"You know you're my favorite, right?"

As soon as I thought that I wasn't making any sort of difference in my student's life and felt as if I had hit a brick wall, my student cheers me up with a comment like that one!

Highlights of the week:

1. Discussing the age of her teachers...

    Me: How old did you think I was?
    Student A: 16
    Me: You thought I was only 3 years older than you!?!?
    Student A: Well, I guess maybe I thought a little older.

I doubt that I could have been an effective teacher at age 16! Not sure if I am suppose to take that as a compliment or not. Thoughts?

2. As I am constantly convincing my student to eat healthy foods and choose fruits & veggies from the cafeteria line, we oftentimes have food conversations...

    Student A: You know what I love, Ms. Alvis?
    Me: What now?
    Student A: Wolf Brand Chili
    Me: Never heard of it, what could that be? Do I even want to know?
    Student A: Of course, it's chili in a can! What grown-up hasn't heard of Wolf Brand Chili?
    Me: I must say that sounds very disgusting...do you mean chili like with beans and meat? That comes    
    in a can!?!?
    Student A: Oh, Ms. Alvis, it is delicious! I still can't believe that you have never heard of it. You have  
    to try it!

I have recently found out that Wolf Brand Chili is very popular in Texas and is now the sponsor of Channel 5 Morning News. I still doubt that I could ever get myself to eat chili from a can. I think I will instead make some homemade chili for my student and show what chili really tastes like!

3. Farmer's Market Field Trip

    Along with my student's mobility instructor, we took a trip to the Dallas Farmer's Market in order to explore different fruits and vegetables, and choose a pumpkin to bring back to school to carve! She learned more than she would on the trip than a day at school! Her attitude was positive the entire day, I was blown away by her social skills, and she consistently made comments on how grateful she was to have us to take her to new places. She was able to experience many new tastes, learn about the numerous pumpkins and gourds that are out in the fall,  and use her own money to purchase items to bring home to her family.

4. Reading

We have finished the first unit of the Braille curriculum and my student is reading at home for 30 minutes each night! However, the first story from the new unit is about some kids' experiences at a playground...

    Student A: Would you be mad if I asked you what a swing was?
    Me: I am never mad when you ask me questions. I only want to be here for you to explain new  
    concepts to you and allow you to experience them as much as it's possible. Have you ever been to a
    playground before?
    Student A: No, but don't tell my mom that we are talking about this.
    Me: Do not worry about it, we will just have to take another field trip very soon to a playground
    where you can explore and we can maybe even have a picnic!
    Student A: Wow! I would love that.

I now need to get back to my Saturday night dinner that I will post very soon- Mushroom, Roasted Red Pepper, and Goat Cheese Bread Pudding, Spiced Mahi Mahi, and a Crostata with Dried Apricots, Walnuts, and Mascarpone Cheese for dessert.