As a Special Ed Teacher, positive reinforcement is an every moment, of every day reality. I am constantly give verbal praise, stars on token boards, handing out earned reinforcers/desired items throughout every activity, every day. Every student and even every para, is receiving positive reinforcement from me, all day.

“I really like how X is sitting in his chair!”

“I really like how Y is keeping safe hands!”

“Thank you for giving N the chance to get off the floor all by himself!”

“I really like how this para is giving that student choices of her reinforcer instead of choosing for her!”

Some days I feel like I am just spending it kissing ass trying to get students and para’s alike to work and not spend the day verbally protesting. It is a powerful tool. Showing appreciation for even just the smallest of accomplishments keeps people (children and adults alike) motivated.

So positive reinforcement is my reality…giving it that is. Until yesterday!

Third week of school, half my regular staff decides to go on vacation, one para has been given the reality that this is not the right job for her by HR (THANK YOU HR), so of course that means it is time for an observation! My perception of my classroom during the observation drastically contrasted what the observer saw. I thought it was chaos. I am trying to do our morning meeting and morning work routine, during which I have a couple of kiddos having behavior meltdowns, and one is just screaming for the sake of screaming, but I do have a few engaged and for them I kept things moving.

What she saw she felt the need to email to everyone up the latter from me! An email that was later forwarded to me from my admin.

She raved about how well I was adapting and modifying my curriculum to make it accessible to everyone; using low tech and high tech devices to help my students participate; all the while tending to the behavior needs of all the students in my room.

When I read the email I quite literally cried. It is so rare to actually RECEIVE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT that I was at a loss for words. It was such an attitude adjuster for me! I have been working so hard, and I am so exhausted. I still don’t know how to express how fabulous it feels to have someone notice, AND take the time to tell those in charge of judging you, that you’re doing a wonderful job!

It was a wonderful reminder for me of just how powerful and important positive reinforcement is. So with 15/185 days in the bank, I am rewarding myself a desired activity….PJ’s and Wine Time! The prep work will be waiting for me tomorrow!!