Paraeducator

Paraeducator-One who works alongside an educator

In the beginning of November I received an amazing opportunity to become a paraeducator at a local school. With an interest in teaching and working with kids, I quickly accepted. I was placed in the preschool as a one on one with two special needs children. One in the morning preschool class, and one in the afternoon. Outside of the preschool,  my duties range from watching the upper grades during recess, to tutoring kids who need a little extra practice.

My daily focus however is on these two specific children. Working with and being able to interact with the kids has been a life changing experience. It has made me humble, and optimistic. children have such a unique way of viewing the world, and being able to glimpse that is truly a joy.

Working one on one with the special needs children has been even more rewarding. Though they express things in a similar manor, they are highly individual. They require a quiet listening ear, and an open understanding heart. But if you allow them the opportunity, they will show you their brilliance and creativity. They are kind without fail, and they're intellect is quick to absorb every bite of information they can attain.

I am a strong believer in acceptance and inclusion, however this ongoing privilege to be able assist these kids has really shown me what it means to be human.


For those who want to learn more about children on the spectrum or with special needs:

Special needs - Wikipedia

Special Needs Resources | Resources for Children with Special ...

What It Means When a Child Has "Special Needs" - Verywell

Autism Spectrum Information:

Autism spectrum - Wikipedia

What is Autism? - Autism Science Foundation

10 Tips on How to Communicate with Autistic People | Autismum

7 reasons to own chickens

 

Most people don't think of hens as pets, but as a means of food. However, owning chickens for eight plus years has shown me that hens are some of the most enjoyable creatures to spend your time with. These are just seven reasons why:


1: Fresh Eggs:
Naturally, eggs are one of the first perks that people think of when it comes to owning hens. They're fresh, more nutritious, and personally guaranteed to be cruelty free.

 

2: Laughter Therapy:
No matter how bad of a day you're having, chickens have a way of making you laugh. With their silly antics and blatant personalities its hard not to crack a smile.

3: Waste Disposal:
Food waste is essentially non existent in a house with chickens. They will eat a majority of food scraps,  from soiled leftovers to extra bites left on the plate.

4: Outdoor Time:
Chickens love to hang out with their people, having hens can be a perfect incentive to spend quiet afternoons in the backyard.

5: Food Appreciation:
Having chickens will give you a close up of where your food comes from. And with it, an appreciation for the animals that provide for us.

 

6: Entertainment:
Whether its bobbing up and down for a crumb of bread, or dozing in the sun. Hens are an original backyard TV show.

7: Community:
Hen owners are a surprisingly large community. From shows to online forums, the interest in hens is only growing. Owning hens will have you noticing every house you pass with a chicken coop. Inevitably you will meet fellow chicken owners who share your new found interest.

Hens are so much more than egg laying machines. They're  fun, silly, free spirited beings that have huge personality's in a tiny package.

What do you love about hens?

Thoughts, Love, and Stories welcome down bellow,
Enigma

Splendors and Glooms

Splendors and glooms was a children's book published by scholastic in 2012. Written by Laura Amy Schlitz, it is a story with a barrel full of interesting characters. At the center of the action is Clara Wintermute, Lizzie Rose, and Parsfall. Three kids from different backgrounds who are thrown together under strange circumstances. As the story unfolds these children get themselves dug deep in an age old feud between two magic wielders.

Splendors and Glooms was a unique read. Set in Victorian England, the author manages to bring history to life, while also preserving the relatablility and the mundane. The setting felt rich and fascinating to delve into; from the sloppy streets to Clara's striking home, everything was intricate. Laura Schlitz keeps the pace invigorating and deliberate. The story had a wholeness to it that spoke of thorough research. Details of the buildings, and character appearances displayed the class differences of the time, and the dialogue made you feel as though your were being pulled back to a different era.


The characters were entirely individual and unique. Parsefalls poor manners, and Lizzie's uncommon upbringing made them realistic characters while also likable and easy to root for. Distinct and  life like, the characters were more than capable of holding the weight of the story. The author did a wonderful job of exposing different angles and perspectives through the cast, such as Clara's hidden despair, and the witches suffering. All of the characters reveal something for the story and about the other characters around them.

The plot itself was fairly straightforward, yet twisted in such a way to create a beautifully complex tale with fascinating twists. I felt it was a fun interesting read for its targeted age group and above.


Thoughts, Love, and Opinions welcome down bellow,
Enigma