Field Trips + CKU + Thursday Links.
Yesterday was pumpkin patch field trip day. 42 kindergarten kiddos and a gathering of adults made their way on a big yellow bus to one of the many patches on the edge of town. What can be better than that?
The coolest parts of the day:
1. Getting to see Simon interacting in his school environment before leaving for the patch. He definitely has a hard time sitting still in the group (which we kinda figured) but they have set up some good options for him such as a chair that is right on the edge of the group. He knows he can go sit there if he needs to and that that is ok. He didn't seem super distracted that I was there either - he definitely wanted to show me everything first off, but once they began their "regularly scheduled program" he was into it and following along (even if he was wandering a bit).
2. One of my favorite moments was when he went to the bathroom by himself (down the hall)+ then came right back to the classroom (he did what he was supposed to do in letting the teachers know that he was going, etc - when he came back to the classroom he said, "Mommy, I baaaaaaaack.").
3. It was also good for me to simply experience the other kids in the classroom - how they talk, how they respond to the teachers, etc.
4. Making friends with the kids in my group. When I dropped Simon off this morning I got hugs and a bookmark from some of the girls and shy hellos from a couple of the boys.
5. The feeling of thanksgiving once again for the teachers and aids - they are amazing how they work with all the kids and completely have a handle on what's happening (even if they don't completely they are sure good at making it look like they do).
6. Getting to chat and laugh with the aids + teachers + other moms that were there.
So fun. Looking forward to more in-class and out-of-class adventures with these kids.
And hey, look who we ran into last weekend:
Also wanted to make sure I said a big thank you to my students last weekend at CKU Orlando. You guys were amazing. The level of preparation that goes into this project (A Week in the Life) on the part of the students is really a lot of work. Thank you each and every one of you for coming and playing and sharing and documenting. I put together a list of music that I played in class. You can check it out on iTunes here (this is the same group of music I have played all year).
Also, my friend Paolo was able to come along on this adventure. He is such a great travel partner and he loves scrapbooking and creativity and photography and having fun (a very nice combination). Loved having him around. We were really lucky to get to go to Magic Kingdom on Friday night with a bunch of teachers. Can I just say that Disney without a child in tow is a whole different experience. We had some of those moments where we were laughing so hard that we were crying.
Thanks again to all the students I met this year through CKU. Just awesome.
And to wrap it up today, here's some cool links to check out:
1. I did an interview with Jeanette at Scrap in Style TV at Memory Trends. The video is available here. They are also running a creative challenge this week for a chance to win my new Life Artist book.
2. I will be doing a book signing this weekend at Scrapbook Fever in Salem, Oregon starting at 10am.
3. If you are local around here in Eugene/Springfield my friend Emily will be doing a Cocoa Daisy class next Thursday night (October 25th). For info you can contact Jill at jill@bamstick.com.
4. Next weekend, Saturday, October 27th I will be doing a book signing from noon to 2pm in Olympia, Washington at Sharin Memories.
Hey - just to let you know, it looks like Sharin Memories has you listed for Saturday the 27th...
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Thanks for catching that Lea - I fixed it :).
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oh my gosh! Simon must love that photo of you and Paolo with Buzz!!!
Enjoyed your class this year Ali, a little sad to see it ending, but looking forward to what will come.
Happy Thursday!
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What a great day! Loved your video with Jeanette. It was neat to put a voice with you!
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I was thinking about Simon at school and having a hard time sitting. I used to be a special educ. teacher. We used move and sit cushions to sit at group. They are slightly inflated cushions for kids to sit on, feel movement, and allows them to be able to focus on group. The school may already have them, but I just wanted to mention it!
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Just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful experience at your Week in the Life album track on Saturday. I feel like what I learned there will revolutionize the way the I scrapbook and for the first time in a long time I feel like I have some strategies to not feel so overwhelmed with scrapbooking. I am so proud of what I accomplished there! Thanks so much for your time and insight!
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Volunteering for your child is the smartest and most enjoyable thing a parent could do. I enjoyed reading about it. Thank You
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Hi Ali,
Sounds like the pumpkin patch was pretty cool - a great outing for you and Simon. Our Jr.Kindergarten class is going to a pumpkin farm next week - it will be fun to see my two there with their new little friends/classmates.
Loved the interview for Scrap in Style - I paused it and came back with a cup of tea so I could savour the whole thing. The exchange about head-stands at the very end got me laughing - you and Jeanette seem to have a nice rapport - great to watch - wish the clip was even longer!
Thanks for sharing.
A.
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Thanks again for a great album track. I had a great time Friday and even though my album is not done (it's ok)it was a blast to meet all the wonderful women in the group. And, the homework really wasn't that bad :) ( I liked homework while in school)
Still having issues getting to your iMix. I don't know why. It keeps wanting me download itunes. I'll figure it out someday :)
Pumpkins look great!!
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That's EXACTLY what I was doing yesterday.... Except with first graders.... My daughter had a blast!
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Wish I knew you were going to be in Olympia, I would love my book signed. Crop is full and the owner said signing is only for crop attendees :(
Can you give a heads up nextime you're in the area!?
Cheers-
Elaine
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Ali,
I am a bit behind in blog reading but I did want to comment on the environmental post. I just recently learned that compact flourescent bulbs contain mercury. Disposing them can be difficult if there is no hazadous waste program. Also, special steps must be taken when cleaning up a broken bulb to prevent the spilled mercury from poisoning people. I have heard that L.E.D. is a safer option but need to do more research on this.
Kaci
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Wahoo!
Just talked to Michelle at Scrapbook Fever! She's going to sell/ship a book to me, so I can have you sign it Saturday....she was way surprised when I said...um...I stalk Ali Edward's blog, can I buy a book and have her sign it...but there's just one thing...I need you to ship it to...Arkansas...(I just moved)...she said...of course!
I love people like that. This just absolutely made my day. Wahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo!
So, when you see the mail order book from kaylea aka kaytebug, you'll know it's that crazy girl from Arkansas (formerly of Joplin, Mo.).
K
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Great entry today! So good to hear Simon is into school!! Thanks for sharing!
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pumpkin patch field trip was one of my faves! Thanks for the iTunes link :)
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So glad you had a great time in our fun city ... thank you, thank you, thank you for doing the book signing at Gemstone & Bead Imports! I was bummed about not being able to go to CKU-Orlando, but all was made happy again with the chance to meet you, buy your book, and find a great new "hidden gem" in that store! I am totalling loving your new book, and I'm so excited about the new direction I'm heading. Thanks for the inspiration!
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I am so glad to see Simon is doing well enough in class. I have so many family members & friends with children that have needs in the autisitc spectrum, that are not having the same experience as you. In fact it is so dreadful it brings one to tears. I too used to teach special education, early childhood and it breaks my heart to hear bad experiences once they leave the small nest of EC. I cannot believe some people are just so over loaded they cannot extend themselves to make everyone feel welcome. Even if you have never had a child with some needs, you as a teacher are then responsible to find someone and/or something to help you then. It is also all the money too but love is cheap. I also so know that you may have not always experienced acceptance or tolerance in every situation so you know what I mean. It makes this stay at home mom want to go back to teaching to fix everything!! Take care and keep chugging along.
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As a teacher, I am THRILLED to hear that you are volunteering in Simon's classroom and on his field trips. I have a little boy in my room this year that is autistic and have very little home support. Believe me when I say that your support of Simon and of his teachers/staff makes so much difference in his education. Sounds like he's doing extremely well!
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AHHHH! I'll see you the 27th! Can't wait to see you again, Miss Ali!
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Thanks for your words on your SIS TV interview. Somehow you always say just what I need to hear. Without fail.
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Ali - we can't access the list of songs on iTunes in Australia :o( Is it possible for you to list them on your blog? It would be so appreciated. Thanks Kim :o)
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that sounds like a lot of fun... I love going on school field trips! I can't wait to meet you in Seattle for CKC, and I have read through your book so many times already, I love it!
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Hey Ali, took your album track in Detroit. i would love to have your itunes list but I am not able to access it in Canada? Is there another way to get it?
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Hi Ali, I would like to echo the other non-USA residents' request for your play list - just tried to buy from i-Tunes but not available here in Australia :( Totally love your blog and reading about Simon - will he ever comprehend how many ``aunties'' he has backing his every move hehe
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Just got your new book today!!!!
Havn't been able to put it down.
Thanks!!!!
hopefully I can get it signed some day!
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