Tips for working with special needs students:
* Be respectful and treat them with dignity.
* Have an agenda that you stick to in order to provide a very structured day.
* Talk directly to the student if they have another caregiver who works with them.
* Respect their privacy and confidentiality.
* Don't baby them or feel sorry for them. Be welcoming and caring instead.
* Remember that they still have a lot in common with and many of the same needs as their peers.
Terms to be familiar with:
Assistive Technology- Use of devices that increase the ability of students to get along in society that improve their quality of life.
IEP- Individualized Education Plan. An individualized, written program that is developed and carried out by the members of the IEP team.
IEP Team- A group of educational and related service personnel who develop, carry out, and evaluate the IEP.
Behavior Intervention Plan- A plan written by the IEP team for an individual student that specifically outlines what procedures and practices will be used to reinforce positive behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors.
Curriculum-Based Assessment- The practice of obtaining direct and frequent measures of student performance based on a series of objectives from a classroom curriculum.
Inclusion- Involving students with disabilities as active participants in general education classroom activities.
Least Restrictive Environment- A location in which students have a maximum opportunity to interact with students who do not have disabilities.
My comment is for: Tips for working with special needs students.
ReplyDeleteThree things I agree with are: to treat these children with dignity because they are still human, they just need a little extra help. Talk directly to the student this way they know the instruction clearly. And don't baby them or feel sorry for them because they want to feel as if they are just like the other kids and need a bit of independence.
Two questions I still have are: What happens if you do not have a lesson plan for these children? Would you talk with a caretaker if they are assigned one? And, what type of technology would someone use in a classroom setting for these children?
My one aha moment was about involving students with disabilities to work together with other students in the classroom. This is great especially when they are not in school anymore and have to interact on their own.
Special Education responding to Katey.
DeleteI thought this was really well said - treating them with dignity being most important.
Response to Katey's aha moment I love the fact that you are thinking of the children's
Deletefuture and success of working with other's.
Julie Gordon
Great questions! Oftentimes, if they are severe enough to have a lesson plan of their own, they will have a caregiver with them who can help modify the classroom lessons to meet their needs. If not, you can use the lessons left or the ones you have decided on for the day, but do things like:
ReplyDeletechunk information
give written instructions or a list they can check off
pictures of the things they are to do
LOTS of patience and flexibility.
Technology they might use:
a laptop or another type of electronic writing device
headphones for instructions or stories- a listening station
Special Education chapter reading;
ReplyDeleteI found it informative. The strategies on how to cater to a special needs student and the appropriate language one should use.
I can relate to this on a personal level, because I was a peer - tutor for a special education class in high school and it was an unforgettable experience. Watching the students learn and grow was and will always remain awe - inspiring. I also learned that equality is important and the reading validated that for me.
- Montse
Chapter 5.
ReplyDelete- Montse
I found this chapter helpful and informative. It's important to know the proper way to handle a bullying situation, it's especially important to make sure not to become the bully. I also found the information about harassment and what to do in case a student has an emergency in regards to an injury. I believe this indicates just how unpredictable substituting can be, BUT we must not let those moments deter us. :)
I agree with placing students in the least restrictive setting by integrating special education into the classroom with children of all levels of needs. This method helps teach responsiveness and teamwork in the classroom. I also didn't realize that there was government funding promising full funding of public education, as there are so many private institutions that some children never experience public education. I like the emphasis on inclusion and a normal social experience. I am particularly passionate about the effect of a child's traumatized brain on their learning environment and found a few of the strategies mentioned to be applicable: patience, breaking up tasks, compassion, more structure, less restrictions, and flexibility.
ReplyDeleteIs it more effective for special education to exist in its own classrooms or in an integrated classroom in terms of socialization as well as academic performance? Does an isolated learning experience affect later socialization?
Great questions Gianna!
ReplyDeleteResponse to Special Education:
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1- Do many schools in Buncome County have special Ed Programs like 'Best Buddies'? I was part of this club in High School and thought it was beneficial for everyone involved.
Question #2- What kinds of motivating tools do schools have in place for special education children? For the 'average' student schools rely on the grading system as a motivator to do well and get into college. Do special education classrooms still use grades or is there a different grading system?
1. I agree with all of the ideas listed above.I think the overarching theme is -EMPOWERMENT.
2. The only issue that I have come across while working with special ed is that sometimes it is hard for me to understand what the child is trying to express. I learned that patience is key and working with the child on a daily basis helps to understand their way of communicating. Do you have any other tips for easing communication?
3. It seems like there is a delicate balance in this situation. The tips written above says 'Don't baby them' But it also says individual lesson plans are helpful. So this is kind of contradictory but it might just take time to create that balance where the child still feels empowered.
AHA Moment:
I recently talked with a new mom who gave birth to a child with down syndrome... I at first was tempted to say 'I'm sorry' but hesitated. Because even though it was unexpected for the new mom and she will have to adjust her life accordingly- there is nothing to be sorry about. The new baby will hopefully bring just as much happiness and light into the world.
~Hannah Jeske
I LOVE your a-ha moment Hannah!
Delete1) I agree with not babying special needs students. When you pity someone, you put them beneath you.
ReplyDelete2) I agree that they have many of the same needs as their peers. They are still people!
3) I agree with treating them with respect and dignity. This should be extended to everybody, but it is especially important for people who may have a low self esteem.
Are there times when you should address a caregiver, rather than a student with special needs? IE if the student expresses anxiety about a particular subject, or is being shy/ looking at their caregiver when asked a question?
What are examples of assistive technology that can help special needs students?
My aha moment was realizing that special needs students may have in-classroom caregivers. I'd never seen this before, and I think its a great idea.
Special Education readings:
ReplyDeleteI am learning in my education classes at UNCA about special education students, laws, and terms. I think the best thing to remember above all else, respect of the students. Everyone is special in some way.
I agree we should look at the IEP's and learn the individual needs and other adults that will be helping in the room. Learning the various impairments I will be encountering during my day will be essential communication needed from the office if not the teacher.
I have worked with special education children in daycares, theatre programs, and personally have family members with impairments. Everyone must have patience and listen to one another, I have learned in the past.
Learning the basic rules and regulations of the schools is essential for safety of everyone. I notice most information is posted in the classrooms and available in binders and by their phones. I know being in touch with other adults in the building is essential. Staying flexible and paying attention can make my day successful.
Special Education:
ReplyDelete3 Things I Agree With:
1. I completely agree with the tips to be respectful and not baby students, Students aren't stupid, and they hate being talked down to, especially if they're constantly being treated like they don't understand anything. Never use baby talk or talk really slowly -- it's most likely not going to help a student understand you any better.
2. I completely agree that you should always talk directly to the student. Even if they have a caregiver, even if you aren't sure if they can understand what you're saying, it's important to make sure that you aren't just ignoring the person you're talking about.
3. I agree with the inclusion of vocabulary on this page -- a lot of people might go into an EC class and have absolutely no idea what anyone is referring to when they say IEP or something else.
2 Questions:
1. I asked this on another post as well, but are there teaching assistants in EC classes in the area? The EC classes in schools I went to typically had assistants, and they helped lead class when there was a sub because they knew more about the routine and the students were more used to them.
2. In the situation that there is an assistant, would it be appropriate to lean on them to help lead the class? Or would that be seen as slacking off/not doing your job?
A-Ha Moment:
1. I'm very familiar with the debate over inclusion vs segregation, but I've never heard of the term "least restrictive environment." It's one way to make sure that students aren't entirely segregated while still leaving room for individual students' needs to be addressed/accounted for.
I answered #1 on another post, great question!
ReplyDelete2. It is absolutely ok to lean on the assistant, they know the kids well and it would not be seen as slacking at all. The alternative would be to sometimes come across as someone not willing to take advice or assistance and that is something you never want.
As a substitute, walking into any classroom, you need to remember that every student has some special needs. Because a student is in a wheelchair, for instance, does not mean that you can assume other special needs exist and a perfectly physically healthy looking student may have many special needs. In an ideal situation we could talk about the class with the teacher, but that rarely happens. Increasing skills in observing behavior, talking a bit with each student, watching body language and watching students as they do their work will clue you in to special needs.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree Dena. As subs we have a responsibility to the students as well as the class teacher to listen and try to understand and make those students feel comfortable each day. You can’t always tell who has a disability and who doesn’t so it’s very important to try to gather facts, either by observing or getting information from the class aide (paraprofessional).
DeleteIn chapter 4, I think bing familiar with the special ed terms are key. Understanding special education students needs are essential to being a successful teacher, whether you have special ed students in your class or not. You must be patient and respectful when talking to special ed students. They all want the same thing in life, and that is to understand life and learn what life and education has to offer. You are their lifeline in that moment. They just want to feel accepted by their peers. As a teacher, adapting is very important, revising any activities to include those special ed students.
ReplyDeleteFor chapter 5 I found it very informative about the first aid and safety. It’s an adults first instinct to help a child if they had hurt themselves but it’s important to keep your safety in mind as well. Make sure you follow the schools guidelines to keep a safe and clean environment. Even though you are only a sub, it’s important to students to feel safe with you. I would hope that that student woould feel comfortable enough wit me to tell me important information like they’re getting bullied or their home life isn’t the best.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, you may just have to improvise - if you’re subbing for field trips, recess, bus duty, just make sure to stay alert, take a class list and make sure to keep an eye out at all times.
The above text, along with the book chapter on SE really helped to give me some new knowledge on this subject.
ReplyDeleteAgree:
1) Keeping to a normal (or as normal as possible) schedule helps students (SE and non) so they don't have to worry about any curveballs being thrown their way.
2) Treating SE students the same as non-SE students when helping them with work by talking slowly and clearly, making sure information is understood, and that the work is enjoyable and rewarding.
3) Student Aids being a helpful part in the classroom setting as a sub, because they have a general idea how the class normally is run and can provide insight and help when needed.
Questions:
1) I asked this in class and you answered it, but i'm still curious to see how SE students are denoted in a high school setting when coming in as a sub.
2) I have a good friend who teaches full time in a SE only classroom and i'm curious how that is day-to-day.
Ah-Ha!:
1) It's nice to see that when school districts set their SE students up for success, it shouldn't weigh too heavily on a sub's time in the classroom or make it much more challenging.