I work to transition, or observe the transition(either way you want to look at it), from the comfortable and familiar yet always challenging classroom teaching and technology specialist practice, into doing a hybrid of that same teaching practice combined with research. Not that I didn’t research before, it is just the level, scope, and goals are shifted. During this time of productive change and rebirth of sorts, I am trying to focus on fundamentals. Lately, from many different places I have been learning from a great teacher and basketball coach, John Wooden. Here is his TED talk for you to enjoy. It would be terrific to hear your impressions of it.
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Richard Lavoie has posted a terrific resource: 20 Tips to Promote Positive Self-esteem.
There are a few teachers in this world that resonate with me in a way that is hard to describe. Linda Burkhart, Karen Erickson, David Koppenhaver, Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite, Madalaine Pugliese, David McNaughton, Janice Light, Karen Janowski, Patty Cassidy, Stella Pierce and Dale Gardner Fox are just a few of the people who have inspired me to be a better teacher. About two years ago, I heard Rick Lavoie speak at Gordon College, where I did my undergraduate work in elementary education, special education, and history. I had known the F.A.T. city workshop from my beginnings in a community college course I took, back when I was a part of the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center. I remember the paradigm shift it created in me. I had always meant to contact Dr. Lavoie after that. I had always meant to visit his school on the Cape. Yet, I didn’t. Hearing him speak that day at Gordon brought tears to my eyes. As he spoke about his students and the work, both his heart and his humor came through. Yet, it was not until today that I realized what it is. It is that people like Rick Lavoie do two things, they care a great deal and they work hard to help people. That is why I admire Rick Lavoie and a host of other teachers to whom I am forever grateful for their example.
In AAC, we are ever more realizing that pictures and videos can be worth an exponential amount of words. It is very hard to describe what I am experiencing in my life right now, so I’ll let this video that Greg sent to me help explain. The music is by the Belgium artist Sylver.
All I can say is that I am so thankful for this ride, especially the voyage that began in January and the one that is about to take off…
by Samuel Sennott
Check out this London restaurant reported on by Engadget. How fun would it be to go here with people using AAC? And if they had some scanning/ alternate access options. Fun dreams.
London restaurant claims fame with touch-sensitive tables, colorful menu projectors
Read this Articleby Samuel Sennott
In the Vermont woods, I have had a chance to take a half step back and watch the leaves fall. I have been able to let go and be present. While I have only had a few days off, it feels like a month already. It is enjoyable to be sitting outside with my family’s new puppy, reading Walden and the Dog Wisperer interchangeably. This creative absence feels so wrong to the constantly striving part of my personality. Yet, looking at those thoughts and feelings unwaveringly is showing that there is time to rest and restore. This getting back to basics really feels right.
I thouroughly enjoy teaching and in the past few days, I have had some pangs of missing my students. Yet, this short break or sabatical of sorts is really proving to have been a good choice for me as a teacher. I realize that I now have worked for over ten years in my field. The experiences have been powerful. From the amazing early times at the Respite Center to student teaching while at Gordon College to the classrooms and camp programs, I have had the good fortune to lead, I am so thankful for the experiences. It feels good to reflect and consider the next steps. Yet, as I slow down and unclog my senses, it feels like those next steps flow naturally. Anyway, I now know that planning in this break was a very good idea.
by Samuel Sennott
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssKtIni9adA]
So goes the longest summer. Nearly fifteen months of summer has come to an end. It has been a fun and interesting ride starting on the shores of Plum Island, MA and leading a public school Extended Year Program Summer Camp to a bit further down route 1 in sunny Southern Florida and the Writer’s camp for users of AAC this summer. My year in Fort Lauderdale ends today. Wow did I learn a great deal. So much has happened from working with two, three, and four year olds to the powerful experience consulting at a middle school yesterday. Broward and Miami Dade counties are in my heart and on my mind. The children and families I worked with here have been inspirational. The community we have created is so terrific. The families in the early childhood program I led here had me over for a nice cookout on my last day this past week and it really was special. This saying goodbye for now is bittersweet. I will miss my students and the work here. Last Friday, on my last day, we took the children to a really nice accessible playground and as we wound through the park, Led Zeppelin’s classic song Ramble On was playing on the radio. It is time for me to go, but I will forever be connected in mind and heart to the children and communities here. As I set out for Vermont for a Sabatical of sorts, before starting a Ph.D. program in Special Education and AAC, I wonder when I will return here. Truly ATIA will now become a reunion of sorts for me. As I say goodbyes, I think about how much this time has been a gift. Having the ability to stay on my hands and knees working with the students, as well as stepping one foot into the academic world has been such a gift. My time working in the Speech and Language division at Nova Southeastern University has been amazing. Helping graduate students, leading the early childhood program, doing AT services, teaching workshops, traveling to CTG, ATIA, ASHA, FLASHA, and ISAAC, leading our very special camp time this summer, and being able to mentor some team members all has been such a gift. Much thanks to all who made it possible. Thanks to the terrific children and individuals served. Much thanks to the families who have been so gracious. Thanks to the team members who have been such a gift. So much thanks and respect to Dr. Zangari and Dean Dr. Newman for hiring me and giving me so much freedom to create. Special thanks to Beth Saunders who has been a constant source of help and support. She does a terrific job leading a great team of AT specialists in Broward. The respect they gave by giving so much time meeting with me on translating our camp gains on into the students current school year is such an inspiration. So much thanks to my friends down here. Gosh, you have been awesome. Thanks for all the fun times on Las Olas, South Beach, and beyond. Thanks to God for the grace this longest summer. It surely has been a great chapter in my life and while the relationships live on, this time is ending. Goodbye Florida. Goodbye summer.
