Work Talk... [Forgotten Items]
Hello, this is Hiroka.
My heart is still in the middle of recovery, but...
today, I'd like to talk about work.
I have been visiting a first-grade classroom to help with school lunch.
I may have written about this before, but...
There is a boy named A.
He is a child who almost never forgets anything,
but he uncharacteristically forgot his indoor shoes, toothbrush, and cup.
I told him, "Please bring them tomorrow."
I also talked to his homeroom teacher about how unusual it was.
Then, the next day.
Huh? He didn't bring them...
I'm a little concerned...
It's a really small thing, but
I really do get concerned when I notice a slight sense of unease.
During lunch break, he was also
playing alone, which is unusual.
It's not that playing alone is bad,
but he usually plays with someone.
And it was his second day in a row forgetting things.
I was concerned, so
I went over and played with him.
Also, regarding the forgotten items,
perhaps his parents are busy,
or there might be some circumstances, so
Are they at home?
Where are they?
I checked to see if A himself
knew where they were.
Since he is a sensible child,
I assumed he would know...
As expected, he replied that he knew.
I told him, "I see. Then when you get home, you should prepare them and put them near your school bag!"
On the third day, it seemed he was prepared,
and he had brought them.
When I told him he did a good job,
he smiled shyly and looked happy.
That day, during lunch break, we
played together in the classroom.
With the math box color tiles and counting sticks.
The next day, he was playing happily
with his friends, so I felt a little relieved.
If asked whether this is part of my duties
as a special needs education assistant,
I sometimes wonder...
Regardless of whether they are a student I am assigned to support or not,
I want to reach out to children I am concerned about,
and my honest feeling is that I want to respond
within the scope of what I can do.
Of course, I am careful not to overstep the homeroom teacher's role, but...
Sometimes, I reflect on things and think, "Oh, I did too much!"
(bitter smile)
At those times, I tell the teacher later,
"I am sorry."
Also,
"Please stop me when I do too much!"
I try to tell them that as much as possible (laughs).
Taking the initiative is also an important point.
Strike first to win.