Did they tell you why you couldn't do it, anyway? I remember I went with my school very young and learnt about chameleons. I was amazed! Although lately I've learnt they don't change colour to match their background... but that's off topic
You are too kind Barb. I admire your compassion.It did. I allowed the kids to take books from the classroom library home to read (I bought many of them myself), and I let them take things like glue or crayons home if they needed to work on a project. I also often gave the kids things like 8-packs of colored pencils for Christmas.
Barbara
P.S. I also gave a prize to everyone who showed me a library card the first month of school (it had to be their own), and I tried constantly to convince the other teachers that we should take a field trip to the library, but I was always shot down.
You are too kind Barb. I admire your compassion.
Well today I finally got ahold of the lady I met at WalMart asking for help for her son. I couldn't offer her a job to clean my house but did offer her some of my kids' school supplies that they didn't use last year. I also offered her some of my son's used clothes. She told me she hadn't been able to get him anything school supplies yet and on top, her boy needs a band shirt. Argh! With our tight budget now-a-days, I couldn't offer her money to get the shirt. She was glad to hear from me though and we're going to meet on Monday so I could give her the hand-me-downs.
Elaine,Where I teach there is a large population of children from other countries with parents that do not speak English let alone read it. School is not a priority to some/most. It is used more as a daycare system. Some students have huge gaps in their education due to language. 2nd grade reading level is not uncommon for a 6th grade student. I work hard to teach, inspire and help them to develop of love of reading. It is my job. Sad but not all children have parents that support them in their studies. One of the things that bugs me is when a teacher requires work done on a computer. They have an easy answer which is to go to the public library. Not a simple solution since many have parents that don't drive, they live in the public housing across town. I see them shrink when the class is asked to raise their hand if they have a computer. This happened this past week in one of their specials (wood shop) and it broke my heart. Their homework was to search the computer for models of wooden cars. I will remain in school after hours to allow those who don't have one to use mine. Our school system does not provide computers for students. I may just have to intervene and allow them to use magazine pictures. Hate to step on a co-worker's toes but sometimes they just don't get it. Okay I just rambled on and on! Sorry.
Hmm, I guess it is good news that this thread has been idle for a few days. Unfortunately I have to break that tonight. I just got back from the doctor....via a stop at the IV department of the hospital where I will be visiting every day at 7 am and 7 pm for the next 7 to 10 days. It seems I have a staff infection in my surgery site and they are worried that it may travel to the prosthetic joint which could cause rejection. We are not in panic mode yet because I have been on heavy anti-biotics for the past 7 days, but this means a lot of travelling and also sets back my physio and rehab back quite a bit. I was doing so well and all of a sudden started getting chills, fevers, throwing up and severe pain. I know it will all work out but I guess because of the way I am feeling I am taking it harder than normal. I just wanted this whole process to go so smoothly.