When the kids come in off the bus they usually run to the classroom. Every morning without fail I ask each one, "Are you excited to be here?" Even if they are half asleep I get a response. These kids are in my class because they have emotional problems. Any positive response is a good step forward.
I have one student that came with a very rebellious attitude.
Everything caused a negative response. I worked with him in a buddy situation and played basketball with him-just us. We started getting a dialog going and built trust. During the hot days, he would wear way too big rubber boots to school with shorts. I told him you need to wear your tennis shoes. He said I have to wear these. I could tell he didn't have shoes. Sometimes he would wear the same clothes for a week at a time. After a few weeks he started asking me if there was more he needed to do academically. The home where this child lives is totally dependent on government assistance. Every child in my classroom has a similar story. My classroom is designed to keep these kids from being in juvenile detention or mental facilities. They need all the academic stimulation that is available to them.
My Project
Our school is very high tech. The kids in my class were exposed to a little taste of the garage band experience. They were allowed to use some school iPads for the experience. They never stopped talking about this. They were so excited to be a part of something so positive. The iPad experience is something that most of my kids had never even seen. With the requested iPad the kids will be able to interact with other students across the country. I feel will help with their well rounded educational experience.
I play music in a church band.
My kids are always interested in what I do musically. I try to help the kids learn music abilities. This iPad musical experience will be a small step in progressing toward a more artistic well rounded citizen. Music and the arts are a key part of being a much happier individual.
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