Substitute teachers have super powers! Being a substitute teacher is a lot of work, but the pay offs are amazing. I am new to being a substitute teacher, but I am not new to teaching. Being prepared is the number 1 attribute for being a wonderful substitute teacher. It’s all about how ready you are mentally and what tricks you have in the bag. What is a substitute bag? I never thought of a sub bag being so important, but it is! Think of it like this – you don’t have a classroom. Everyday you’re in a different room that…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
Do you enjoy animals? I always have for all of my life. I prefer dogs over cats yet I love tigers. My children have grown up with animals since they were born. At one time, we had 3 dogs, 3 cats, a hamster and a fish. I admit three dogs isn’t easy, but two is just right. Unfortunately, pets die and change. Now we are a 2 dog, 3 cat and a turtle family. I can’t imagine life without a pet. My dogs snuggle with me, kiss me and make me laugh every day. The https://family pet shows.com/travels all over…
I think it has been too long since I wrote a blog about my amazing kids. I can say amazing because all kids are truly amazing. Since I see them more because I’m home when they are, I realize how incredibly unique they are. I’m grateful that I can be here to just be in their presence because they are just too neat not to be around. Jason is my amazing first grader Next month Jason is going to be seven. Where did seven years go? Jason is a fun, sensitive and smart kid to be around. His smile lights…
I know February is often associated with love because of St. Valentine’s Day and relationships. St. Valentine’s Day has evolved for me through each year. I’m at the point where the holiday is just getting better! I’m often asked relationship advice and how I met my husband. No, I’m not a relationship expert, but I do like to try to help others. I’m not complaining about my life because I am thankful for everything I have. Although I need to be real with my cerebral palsy. It isn’t always a walk in the park. My wheelchair, my involuntary movements and…
January is a busy month! I admit that it hasn’t always been my favorite month because I do not like the cold. I’m always sad when Christmas lights go away and it’s dark outside. I wish lights on people’s houses would extend through March! Everything looks so much more happy and not so blah outside. Alas, I create goals to help everything go faster. When you set goals though, they can make a long, cold and dark month move a lot quicker. I try not to set goals too high or I will be mad at myself for not accomplishing…
Friends are the best people around. They are there for you when you need them the most. Friendship is the best thing on Earth. You get to support someone who needs help and have fun with. There is nothing like laughing and having fun with friends. Or offering your hand in support to someone warms your heart. Finding one good friend is really better than having many fake ones. Having a disability does make friendship difficult. When you can’t drive and do things physically for yourself, people tend to back away. They like you, but usually only on their terms.…
Happy new year! A new year often leads to hope and experiences. I hope all is well for you reading this. Last night I didn’t go out, but my kids and I stayed in and watched movies. Jeff had to work bright and early today. We had a great time together regardless! It has been a tough end of year with sickness in my house. I’ve had a cold that I cannot seem to get rid of. Laura has been sick, and I gave my attendant off today because she’s sick. But I decided the new year equals new hope.…
What child doesn’t enjoy playing with toys? Toys are a developmental tool to help children learn and grow. Toys help mold their minds by play, experiments, and building concepts. The Mattel doll known as Barbie is sixty years old this year. Many girls have played with Barbie through the years. A girl who has a disability could obviously play with Barbie dolls, but how wonderful it would be than to have a Barbie that you could relate to? For years, the only problem with Barbie was that she usually came with one body type. She also only had blonde hair…
You don’t have to walk to be healthy Recently, I heard that people who exercise feel happier than those who are wealthy. I could hardly believe it because of knowing that people always would like to have more money. Being a fan of healthy living, I enjoy having the motivation to exercise. Cerebral palsy does provide an obstacle to exercise especially if you can’t walk. I recently bought a Fitbit Charge 2 because of it being refurbished and curiosity of how it would help me. Now before you think I totally lost my mind, I know that I can’t walk.…
Having breast cancer can lead to thousands of insecurities and emotional distress. When I learned that I had breast cancer, I felt like the clouds opened up and a brick house fell on top of me. These insecurities leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed and alone, but you are never alone. Breast cancer leaves behind a secret sisterhood of those who came before you or going through the cancer experience along with you. I want to share with you some of my insecurities as I went through breast cancer and am still adjusting to my new body. From the moment…