Week 12

This week in transition was dedicated to getting ready for the Bunny Hop Shoppe! The transition program, Pod 4, vocational class runs a business called Savory & Sweet. Pod 4's goal is to raise enough money to purchase the transition program a new basketball hoop. The Bunny Hop Shoppe is an Easter candy fundraiser for the basketball hoop! We spent all week making chocolate candies including:

• marshmallow peeps dipped in chocolate
• pretzels dipped in chocolate and sprinkles
• bunny sucker molds with candy eyes
• miscellaneous chocolate molds
• lemon, white chocolate candy deviled eggs
• citrus bark and peanut butter toffee bark

The students made a spreadsheet for inventory as well as for costs and profit. The students learned all about gross and net income, profit margins, etc. They also gained so many cooking and job skills through working in the kitchen. In all, I think we are estimated to make around $100!

We also watched a video and discussed how to have a positive attitude at work, show self-discipline, and give good customer service. The students had many great connection. For example, one student works at a nursing home and was able to share how important a positive attitude is at his jobsite. This lesson was also important as we just had a student fired from a job and we were able to come up with ways that we can show self discipline on the job and what future employers are looking for. We also discussed the importance of being professional on social media. Once something is posted on the internet, it never really disappears. I think that this is something really important for the students to know. I hope to teach a lesson on social media and the work place in the future.

I have noticed a few students that don't really respect me because I am young. One in particular always compares me to his other transition teachers. I keep reminding him that I am not those other teachers and that I am still learning, but sometimes it can be discouraging. My cooperating teacher has complimented the way many students are responding positively to my calm nature in the classroom but there are 2 or 3 who I think do not. Next week I hope to see how our interactions progress and that they hopefully will improve!

I have seen myself grow in the area of justice in diversity. The transition program is filled with students of all different ability levels, as well as cultural backgrounds. Being there has opened my eyes to a world of diversity I have never experienced in such a saturated amount. It is making me more passionate about helping my students understand what makes them who they are and making them aware of their abilities. It is also making me more passionate about informing others and spreading awareness.