Blog Post # 1: Getting To Know Me

WHO IS DAPHNEY?

Me & Mommy at her bday party
(That is not a gang sign, my mother is apart
of the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc.)

 My name is Daphney R. McFadden. I am currently a junior at the university, majoring in Special Education. I am the eldest of 5 children. I was born and raised here in Mobile, AL. I was raised by my grandparents for the better part of my life. My parents were never married, but I have a wonderful relationship with them both. Unfortunately in early March of 2001, my grandmother lost her battle with stomach cancer. She always was the person to help me with homework and encouraged me to do my best. I can honestly say that she is my motivation for continuing my education. I graduated in the Spring of 2009 from Vigor High School with a 4.2 GPA and number 6 in my class. I applied to many universities and the one that I finally decided on was Auburn University. Weagle Weagle War Darn Eagle!!! (censorship). Now choosing a major was a pain in the butt. I did not dawn on me until I was in the Auburn University bookstore what I wanted to do for the rest of my days...I wanted to teach and I loved history. Why not combine the two?! At the time I did not think to enroll in the College of Education, instead I enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and majored in History. I had, and still have, a passion for History. I am a firm believer in the past being a window into the future. One thing that you will learn about me is that I love teaching and technology!!

Auburn Days :)

 I transferred from Auburn in the Fall of 2012. I loved everything about the school. I loved the people, campus, atmosphere and I was saddened that I had to leave. I knew that since I am the eldest that I had/have a responsibility to help with my younger siblings so I came home. I knew that I wanted to continue my education so I applied at South and was accepted. I came to choosing the major of education because that is what I was raised around...EDUCATION. My grandmother and her sister were a retired math instructors for the Mobile County Public School System. My aunts are both educators, one a professor of African American Studies and the other a Speech Pathologist. Another reason that I chose Education, particularly Special Education, is because I believe that every child has the potential to be something great if given the proper tools and opportunity. Throughout my academic career, I have experienced many types of ways people learn. Take myself for instance, I am a multi-learner. I prefer written to study, but I also require some type of auditory device so that I can go back and listen to my lectures. This is not my first attempt at EDM310. I took the class in the Spring of 2012. I have learned may things from this class and enjoyed it the first time.

 IMAGINE ME IN THE CLASSROOM

 Special Education is a field that requires a few provisions in the classroom. My goal is to make sure that my students learn, not only knowledge, but also how to function in society with his/her disability(ies). If I was to come across a student with a disability that has NOT been diagnosed, it is my job to send a letter home to inform his or her parents of my findings. There are physical and mental disabilities, can you guess which one is not so easily detected?

An Educator should not only teach, but
also lend a "Helping Hand" to students

 I know that in dealing with Special Ed children certain tools are required per his/her IEP (Individualized Educational Program). For instance, Katy has moderate autism and is non-verbal. If her IEP says that she requires an iPad in order to communicate her wants and needs, that's what I am going to need for her. Also, these instruments are provided by the MCPSS per state and national laws. Grading will be based upon the work and tasks completed. Along with grading, rewards (treats, activities, praise etc) are given to the students who display correct behavior.

Some special needs kids can operate in a "gen ed" , or general education, classroom. Those kids I would just work with in his/her regular environment. There is a table that is set up in the back, specially for that child. I come in for about 30 minutes to work with the child on a specific disability. For instance, Luke is a autistic student with ADHD. I take him to that table where we previously worked on hand motions to keep his attention of what he and I are doing. 

The more moderate to severe kids would be in the resource room with myself and possibly another special ed teacher. My classroom would be set up in a daily routine of my kids following a "path" that is taped to the floor. Stop 1: Book bag and lunch bag area to hang things up. Stop 2: Restrooms (even if you do not have to go, just try." Stop 3: Desk area for worksheets and instruction. These students will learn daily task such as washing hands, making sandwiches, crossing the street, purchasing items, etc. I will incorporate academic skills, such as math, language arts, social studies etc as well.

"Time Management" By Dr. Randy Paush, Ph.D 

Dr. Randy Paush, Ph.D

Dr. Randy Paush was a loving husband, devoted father, and quite the accomplished man. Before I watched the Time Management video, I did some research. Dr. Paush had ties to Disney, Adobe, and Google just to name a few. In his everyday life, Dr. Paush would make out a "plan". He would plan for daily tasks and long term tasks. Unfortunately, Dr. Paush lost his battle with cancer in July 2008. I can honestly say that I am the same way. Every day I make a "To Do" list for the day and once my list is complete I can rest easy. Dr. Paush says that breaking down tasks into smaller steps is an effective method. This is true about everyday life and academic life as well. If you have a hectic task list, do the hardest task first. For example, I have an "assistant" app on my android phone. Her name is Sam. I use Sam to get through everyday tasks like remembering to pay a certain bill or go pick up something from the store. Technology is amazing and can be used in various productive ways other than Facebook and Twitter. I have 2 major goals this semester. Before I tell them to you, I would have to explain the back story: Last Spring I became sick and missed a week or two of classes. This caused my GPA to fall below average so I did not qualify for financial aid in the Fall. I ended up paying out of pocket last semester for my classes. Well since my GPA was still low this semester, I am on Probation (financially and academically). So, now that you know the back story....MY GOAL IS TO GET AN "A" AND "B" this semester so that I no longer have to worry about if I qualify or not. I am going to use the method of Time Management to get all assignments and projects done while maintaining a part-time job. It may sound difficult, but I know that I can do it. I know that if a single parent can get out of bed, get his/her kids off to school, go to school themselves, work and make decent grades...I know that I can do it to.

TIME MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

I know that procrastination is what I do best. Waiting til the last minute to study or read over notes for a quiz or test. Most college students are guilty of it because you want to go hang out with your friends or significant other, go to the movies, go to the mall, go to the club. We just want to do things that are fun while we still have the time to do them. THIS IS WHERE WE MESS UP! I am going to do an experiment this semester based on what I read about on the Penn State website, Time Management Excerises . I think this is going to be a hard but necessary change to my daily schedule. I honestly believe that this is going to be a great way to acheive my desired grade in this course!!!