June 19, 2014

Last night we all went out with our new friends and it was so much fun! We were all dancing and the time flew by while we were there. It was organized by the Ecela School, so we also had the opportunity to meet more students who go there as well. That being said we were all a little tired today, but it was worth it! Class today was awesome because we had Javier as a sub (he was our teacher the first week) and he is always so happy and sweet to us. He is so patient and helpful when it comes to having a conversation.



After school we went to a school for Autism students. When we showed up the principal and one of the directors of the school greeted us and told us a little about their school and what to expect on our tour. I personally have never been in a classroom with students with special needs, but I want to pursue and earn a certification in Special Education in Graduate School.

The school was very warm and filled with teachers who deeply care about their students. While touring the school we went in a few different types of classrooms and their were different age groups ranging from 5-26. I was very observant and listened to all of the information the director of the school was giving us. She has worked there for 10 years and it was very clear she loved her job and the students she works with.

Not being familiar with students who have autism I was a little nervous when we walked in the small classroom with students who were 18 and older. They were almost all guys and many of them being bigger then me, but all of them were extremely sweet which made me feel more comfortable. Some of the students came up to us and asked us our names and gave us a kiss hello. We even had two students who knew decent English speak to us and conversant.  I absolutely adored the students who were at the elementary ages -I had one student come up to me and give me a colored pencil and all of them were just too cute! The school was really organized and they tired their best to make sure each student had everything they need. Many of the students can not communicate verbally, so they use pictures to help them communicate. They also use pictures for directions and for the most part there is around 6-9 students in a class with one or two teachers. It was really an eye opening experience and I hope when I return to college to join the Best Buddies group as well as be involved in other opportunities.

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