Yes, I am the Center of the Universe

							      Yes,
      I AM
   the Center
of the Universe

W. Jay Rector II, M. Ed.
     Spring 2012
Our Current Universe
    Crew members for our travels
   Gilligan- always messes things up trying to just simply help. (Peter
    Pan complex, would rather live in his head than in the real world.
    Totally dependent on others to survive)

   The Skipper too- self-conscious but forced to take
    responsibility.(Need to dominate, quick tempered and loud)

   The millionaire, and his wife-never do any work and try to “buy” their
    escape.(Narcissist, inflated ego)

   The movie star- tries tricks to solve problems which causes others to
    “come to the rescue”. Warning: May use hair flip or eye flutter to
    distract.(Very vane, very self absorbed)

   The professor- always logical and certain of themselves. And
    ALWAYS right. Relies on his mind more than others, no personal
    skills)
   And MaryAnn- typical “girl” next door, just
    average but with great potential. (“Aw,
    gee!! people have a hidden side that may
    surprise us.)

   Here on Education Isle.
   Now that we have our “crew” it is time to
    heed a few warnings:
       Teamwork- We are a learning community and cannot
        do our job unless everyone contributes in some
        productive fashion.
       It doesn’t take much.
       Just cooperation, dedication, long hours, thinking
        about this stuff at home, lost sleep, missed lunch
        periods, full plan periods and no life at all.
       Well not the last part.
                 Atmosphere
   The atmosphere we are most aware of is the
    one that allows for many different life forms.
   It is made up of at least 16 different parts and
    each part is dependent on the others.
   We must provide a safe, comfortable and
    rigorous approach to academics or students will
    not find ways to stay interested.
   This “classroom” atmosphere is made up of
    hundreds of different parts, many of which came
    from things you have seen your peers do.
                 Atmosphere
   It’s all about the weather.

   It’s also about realizing that everyone's
    “atmosphere” is a little different than that
    of others in their social world.

   Much like a dog can “smell” when we are
    scared…..kids can smell when OUR
    atmosphere/weather has changed.
              Atmosphere
 Not a single person is going to care what
  you know, UNTIL they know you care
  about them.
 Mellowy assertion.
 Strong boundaries.
 Flexible variability.
 Surroundings.
 Freedoms.
       Policy and Procedure
 Procedure is the law, cannot be altered.
 Procedure is how you get to the limit of the
  law.
 Write, read and post classroom rules that
  focus on academic expectations and
  behavior standards.
 Then tell them what THEY get.
 Short, simple and relative.
                       The Sun
   The center of our Universe
    is the child who has special
    needs, which means every
    single student.

   Our mistake is not looking, not
    listening, and being critical.
                      Mercury
   “The Modeling Planet”
   Tell
   Show
   Do
   Model
   Drill
   Reinforce
       Instruction
       Behavior
       Manners
       Attitude
       Habits
                              Venus
   “The Victorious Planet”
   Versatile
       Be willing to adapt
       Admit you are wrong
   Voracious
       Be hungry, and show it.
       Have fun, and show it.
       Work hard, play hard.
                          Earth
   “The Eclectic Planet”
   Merriam-Webster defines
    eclectic as “something
    composed of elements
    drawn from various sources”
   Evolving not revolving.
   Teach to all learning styles.
   Use their response to your
    efforts to become even
    more eclectic.
                          Mars
   “The Planet of the Mind”
   “Let’s Teach our Children
    to Go Fishing with Their
    Minds”
   Assessment and
    observation
                        Jupiter
   “The Planet of Justice”
   Be policemen and catch
    your students doing things
    “right”.
   Teach good judgment
    skills
   Use good judgment
    yourself
                      Saturn
   “The Planet of Structure”
      Routine
      Organized
      Comforting
      Keep learning
                         Uranus
   “The Planet of Understanding”
   We must find ways to
    understand that it all fits
    together.
   Unassuming
   R.A.D.A.R
       Recognize
       Assess
       Decide
       Act
       Review/reflect
                       Neptune
   “The Planet of Neutrality”
   This doesn’t mean don’t
    care, it means don’t take
    sides.
   For every person with a
    spark of genius, there are a
    hundred with ignition
    trouble.
                         Pluto
   Now a “dwarf” planet, new name is “Xena”,
    which on TV meant a mighty warrior and
    healer.
   “The People First Planet”
   We don’t work with Learning Disabled
    children- rather we work with CHILDREN
    who happen to have Learning Disabilities.
   People first language
   People first actions NOT reactions.
   Eliminate “you” language.
                The Universe
 We have a universal system that can be used
  at any time, in any class, of any type.
 Barriers and benefits
    Asteroid belts- families, administration
    Meteors-testing, administration
    Comets-daily work, administration
    There are NO falling stars all stars are rising
     or shooting.
                 Final Thought

         “Teachers Mission Statement”

Teachers should build positive relationships with
    and among students, actively engage the
   students in a vigorous learning environment
    and connect the students to their futures.