Sunday, July 08, 2007

A few weeks after classes have started I'm home sick with no voice. I didn't go to work Thursday and Friday. Why in the world parents give their kids "fruit" juices that contain nothing but sugar and water, chocolate bars and candies as their recess snack is a mystery to me. Its hard enough to get two year olds to sit still for more than 5 minutes, let alone 2 year olds filled up with sugar and sweets. It took me 30 minutes just for them to form a line. As a result I've moved recess right before dismissal. You let your kids drown in sugar, you handle them.

I was also surprised to find out that I have a 4 year old in one of my classes. Apparently, he failed the entrance test to nursery, which is unheard of. Nobody has ever failed the nursery entrance exam. The principal, not wanting to let go of additional cash put him in my class without my talking to or seeing the child. I only found out on the first day of classes. He doesn't talk, just grunts and walks around hitting other kids. Sigh. I've talked to the mother, he suffered some brain damage as an infant. She assured me that the doctor told her he will magically turn into a normal child when he turns 7. I feel bad for him, he should be undergoing therapy. I've strongly suggested to her that he get regular checkups from the doctor and she get a speech therapist and physical therapist.
I also have two other kids who have developmental problems, but not as bad as this one. I don't know why but I think word got out that I was handling special children, and several kids with special needs started applying this July. Arrgh! I am not qualified! I could see in my principal's eyes that she wanted to accept them (additional cash) but I really put my foot down.