Disappointments are like roadbumps, they slow you down a bit but you'll enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the bumps too long. MOVE ON!
What I first noticed with my students is the fact that they are not motivated; have low self-esteem and are very ashamed of being seen in my special education class by students from regular ed. They hate being in special ed. Worst of all, most of them do not even know why they are in my class. They believe that they were “dumped” here because they were misbehaving in their regular ed classes.
Unknown to most of them, each of my students was diagnosed with either learning disabilities or emotional disturbances.
I try to educate my students about their disabilities and help them accept it. And most of all motivate them to succeed.
As a special education teacher for nearly eight years, I have observed that the educational system is strongly biased toward the verbal learner. This comes with high stakes for those who learn differently, like my students. I have tried different strategies every year but my students still struggle to read and write; until I employed this art-and-literature based curriculum.
Students draft their ideas in images first. They learn how to create pictures that tell a story and write words that paint pictures. As students become fluent in two languages, they are able to approach writing from a position of strength according to their individual learning style. The key elements of story are taught through the dual languages of pictures and words. Through integrating the arts into my reading/ language arts class, I was able to engage all my students to work where they all felt proud seeing their work published (displayed, read and discussed in our class).
The start was difficult. But I persisted with what I think is right. Eventually the students cooperated with me. Now, I am seeing confidence in coming to my class. When teased about being in special ed, they answer back, “So what? I will be successful one day”. The result is not yet clearly visible but I am very hopeful with this strategy.
I began using classical music in my classroom after I got a go signal from my Special Ed Coordinator. Both of us anticipated the initial reaction of my students – very negative. One of my students turned it off. I explained to them the calming effect of classical music. I insisted on playing it while they were working. Amazingly, without them noticing it, they are quieter now than when there is no music. And they are able to produce more work output.
As it is always believed, there is no substitute for positive reinforcement in the classroom. It is the best behavioral management strategy and the one that builds self esteem and respect. I praise them whenever I see them doing what I want them to do.
As a teacher, I make sure that my creativity in teaching is geared towards helping my students get a better score in their standardized testing and towards compliance in state-approved standards.
My students were hesitant writers when they started out with me during the first days of this school year. They could not even start writing a poem or a story with a given topic. It was a struggle for them to write.
I also noticed that their vocabulary is very limited to simple words. They lack imagination which could be the reason why they were having difficulty with writing. Reading was also a main problem. They were very reluctant readers because most of the time the textbooks available in our public school are not interesting or are very intimidating for them.
Everything changed when I implemented the art-and-literature-based curriculum which research proved to be effective for students with diverse learning styles. This approach to writing integrates visual modes of thinking in every stage of the writing process.
I can see them having more and more appetite to write. They get excited to write especially because they know that we will be painting while in the process of finishing a poem or a short story.
Their reading improved too. They don’t get intimidated to read anymore because they get to read their own poem and short stories in class. This gives them a sense of self fulfillment and accomplishment.
They also design greeting cards which I mail to their parents together with their poems. This make them feel proud of their work.
I feel successful too, especially when they started bringing some teachers inside my room to show their displayed works. Some of my students couldn’t believe they are able to create such writings and illustrations. One of my co-teachers commented: “Now you know…your students can do miracles”.
RELATED TOPICS: special education, teachers, parents
13 comments:
wow teacher sol, bilib ako sa 'yo! sana marami pa teachers na tulad mo
Unknown to most of them, each of my students was diagnosed with either learning disabilities or emotional disturbances.
i wonder: how do schools deal with students diagnosed with learning disabilities? ADD for example. are they still told to take ritalin? there seems to be controversy on this subject, and in some kids it worked, in others, it just made it worst.
I also noticed that their vocabulary is very limited to simple words. They lack imagination which could be the reason why they were having
i think that's common. heck, my vocabulary is limited to simple words. it's how we weave these words together into a coherent flow where imagination comes in. so, when you say they lack imagination, are you saying they can't express theirselves in writing because of the limited vocabulary? i mean, what do you mean when you said they ``lack imagination?''
difficulty with writing. Reading was also a main problem. They were very reluctant readers because most of the time the textbooks available in our public school are not interesting or are very intimidating for them.
have you tried non-fiction books? i read somewhere that non-fiction books for kids is a huge, untapped resource.
Their reading improved too. They don't get intimidated to read anymore because they get to read their own poem and short stories in class. This gives them a sense of self fulfillment and accomplishment.
i think this is your best accomplishment, not teaching them how to write or read or draw or paint, but giving them a sense of fulfillment in what they do. it cultivates confidence and enthusiasm on the part of the students. :)
The sender is a teacher who is aspiring to go to U.S. Presently, I am taking my Masters in Special Education at St. Joseph's College here in Quezon City.
I saw your name in the Inquirer with your e-mail address. I am so proud reading an article of a fellow Filipina creating a name in the U.S.
I am writing you a letter to ask for some tips and suggestions for future special education teacher who is planning to go there and work. What process did you undergo before you were able to land a job there? Did you apply in an agency here?
I would appreciate any information. God bless. More power to you.
There are so many 'roadbumps' that lie ahead of students who struggle greatly in the classroom, and the teachers who strive to ensure that their needs are being met. In my eyes I think it's more than just mere roadbumps, it's a steeply inclined hill!
Every single year my students come to me with below proficient academic achievement and lacking the study habits, or home life (i.e. perservering behavior, turning in homework/completing classwork, good attendance, organization skills, time management) that foster solid learning. It's either a language barrier, a disability, and many times it's both.
I have to say that being a General Ed classroom teacher, with students who are "mainstreaming" is a really difficult task--modified lesson planning and getting the kids to solidify their accomplishments. It is definitely difficult to help these special students meet the demands of academic rigor, even with IEPs and modifications to learning.
Ohhhh, and the beauracracy in American public schools! More frequently, I see that students aren't ready for that leap, but yet districts and the higher-up's push for these children to exit out of Special Ed when they're obviously far from being well-prepped for mainstreaming. Or the opposite case is true too! You want to refer a kid for special ed, but there is so much red-tape involved into getting services for a child (i.e. performing 2 years below grade level, testing for processing deficiencies, meetings, documented paperwork!). Ugh!
I still feel that America is not done addressing issues regarding children who are in Special Ed and the teachers who serve them. Sometimes I wonder, "What have they done with these kids who have been in Special Ed for the past 6 years? How will these kids hold up in the future?" Not everything in life will be accessible for them and modified to fit their needs. What can I do as a teacher to prepare them for that inflexible world?
I know that your job is not the easiest position on campus, so I highly respect the fact that you find great pleasure working in this field, and being with Special Ed students. Not every educator has it in them to nurture and teach with a neverending patience and vision for each individual student!
Sorry another long comment!....
I do remember three former teachers who inspired me with their kind and motivating words. And believe me Teacher Sol, when I say to you... Good Educators will always have a special place in the heart of an inspired soul! :)
Hey Teacher Sol,
It's been a long time... as parent who is also struggling to teach my kids to read and write, your blog gave me ideas. Really, I was surprised that the level of expectations for kindergarten and grade 1 is that they should be able to read, write and form short sentences. Hindi ko maalala sa time ko noong unang panahon na ginawa ko ito. It is very challenging to find that unique way of helping kids ... I will employ the strategies you mentioned. They love painting. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Hey Teacher Sol,
Pahabol, nothing hits home than having a family member who has a disability to appreciate the work you are doing... also, to wonder (like nvyblu789) what would their future be? In your line of work and for the parents who have special kids, your contribution in bringing out their potential brings dignity to these people. Mabuhay Sol!
LEVIUQSE, salamat! I believe there are a lot of teachers who are more dedicated and passionate with their work, better than me pa nga. I am determined to find them and give them at least a little recognition here in my weblog :D
RENAN, there are a lot of resources on ADHD/ADD that you will find in books and the internet. You will be surprised to know that they exhibit most of the characteristics that I mentioned here in my entry. There's not one book that will tell you that a particular strategy works for all the special ed children. No two kids are the same, we know that there's this thing called "Individual Differences". What works for one may not work for others. Kaya nga mahirap maging special ed teacher, lahat na yata ng strategies namin trial and error, at sa dami ng estudyante namin, and hirap pag individual instruction ang ginagawa namin. Ritalin naman ang suggestion ng Psychiatrists, pero hindi lahat ng magulang gusto ang effect ng medication. We still try to do Behavior Modifications and Therapy to these special ed kids, with proper intervention and parent involvement nakakatulong naman ng malaki sa bata.
GRACE, GOD'S DELAYS ARE NOT GOD'S DENIALS...we know that it's true to me and it's true to you too. Now brace on, because this is just the beginning of your long journey. Coming to America is life changing. Here are some selected links from my own personal journal that I hope will help you expect what is to be expected here. I hope this will help you a lot. It is as much as difficult as it is fun to be a new comer in the US. Read on www.teachersol.blog-city.com: DREAMING THE AMERICAN DREAM, DREAMING THE FILIPINO DREAM, BON VOYAGE, ON COMING TO AMERICA, WELCOME TO AMERICA, PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT, REALITY BITES IN THE U.S.
NAVYBLU789 (LIZ), the challenges that a general ed teacher face that you mentioned are only felt by those teachers who are really working seriously with these children. It's really impressive that you are able to identify these students individually, many teachers still look at their class generally. I really admire teachers who recognize the student's individual styles of learning. I myself is a visual learner and I learn better concepts when I see them that just listening to plain lecture. Many teachers still cannot go beyond the traditional way of teaching. I am not that kind of teacher, and happy to hear a teacher like you who is really working to maximize your students' potentials too.
And with the problem with the public school system...they're politics! And that is not my forte. That's beyond our control already, let's leave that to the people who are in position *wink*
KENJI, I know you visit my blog regularly, pardon me for not being able to blog-hop religiously these past days. Thank you for letting me know of your respect for your former teachers, it wouldn't hurt is we email them or write them how we feel about them. It's pay back time. They'd be happy to know from you how you are doing now.
ANONYMOUS, yep, it's been a while. I kinda missed your comments based from your personal experiences. You said nothing hits home than having a family member who has a disability to appreciate the work you are doing ...I have a brother who has Down's Syndrome. My mother didn't know that she was pregnant and took medications for migraine. She learned eventually about it and too late to save the baby from the effect of her medications. She was asked to choose if she wanted the baby aborted, but she chose him to live. My youngest brother is now 15 years old, and he's a gift from heaven! He is never aware of the evil things happening around him, all he has in his heart is love and affection for everyone and everything!
Hi,Ms.Sol..,This is quite a story...I am touched...
- ame.sweet -
I learned lot from this article. My communication skills are not really good. But, I have noticed they have improved. I practice writing through blogs and reading more books. My vocabulary is also not rich. Whenever I encounter a new word, i look for its meaning and in a way try to apply them. ",)
Hi Teacher Sol,
I was reading the comments and was touched when you mentioned that you have a brother who has Down's Syndrome. Now I understand better your dedication to your students. Kudos to you.
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