There is a new student to this school this year and although she has been here since the first day of the school year, it is difficult for her to come to a new place where most of the students have been in the same classroom since Kindergarten. She has been one of the students that stand out the most to me. One, because she consistently takes the time to welcome me to the classroom and greet me with a hug any chance she gets. And two, she constantly looks my way throughout the class period.
After observing her for these past few weeks, I have seen what a hard transition this is for her. Some of her test scores did not transfer from her other school, and she always reminds me that she should be in 5th grade because she was retained in 1st grade. This girl struggles with fitting in, in this classroom. According to this article, the biggest difference in the new student's life at school is made on the first few days of school. To keep transitioning the student and ensure them a safe, welcoming environment, this literature about the study of Native Americans can be a good piece to acknowledge the experiences the students come from.
The change that the "new kid" goes through by moving homes and/or schools is grand enough. These few little things we can do to help this transition run smoothly is greatly appreciated and can be helpful to keep behavioral issues down in new students. This also helps to focus the student when they can relate to things such as literature and safe topics.
There is so much information and help out there! Use it to help your students and yourself in the long run.
Always,
Brittany Kertesz
I cannot imagine being a new kid, and how that must feel, because I have never been through it, but it seems like you are making every effort to make her feel accepted and loved. keep it up! you are king good things, and I have no doubt that you will be a teacher that impacts the lives of your students :)
ReplyDeleteBritt,
ReplyDeleteI liked that you added some of your personal life into this blog. I think it is so important to realized that teachers aren't just robots spitting out facts at kids, but actual people with real feelings and real empathies for kids. I've never had to change schools either so I really don't know how this girl feels. Thanks for sharing the two articles, and for loving this sweet girl and making her first weeks at your school so spectacular! Continue to grow your relationship with her and keep on truckin' girl!
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your focus this week on the things that happen outside of the classroom that can greatly impact student success in the classroom. This focus will help you consider the "whole child" as you are planning and teaching. How does this relate to the NCTCS?