The LDA of America website offers many articles and advice for people with learning disabilities. I was particularly interested in the sections for parents and teachers. One article I read discussed how the class room management might change or adapt to better help children with disabilities. it reports on ways to encourage compliant behavior in the classroom.
One of the factors they stress is the validation of the child. The child needs to know that the teacher takes the feelings of the child seriously. As a teacher we need to validate the feelings of the child before moving on to finding a solution to the problem. They also recommend asking the child for suggestions when creating a solution together. This helps to empower the child to make wise choices and fosters an environment where the child can learn to create their own solutions to problems. I was impressed with the information it offered and eager to go back and read more on this website. This was a good reminder to me that empathy for one another's feelings is important when building a relationship whether it is a child or adult.
It is so funny that you wrote this because I just had this conversation with my husband. We have three children that are close in age. they are 7, 5 and four. My parenting ideas are different then his. I listen more to the children then he does. He is real quick to say "Just stop it....or....You guys just need to figure it out." If one of the children are upset he try to get them to stop crying but not address the reason why they were crying. He just tries to sweep under the rug. After having a long conversation with him about a better way to handle our children he finally got it. He takes the time to talk about the kids feelings. It is amazing to see how they have opened up to their father. Him being more attentive to their needs and listening to what they are telling him has opened his eyes as well. This doesn't just work on children with special needs. It works for my hard headed husband and our three crazy kids:)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Children have voices too and I think adults forget that sometimes. Just because they are small doesn't mean they don't have a lot to offer. A child needs to feel respected just as much as an adult does. When they feel comfortable they are more likely to discuss different solutions to problems and their feelings about their life. This is a good website to know for the future!
ReplyDeleteThis post relates to what I'm reading about in one of my other classes - children's voices. Children do have voices, just sometimes do not know how to phrase what they want. I think having children work together with a teacher on a solution gives them a higher outlook on life, like their choices do matter - because they really do. Independence is a huge attribute in someone, so to start early is better.
ReplyDeleteAll children- disability or no disability should have the opportunity to talk about what they want or need. I work in a school age summer camp and the children have a hard time talking about their feelings or talking out problems without adults. At some point we need to take a step back and let them formulate their ideas before we jump in to give them a solution. My UC supervisors have taught me to let the children come up with a solution. I had a hard time taking a step back, but without allowing them to speak their mind they feel like their ideas aren't as important. In reality their ideas are most important!
ReplyDeleteI think this applies for all relationships with a child and teacher. I think learning the children's feelings and letting the child know you care is huge! I find this is true trough experience with children who aren't disabled. The feelings of a child are better expressed when they know a teacher is willing to listen before they go to solve any problems.
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