hosted a party that didn't include a huge meal, as crazy as that sounds, so menu planning was somewhat of a new animal to tackle. One of the suggestions was "dips."<br />
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Oh how I love you Pinterest!<br />
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We ended up with a recipe from none other than <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/" target="_blank">"The Girl Who Ate Everything"</a> (She's fabulous by the way)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpHw6gO5peE/TyA0FwpRbgI/AAAAAAAAALo/ZNTRdRV8EaM/s1600/individual-seven-layer-dips-cluster-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpHw6gO5peE/TyA0FwpRbgI/AAAAAAAAALo/ZNTRdRV8EaM/s320/individual-seven-layer-dips-cluster-wm.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/12/individual-seven-layer-dips.html" target="_blank">Individual Seven Layer Dip</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IX4oXF5KlM/TyA0IQZBxnI/AAAAAAAAALw/uT5s1Xl3lUA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4IX4oXF5KlM/TyA0IQZBxnI/AAAAAAAAALw/uT5s1Xl3lUA/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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My students had a BLAST with this...the concept of layering really perked their interest and the assembly line we had going was more than comical. The girls had the giggles, I had the giggles...it was just a great little lesson. <br />
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I especially appreciated the fact that one student said, "Now people can't double dip!" What a fantastic point to make! Maybe I'll start doing individual cups, for eveything that can be dipped, at home! (wink)<br />
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So this fun little creation will be making a very pretty appearance at our "Bon Voyage" party in two weeks. Pictures will follow the party!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-40842315772893914302012-01-25T08:48:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:22:35.510-08:00Funday Friday: Bob Bullock Texas State History...IMAX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1h-VlT4WA/Tx3D5yD6NCI/AAAAAAAAALg/lwocJgapErg/s1600/OceanWonder_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1h-VlT4WA/Tx3D5yD6NCI/AAAAAAAAALg/lwocJgapErg/s320/OceanWonder_poster.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Photo from the Bob Bullock Website</em></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><em></em></div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">It's a real world experience at it's best and nothing that I could possibly (want to) manufacture in a classroom setting.</div><br />
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a><br />
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Hello friends! I'm sorry for the delay in posts...getting back into the swing of things and starting <a href="http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/" target="_blank">STAAR Testing</a> has been my top priority the past two weeks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Friday we joined two area 18+ programs at the Bob Bullock State History Museum...for an IMAX movie. It was awesome to say the least. This is one of the huge perks to being a teacher in an 18+ program...the awesome outings selected by students. The highlight of course is taking a student who has never been outside of the county to the downtown area of Austin. Shock and awe doesn't describe it!<br />
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Here's a just a snippet of our many conversations:<br />
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<strong>Student:</strong> "What is that person doing against the wall?<br />
<strong>Mrs. Virdell:</strong> "Sweetie, he's peeing. Look away"</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-1303013219978792692012-01-12T07:44:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:23:42.871-08:00It's LIFE...it changes...One of the very first things I learned about being a Life Skills teacher is that you have to be flexible and understand an ever-changing schedule. I was leisurely expressing this concept to one of my teacher aides, who was coming into my program from general education, and she said it best:<br />
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"It's like a palm tree...if it doesn't sway, it will break...so we'll just be palm trees."<br />
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And now you know why I love her so! If only she would paint it on a piece of weathered wood and sell it on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Esty</a>. I'm certain it would be a hit with other special education teachers.<br />
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So being a palm tree...I had to re-apply that concept when I was told in November, <br />
"Oh by the way...I know we are three months into the school year already, but on top of your job, you now have two HS Life Skills classes, twice a week that you will need to teach (and do paperwork on)."<br />
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<div align="center"><em>Awesome.</em></div><br />
You can probably guess that conversation is quickly followed up with,<br />
"Oh by the way, you're also responsible for doing all the testing administrator training, teaching and End-of-Course testing all of the life skills juniors on US History and English III."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>And we're swaying....</em></div><br />
I know with the budget crisis hitting many of your schools (and let's be honest, you personally), there is a lot of swaying going on. Some days, everything blowing your way is much harder to deal with, but I'm certain that with a positive attitude...and remembering the love we all have for these children and of course the almighty paycheck too...we will survive!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-16233860861840258692012-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:002012-01-10T17:29:20.052-08:00Ok...my Liebster Award nominations go to....As mentioned a few post down...my Liebster awards go to....<br />
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<a href="http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Adapting Creatively" height="71px" id="Header1_headerimg" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x4HnR5x6a4c/TTiFxzYxfBI/AAAAAAAAAUc/q5OODXS3dVs/S900-R/1-11%2Bheader.jpg" style="display: block;" width="320px" /></a><br />
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This is one of my go-to blogs for many things. Rose-Marie highlights some very poignant aspects of educating and raising children with special needs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.busybeeideas.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Ideas From a Busy Bee" closure_uid_5vtpso="3" height="118px" id="Header1_headerimg" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVBwBQwypfc/Tn_E7Dy-7SI/AAAAAAAABe0/Nsq2hf5HpA8/s320/blogger2%2B-%2BPage%2B001.jpg" style="display: block;" width="320px" /></a><br />
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This is one of my favorite blogs...and not just because she's from Texas. (wink) Andrea is a Special Education teacher who happily shares lots of wonderful ideas...and freebies!! You must check her out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.karlie-johnson.blogspot.com/"><img alt="My Photo" class="photo" id="profile-photo" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOoY6AczEnI/TlkqZoIKl5I/AAAAAAAAABM/H0UTUNC-msE/s220/we%2Bare%2Ball%2Bspecial%2Bicon.jpg" style="max-height: 280px; width: 140px;" /></a><br />
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Karlie has one of the most fun blogs because it has a very personal aspect to it...in addition to the awesome freebies as well. I love to read about the ups and downs she endures...because let's be honest, as SpEd teachers, we sometimes feel like we are on a remote island!<br />
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AND I'm still working on the other two!! I promise to have them posted by Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-42315451790918733522012-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:24:21.190-08:00Tour of MFISD Transition Facility<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vd9qcDpnTEg?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-8635679328265004752012-01-10T07:31:00.000-08:002012-01-10T07:31:47.791-08:00My very first blogger award...woohoo!As a fairly new blogger, I have been coming across so many great and resourceful blogs that are chock-full of fabulous awards. I've secretly pined for one and today...my new friend, Claire at <a href="http://www.specialspeckledeggs.blogspot.com/">Special Speckled Eggs</a> nominated me for the prestigious Liebster Award!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvhmIevo7bk/TwpIWyNycHI/AAAAAAAAALI/mwFtH619jbY/s1600/LiebsterPin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvhmIevo7bk/TwpIWyNycHI/AAAAAAAAALI/mwFtH619jbY/s1600/LiebsterPin.png" /></a></div>
I could not have received it without the nomination by Claire and if you haven't hopped over to her blog, you must check it out. She's got such a contagiously fun personality and great ideas for the elementary classroom!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.specialspeckledeggs.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n272/orangecrocsrock/Blog%20Layouts/BlogButton-1.png" /></a></center><br />
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So the rules of the award go as follows:<br />
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<li>Show you appreciate the blogger who nominated you with a thank you shout out!</li>
<li>Nominate 5 other blogs, who have 200 followers or less, by leaving them a comment</li>
<li>Post the award on your blog</li>
<li>Keep up with the blogs you've given the award to...you never know when they are going to hit the blog world, big time!</li>
</ol>
So with that said...I am having the hardest time finding people without 200 followers because you're all so fabulous and have so large of a following, but in making those newbies like me extra special...I'm going to create an entirely seperate blog to highlight them whenever I find all of the ones I would like to use!<br />
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Thank you again for the nomination!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-61561255486417271292012-01-08T19:59:00.000-08:002012-01-08T19:59:30.193-08:00The new lookQuick question....has anyone else switched to the new interface of Blogger, via Google Chrome? I'm not opposed to change, but this new interface has me searching for everything!<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879041645052822871.post-28941876627889861302012-01-08T07:29:00.000-08:002012-01-08T19:27:05.864-08:00From my prospective...knowing what's appropriate and inappropriateOne of the discussions I hear a lot in my 18+ circle is "How do you know what's appropriate and inappropriate?" It seems like a reasonably easy question, but it can be applied to so many things in this unique type of program and with this age group of students. I find myself asking this question a dozen or more times throughout the school year...every year...and the jury is out on if they are all the right answers.<br />
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When dealing with students age 18-22, there are a lot of things to take into consideration, that teachers in many other, younger, age groups don't have to deal with...such as...<br />
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<strong>1. Consuming alcohol: </strong><br />
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One of my sweet and precious students asked last year, while having lunch at Chili's,"Can I order a Margarita?" To which I squealed in sheer horror, "No way!" <br />
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And then reality set in...the student asked because legally, he CAN drink.<br />
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This topic always provides teachable moments, but sometimes I have to really consider that, unlike high school students (under 21), these students are in fact of age and can purchase and consume legally. And sometimes, the teachable moment is for me!<br />
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So the lessons now are generally about responsible drinking, how much is too much, and the wrecks and effects of alcoholism.<br />
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It was, initially, very hard for me to allow myself to acknowledge their age and accept that it is a reality that must be taught, not avoided...and very appropriate for this age group. But accepting it and talking about it could be the seed planted that saves them from a very rocky path.<br />
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<strong>2. Interactions with other LIFE students:</strong><br />
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How easy is it, when you want to get together with another group, to just pick up the phone and schedule some sort of group activity with another LIFE group in the same school district. So easy! <br />
But is it truly appropriate? <br />
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Sometimes, my sweet and precious students tend to forget they are "of age" while other students in our district are not...and dating is <u>not</u> "ok" for, let's say, a 15-year-old and a 20-year-old. What gets me most is the parents of the older student questioning why isn't not acceptable and perplexed as to why the younger students parents are threatening a protective order. How easy it is to forget that the rules still apply to our students with disabilities as the general population.<br />
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I came to the realization very quickly, during my first year, that intermingling my adult students with those at the junior high and high school level is more inappropriate than appropriate, so we've had to scale back how much time and when it is acceptable, to not encourage these emotional relationships to develop. This probably lends its self to a good, old fashion lesson on stalking and harassment as well, I just haven't been able to figure out the gentlest way to present this lesson. Any ideas?<br />
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<strong>3. Technology and all its glory:</strong><br />
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Technology is a very beautiful thing...or maybe a rotten thing...I haven't made up my mind just yet. Having technology and using technology for purposes intended is the beautiful aspect. Having technology and using technology to look at dirty websites, send nude photos and harass others is a rotten thing.<br />
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This year brought the adventure of dealing with some real-life issues...using technology...which provided some very rich teachable moments and the opportunity to teach very honest lessons for those not directly involved. If you don't have it worked into your lesson plans somewhere during the school year, it would behove you to add in "sexting" which will lend its self to "pornography" which could lend its self to "harassment" and "cyber bullying." Those are all very real topics that are becoming increasingly talked about in our society and issues all young adults are experiencing.<br />
It's ugly, but it's real.<br />
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I know there are many more moments that will arise which will beckon the question, "Ok, appropriate or inappropriate," and I'm confident asking myself those questions and being reasonable with the answer will only make me a better educator to my students and steward of my society.<br />
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/?action=view&current=jennifersignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z459/kwalsky/Virdell/jennifersignature.jpg" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565658967932672394noreply@blogger.com3