My observation location is in Round Lake; the school is called Round Lake Preschool Program District #116. I am observing and interacting with staff in a special ed classroom with children ages 3-5 years old. The teachers name is Stephanie Walker (Mrs. Walker) and the speech therapist is Ms. Val. During these two weeks I had the pleasure to interact with the teacher and the therapist in the classroom. I also enjoyed all the children in the classroom. The classroom consists of 10 children, the days that I went to observe there were only 6 to 8 children present. It was a fun experience, mostly all children in the classroom have a language barrier with the teacher, because she only speaks English and they speak Spanish. It worked out well, because I am fluently in Spanish it was fun starting conversations with my little friends.
“Do parents feel intimidated to make decisions when the team of supporters is present in the IEP meeting? This is one of my focus questions I have for our future research paper assignment we have for EDU 411. I was able to collect information from Mrs. Walker. During a conversation we had before class we were talking about IEP meetings, she repeatedly told me most of her students all came from Hispanic families, she also mentioned all parents were not aware what IEP documents were. Some challenges that Mrs. Walker has to faced daily is her language barrier she wishes she can do more for her students families but there is just so much you can do. My time there was meaningful to me, I was able to see that these children have a lot to learn and accomplish, I also know that these children need all the help they can get. According to the therapist Mrs. Walker has the lowest function children in speech and other concepts.
I was able to observe Ms. Val work with a whole group during speech. It was a great experience to see the positive effects she gave all students. The activities consist of repetition, which this is the best method to help young children.
I am able to make connections with one of my topics title parent involvement. I am able to see that most of these parents do not tend to work cooperatively with their children. I say this because out in the hallway of the school, they have a board title “family project” the two classrooms in special ed have all their projects in, as for Mrs. Walkers classroom none of the children have there project.I had a great time participating in her classroom during those hours. Mrs. Walker favorite phrase is, " hands-on experiences help children learn and explore" that is one of my biggest belief as well, that's how I absolutely love to learn.
