Although this Spec Ed course has just begun, I've found myself already spending a lot of time reflecting on some exceptional children I have worked with in the past. While my "teaching" experience is limited to my camp counselling and my practicum placements, there are definitely some specific children that stand out in my mind.
I've always found it very easy to connect with exceptional children in a recreation environment. When you get to be the person who plays games with the child and simply ensure they are enjoying themselves, it's a really good time. As well, I find it easier to get to know the child first; since you get to be silly with them, and you are more of a "friend" than a strict authority figure, they look up to you in a different way which I think makes them more open.
In the classroom it is a different story. I think a lot of exceptional children have had at least one negative experience with a teacher along their educational path and it really sticks with them. Therefore, I think they're walls are up when they initially start working with a teacher, making it more difficult to connect with the child. Obviously a connection can, and needs to, be made in order for effective learning to take place. But I can't help but acknowledge the difference.
In my experiences, I also cannot disregard the fundamental impact that parental support has. While schools and the community can assist a child and provide services and support, I've noticed that if support is lacking at home, it makes a significant impact on the child's demeanour and ability to function; this goes from mild ADHD to severe Autism. When children have parents who advocate for them, and teach them how to advocate for themselves, it makes a significant difference in the demeanour of the child.
As a "spec-ed-teacher-in-training" I know I have certain strengths and weaknesses. My strengths are connecting with children through games and recreation because I have a strong ability to tap into their likes, interests, and dislikes. I also think I am excellent at communicating with parents. I really enjoy taking the time to sit down with a parent initially and hear their thoughts, practices, and strategies for their child so that I can consistently apply them. Furthermore, I also enjoy touching base with the parent frequently, by providing updates (equally positive and negative) about the child's performance.
In terms of my weaknesses, I think I have a lot to learn in terms of concrete strategies to be applied, and how to go about executing them. I'm definitely a hands-on/visual learner myself, so to read about something in a text book is helpful, but it never really sinks in for me until I see it in practice. Also, I believe I need to gain more in depth knowledge about IEPs, how they are composed, and specifically when they are necessary. It seems some school boards are giving out IEPs to just about every student in their school, while others barely implement them at all. I'm wondering where the middle ground is, and how to achieve it.
Most of all, through this course, I am excited to gain insight from my peers and scholarly theory. No matter what the experience, I'm certain it will help me grow as an educator.
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