February is either a really cherished month or it is a really unhappy month for most people. Of course if you are in the north east part of the United States, digging out under feet of snow, perhaps, this is your least favorite month of your life so far.
But as a matter of perspective, February is a few things. First it is the shortest month of the year; both academically and fiscally. Some districts have two days off officially due to holidays, others have coveted “snow weeks” so students and families can enjoy a midterm holiday that would not otherwise exist. And of course, the aforementioned snow does cause many states to have snow days.
But right around February it feels as if the entire world, at least in the United States, focuses on the idea of love. What does that heart mean and to whom does love matter? It’s not just about the first time a student, regardless of ability may try and express feelings to another person. And it’s just not about rejection and acceptance. February is a reminder that we need to appreciate the things that everyone brings to work every day. And if that is done with a giant red heart, a flower, or even kind words all the better. And sometimes, chocolate. Chocolate is a great quick fix for some things that go on in paraeducator’s days. [In all confidence: personally, Renay is not a chocolate person; let alone any sort of actual candy. However, after 11 years of working with co-workers who all, male and female, swear by chocolate. Apparently there is enough serotonin release of chocolate backed up by actual science so she’s going with chocolate as a good cure all.]
So we at ParaEducate would like to take a little time to express things that we love that we see so successfully happen everywhere.
- We love seeing students with disabilities succeed.
- We love seeing students with disabilities make friends with students of all abilities.
- We love seeing students struggle with skills and either realize in their need for help or figure out the answers on their own.
- We love seeing staff relax when their students learn a new schedule pattern.
- We love seeing staff support their students in their independence.
- We love seeing staff being treated by the faculty and administration as partners in education.
- We love seeing staff build relationships with all sorts of students.
- We love seeing campuses bloom into facilities that are truly safe and inviting places for all students.
- We love hearing your successes.
- We love knowing that every day that little smile, that little extra moment has made the difference in a student’s day.
- We love most of all, your continued support of ParaEducate.
Whether or not you may be scraping snow off your car, wrapping up boots to brave the weather, or contemplating the best way to convince rain clouds to show up over your state to help with drought relief, we hope you find a moment in February to love both at work and at home.
What are the things that you love in your academic day? Are you interested in participating as a Guest Blogger for ParaEducate? Do you have a question for us? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here and here. ParaEducate is company interested in providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published weekly during the academic school year on Thursdays, unless a holiday. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
