Some more beautiful photos of the students and staff from Room 109 courtesy of Tanoa Spencer!
We had a great double block this week! Tyler and Iain were immersed in the world of design and copyright, trying to come up with perfect pictures to have on the T-shirts they are making in Media Arts class. Both were leaning towards some kind of video game themed emblem, and where busy finding images to draw.
I left them both in Liane’s able hands, and went to take photos of everyone I could find. First, I found Peggy reading to Jemma, Jessica and Shilo (who was much more interested in the fancy camera than the story). The real highlight of the day however, was a trip to the weight room with Ben, Shilo and Peggy. They had the radio bumping, and were alternating counting for one another, and doing intervals on all the various machines. We ended the workout with a little dance party, in which Ben starred, and Shilo was content to watch. Tanoa As I have begun to work with the individual personalities in room 109, I am convinced that like The Grinch, my heart has grown three sizes. I began integrating myself into the little community that is 109 two weeks ago as TA, and am fairly sure it would take a mob to pull me away now. I first worked with Iain and Tyler in media arts (at which they both succeeded to put my computer skills to shame). I shouldn’t call it working however; I truly had a lot of fun! Tyler and Iain where both working on making their own autobiographical short films when I showed up, using the green screen, and learning to do voice-overs etcetera. Iain inspired me to try learning and improving my sign language, which I am now beginning to fall in love with. Tyler and I also had a blast recording his Russian and martial arts moves; he never fails to make me laugh. I wish I could skip the rest of my education, and only work with them! I was introduced to the delightful Jemma and Jessica duo during their adventures in the world of tennis! Jemma had just gotten her nails painted bright pink, and loved showing me them, and then trying to find everything that she could see that was pink. I have never seen such a wonderfully colourful individual. We love to read together, and laugh at the funny pictures in books. Jessica keeps to her self I find, however she exceeds at tennis especially. We lost countless fuzzy yellow balls due to her sheer enthusiasm. She would swing the racket, and hit it as hard as she could, and it would go soaring over the chain link fence, into the brush. One of the days, after it had just rained all night, we went up to the Davies Street Park playground. It was beautifully sunny, and not yet too hot, with everything covered in rain drops. We played on the swings and the rope structure, until it was time to head back, with a smile on all our faces. I have worked with Shyloe very little, although I would love to spend much much more time getting to know him. He is one of the sweetest boys I have ever met, and will not withhold a smile on any given day. Today Jessica and he were sitting on one of the couches in 109 having a great time. Shyloe wanted to hold Jessica’s hand, and she would let him at first, but then pull it away, just to let him know who was in charge. He would sit sullenly back, until she put her hand out, offering it to him, and he would smile again, and take it gleefully. I have spent very little time with Ben, accept for today, when we sat, waiting on the couch before heading to the pool. I have spoken only a little with him, however I cannot help but notice how gentle and calm he tends to be. He has such beautiful illustrative hands, I had to take a picture or two just of them. While sitting and watching him, the memory of my childhood favorite “The BFG” comes to mind. I talked for the first time with Karri today as well. She showed me the wonders of the various instruments on her iPad. I noticed her painting of “Scar” the other day, and got a chance to see another drawing she was working on, of a snake. She is quite an amazing artist, and I hope to spend more time with her in the future. Josh too, keeps to himself, spending most of his time with Ray. I caught a glimpse of their relationship today, while they where having a snack. Ray was helping and encouraging Josh to eat and clean up independently. I brought my camera in today, and took a few sweet photos of Jessica with Shyloe, Jemma and Naomi, Josh and Ben. They will be uploaded soon, so everyone can see them too. I would like to thank the EAs, who have welcomed me warmly into their schedules and work spaces; they are all sweet, and work so passionately with the kids. All in all, I am so glad I get the chance to work with all these awesome people! And maybe, just maybe I can get a job after University, doing something like this. Tanoa Spencer (Grade 11) Josh! Josh is 17 this year and can often be seen doing recycling in the halls of L.V.Rogers. Some of Josh's favourite activities include swimming, listening to music and doing puzzles. I have been impressed repetitively by Josh's skill at doing puzzles, it is nearly impossible how quickly he conquers them. At times it can be hard to understand Josh because he uses singe language to communicate and not many high school students know how to respond or even what he is saying. Where to start? A good example is when he raises his hand to his mouth and taps his lips, for Josh this means "thank you" or his way of saying "hello" he loves to hear "your welcome Josh" or " Hello Josh". Ben! Ben just came to LVR this year. He is 13 years old. He loves singing at Bigby, reading, and playing catch. Ben has a large vocabulary from all the reading he does, witch makes conversing easy and fun. Please, give Ben a "hello" and see where the conversation goes, lets give a L.V.R. welcome to this new student! I have a grade 11 student who is also spending time with the 109 students, that will be sharing her experiences in 109. I’m also pleased to announce the 'comment' feature, and the 'Tweet' and 'Like' buttons on the blog are up and running. As you are reading please don’t hesitate to leave some comments of your experiences. And if you have any questions either myself or Mr. Liddell are available. And please remember that we would like to ask that everyone keeps the comments respectful.
This week I would like to introduce Jemma and Jessica! JESSICA is sixteen years old and can most often be seen running down the halls with a big smile. She loves drawing art, craft making, and sewing. Her incredible creativity was recently on display in an art show. When not at school Jessica likes to go horse- back riding, swimming and enjoys crafts such as making puppets and drawing. Although she is often running past you, a “Hey Jessica” could really brighten her day. JEMMA is also a sixteen year old who loves to meet new people. When she isn’t in school she enjoys hiking with her family, shopping, and swimming. Jemma loves jewelry, especially necklaces, so much ao that she has even learned how to make some herself! This creative and friendly student would love to meet some of her peers. If you see Jemma in the halls or in class give her a wave and a quick “Hey Jemma!” She is a quiet and friendly person and would love to say "Hello". JASON can most often be seen in the Gym shooting hoops. He is eighteen years old and a very active young man who loves hockey, dirt biking, and snowmobiling. Speaking with Jason is always a fun experience as he has some of the most fascinating stories I've heard. I would like to reach out to the 2013 grad class. Jason will be graduating with us this year and I would love for him to feel apart of the activities just as anyone else should. It would be wonderful to hear some grads speaking to Jay about upcoming events or just saying "hello". Jason is just as excited about the thrilling experience as anyone else in our graduating class. This is the time we can show some leadership, let's have one last year together full of support and acceptance. GRAD 2013!! SHILO can often be seen skipping down the L.V.Rogers' halls with a large smile plastered across his face. As one of the happiest and most social student in 109 Shilo is a complete joy to have around. He is a very independent sixteen year old who loves the Beetles, reading books, and giving high-fives. If you've seen Shilo in the halls but haven't had a chance to say hello I deeply suggest giving him a high five or asking how he is. Shilo has a great personality that can brighten any day. My Time in 109 will be a weekly update of activities, duties, and over all experience in Room 109 with L.V. Rogers special needs students. The column will be written by Grade 12 student, Mariah Sopow, who began her work experience with the special needs class last year. She enjoyed her time in Room 109 so much that she decided to spend her last semester of school with these amazing individuals. Her hopes are that by penning this blog she will be able to give the L.V. Rogers community a deeper understanding of the students in Room 109. She is also interested in a career working with people with special needs. The first couple of weeks she will spend introducing the students from Room 109. As she introduces the students, Mariah hopes that LVR community members may have the opportunity to say "Hello" and get to know these amazing students.
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AuthorTanoa Spencer is a Grade 11 student who loves spending time learning with (and from) the LVR students with special needs in Room 109. This is her official blog of her experiences. Archives
January 2014
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