When the class bell rings you would find me instructing high school students with special needs. Along with new training I'm handing out choices. Students are provided advice instead of commands. They may sleep in class but they will have to make up the wasted learning on their time. They can do the work now or have home work later. They can be tardy to class but the 3rd one will get them detention. It's all up to them. In the beginning it was hard not to be the one in control. But after a while I saw that I never really was in control. Giving students choices gives them control of their situation. With choices they have a chance to learn from the consequences of their actions. Jim Fay, The author of Love and Logic was introduced to me through a parenting group in Derby, KS. I tried it out with my boys and really liked the idea of giving choices instead of demands. I like the sound of motivator and not dictator.
Here is my NO, NO...I am at home attempting to get my two younger boys ready for bed and manage my oldest son's homework completion after a long day of working with my high school students that have special needs. The huge amount of patience that God gives me has already been tapped out though, which really presents a problem. I'm sticking it out because Kent is barfing (stomach flu) and not able to jump in and share the duty. Which brings me back to the real subject matter, Sam and his ability to avoid homework. Sam can entertain himself in a sound proof room with nothing but a desk, chair, homework and pencil. So, even if the environment is perfect for on task behavior Sam may prove you wrong. He is extremely intelligent and bright but just does not find it real necessary to get much of his work done during the school day. Many weekday evenings are spent battling assignment completion. Sam is the best at bringing the worst out in me. He can have me gritting my teeth and handing out threats in no time. Before I know it I've got a three ring circus going on in my home. So, yes once again I got sucked in and yelled, screamed, and made a big fool of myself. I look back now and want to cry for the both of us because my yelling and threats don't get either one of us anywhere. FYI, Sam and I have made up and all is well once again. There is an emergency plan in place and progress is being made.
1. Sam has awesome hugs and he knows when I need them.
John 6:53-57 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.
