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Day 3

 


Day 3: Lessons from the Everyday Moments

Life of a Support Facilitator

My day started with a knock on my door. One of my students stopped by just to say “hi” — and, of course, to grab a fidget toy! Those small visits remind me how important it is for students to have a safe, familiar person they can check in with at any time.

I walked to my first class, but mornings can be tricky — students are still arriving, routines are just starting, and it takes a little flexibility to make things flow. I just had to make it work.

Morning Collaboration and Flexibility

My next stop quickly became one of my favorite moments of the day. My assigned student was absent, so instead of sitting idle, I helped the teacher get another student back on task by creating a quick token system. It worked beautifully! Sometimes the simplest strategies have the biggest impact.

During recess, I chatted with the 4th grade team before heading to collaborate with a colleague on assessment and curriculum planning. These quick hallway and planning moments often spark the best ideas — and strengthen our support network.

Afternoon Patience and Perspective

Upstairs during math, my student needed extra time to finish copying something from the lesson. I realized it was a perfect opportunity to practice patience — to listen first before trying to redirect. I worked with the teacher to adjust the schedule and reassured the student that she could catch up on her work later. Sometimes, the best teaching moment is knowing when not to push too hard.

In my last class of the day, I walked into a science experiment — dissolving sugar cubes in hot and cold water! The energy in the room was contagious. One student asked if she could have gum, and I’ll admit it — I gave in. (It’s the little things that make their day.)

After lunch, I met with the 5th grade team to collaborate on class shirts, discuss a student’s schedule, and plan reading intervention time. I love these team moments where creativity and problem-solving intersect.

Lessons I Learned Today

Today was full of small but powerful reminders. I learned that:

  1. I’m a safe person for kids because I’m familiar.

  2. I need to put the needs of students first.

  3. There’s always another perspective to consider.

  4. I can take a step back and reflect before reacting.

  5. There’s a chain of command, and I need to respect it.

  6. It’s impossible to make everyone happy — and that’s okay.

  7. As educators, we’re on stage all day long, modeling behavior and attitude.

  8. Change brings emotion, and that’s part of growth.

  9. Sometimes you just have to say, “It is what it is.”

  10. And most importantly, I can always do better.

Final Reflection

Every day as a Support Facilitator brings a mix of planning, surprises, laughter, and lessons. Some days I’m testing, some days I’m teaching, and other days I’m just listening. But no matter the task, every interaction matters.

Today reminded me that growth doesn’t happen all at once — it happens in small, daily reflections, in choosing patience over perfection, and in finding joy in the everyday moments that make this role so special.

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