[Sparrow]

I'm wrapping up my first 7 months as an educational assistant (you call it para professionals) after going to school to be one for a year.

I love it, this is what I was born to do. I provide behaviour support

One of the kids I work with (I'm going super neutral here) doesn't have a diagnoses. They doesn't like to be in class, they're calmly oppositional. They're not explosive, they just doesn't listen, don't follow rules. They will just leave. When they go to the sensory room they won't leave. I've been pushed a couple of times (doesn't hurt me or bug me). The principal says in her whole career she hasn't had a more difficult child (and we have some kids in the school who are HARD).

This last month he's started to listen, respect break timers. He doesn't just walk into places he ASKS (he used to burst into classes, library, gym when he wasn't supposed to be there). People are noticing and I'm proud of him.

I made a jar, called it the kindness jar. It has a bunch of little slips on it with positive affirmations. We walk around when he needs a walk and asks people if they want one. They reactions have been so positive and he loves bringing people joy. It is his favourite when staff says "can I keep this?"

I'm not sure if I get to go back to this school in September, but I hope I do.

The staff has a sunshine committee, its a bit different since covid effects some stuff, but someone will use their prep time to bring other staff cookies and a tea or coffee. I thought it would be cool to have a sunshine kids committee, where they also do random acts of kindness.