The Class List!

We received the much anticipated class lists today! Boy do I have my work cut out for me! If this year doesn't prepare me to be an incredible teacher in the U.S. where extra assistance and resources are available, I don't know what will! So here's the break down (subject to change):

13 Students Total

-9 girls

-4 boys

-11 ESL students

-7 students who repeated kinder

-2 students with ADD/ADHD*

-1 student with a learning disability*

-1 student with a behavior disorder*

*Guatemalans seem to have little to no understanding or acknowledgment of special needs. I received an info sheet on each child from the kinder teacher and she identified the students as probably having these disorders. (One student with ADD actually has a father who claims it.) With the basic info supplied, it sounds like she's probably right on. It also sounds like the child with the BD may have sensory issues.

So...I've definitely got my work cut out for me! I have to say, the info sheet on the child with the BD was one of the first I read and I actually got very excited. The school does not accept children with "severe" disabilities because we do not have the resources to meet their needs, and since working with behavior disorders is something I'm very passionate about, I was pretty thrilled about that one. I definitely think he's going to be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to meeting him and finding ways I can help him manage his behavior. 

It also sounds as though the majority of my students are somewhat behind academically, be it due to limited English skills or inattentiveness. One more week and then they're all mine! Oh boy!