The Three Rules of Epidemics

After reading this chapter on "The Three Rules of Epidemics" and our class discussion regarding this, I think the Stickiness Factor is what applies most to my work with students.  I, originally, thought that the "stickiness" would be based on some type of response or saying that I used with my students like the Winston commercial.  After our discussion, I realized that there are other ways of "making it stick" with students.  For example, using humor, respect, reward or simply caring will work.  I probably use the humor and caring most.  I find that many of the kids that I work with are often the behavior problems or the struggling student in their class.  These kids need the caring  - caring how well they do, showing I am there to help them do better and praise for a job well done.  As for using humor, I can, sometimes, steer a child away from a melt-down by adding a little humor.  They start to smile or laugh and we are able to move on.  This doesn't always work but certainly worth a try! :) In my position, I don't do a lot of rewarding.  I find that they tend to expect a "prize" and are not willing to work their hardest unless they get the promise of one.  I am more apt to surprise them with a reward more randomly ...a cookie for Valentine's, a Hershey's Kiss to say thanks for working hard., etc.  By doing this, there is not a promise of reward....except the personal reward of working hard and getting a good grade.

All about me

Hi Everyone!
Let me introduce myself.  As many of you all ready know, I am a para educator at Barre Town School.  I am also a wife and mom of twins (boy/girl) who are juniors at Spaulding High.

At Barre Town, I am a Administrative Assistant for the Special Educators K-4 and teach Reading and Math to 3rd and 4th grade IEP students.  I, also, work in the Math Lab for the other half of my day.  We work with grades 1-6 on Tier 2 services.   I have been at Barre Town for 6 years.  Prior to coming to Barre Town, I was the assistant kindergarten teacher at St. Monica's School for 5 years.  I really enjoy working with the little ones!

As a mom of teenagers who will soon be 17,  we are constantly on the go.  Our daughter plays field hockey and ice hockey pretty much year-round.  Our son runs cross country in the fall and plays ice hockey and lacrosse, as well.  We can be found at a sporting event most every weekend!   Although, they are now driving themselves so that has certainly lessened my running!

As well as a para,wife and  mom, I sell Longaberger baskets and pottery.  I have been selling for about 4 years and collecting for about 12 years. As you can probably imagine, I have quite a collection!   Longaberger for me is an addiction!  There is nothing like the smell of a new basket!  :)

I am looking forward to this class and getting to know each of you a little better too!

What is your favorite Valentine's gift?

I have to say that my favorite Valentine's gift is jewelry.  Not that I get jewelry for Valentine's but I sure like the idea of it!  :)  Most often I get some beautiful flowers and a box of chocolates.  Without sounding ungrateful, I hate it when I get TRUFFLES!  I am a simple, original kind of girl...I want the nuts, coconut, caramel kind.  You know, the kind you have to poke the bottom of each one or take a bite out of to be sure what kind they are.  Note:  This is the way to make sure no one eats any of them either!