Dealing with students in school, there are a lot of different behaviors that can be seen and dealt with. I remember being in elementary school and high school and getting in trouble as well as seeing others get in trouble because of their behavior. Each student is different, and there are definitely more things to deal with when teaching a class of students with disabilities. But I do think it is so important to know different strategies and know how to address each student's needs.
One thing that I learned and thought was interesting and effective is only praising students for what they do well. Occasionally we can find ourselves just praising students even when something is wrong so that we don't offend them or hurt their feelings. But not letting them know is only hurting them more in the long run. It is important to just instruct them and teach them what they need to correct in a loving and patient way. Letting them know that they tried and just helping them to correct what is wrong, then praising them for what they did right.They still have the capacity to learn and grow and they will not learn if they think they are doing everything right.
This week we worked on Case Studies again and the one I worked on was Alex. I learned a lot about non verbal learning disabilities that I didn't know before. I learned that they still excel in many school subjects, yet certain aspects are hard. They have a difficult time picking up on social cues and so they are constantly talking when they aren't supposed to be, they can't comprehend what they read, and different math word problems may be hard for them. Its important to know how to accommodate these students and help them to still succeed even with these learning disabilities.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Friday, July 15, 2016
Service Learning
For half of my service learning hours I went to the HANDS art class on campus 3 times. I absolutely love going to that art class. I have come to know and love the people that are there and I love serving/making crafts with them. I used to go to HANDS every week during the Fall semester and it always brought me so much peace and joy to be in their presence. They all taught me so much from their happy spirits and their determination to succeed in all that they do.
The first time we painted pictures. I don't remember exactly what it was but I know that we did some sort of craft :) The second time I went was with my roommate and we made masks out paper plates. That one was a lot of fun. It was fun to see the variety of the different masks and see what it was that the students enjoyed to create. That was something I loved about the class. They all have such great imaginations and love to create. The third time I went we painted cups. Even though we do such simple crafts, it is just to just be there with them. I always learn so much from each and every person that goes and that we serve.
The other 2 hours of service learning I did at the Developmental Workshop. I went today and on Wednesday for an hour each. On Wednesday, I went with one of the instructors, Andy and Matty (not their real names) out to the community. We asked Andy where he wanted to go and he said he wanted to go to Wal-Mart to look for a CD. He will be in a talent show in a few weeks and wanted to find a song he could sing. So off we went to Wal-mart. When we got there, Andy didn't know where the CD's were so he needed to go ask an employee. He was really brave and asked an employee without any hesitation. I guess that is one of the things they have to complete if they go to a store or somewhere in the community as practice and learning. So we then found the CD's and helped them both realize that they didn't have enough money to buy one. They each went with $2.00 so they had a limited supply of what they could buy. They then led us to the candy aisle, searching for a snack. Eventually they picked out what they wanted and we went for a drive before heading back to the Developmental Workshop. The purpose of taking them out to the community was so that they could learn to use money and develop their social skills in everyday situations. It was a lot of fun!
Today I volunteered in a class. We first went outside and the instructor asked each student what they like to do to cool off during the summer. One thing I loved was there was a man there that is very hard to understand when he talks. There was a time he was trying to explain something to the instructor and he was getting frustrated with himself because it was difficult for him. But the instructor was very patient with him and encouraged him while he was thinking and attempting to speak. I think that is so important because then they have the courage and motivation to succeed whereas if the instructor were to get frustrated and not let him finish then he would be distraught and not want to speak again.
After we were outside for a bit, we went back inside and played UNO. They love playing Uno. I loved seeing them all interact with each other. They seem to just understand each other and connect on a different level. It is really cool and interesting to see. They were all so happy and joking around as well. I realized too that they are all so kind and so sweet. They really care about other people and think about others more than they think about themselves.
There is so much we can learn from people with disabilities and special needs. They are just like us. In some ways they are even better than us. They are such great examples and I am grateful for the opportunity and time I get to spend with them.
The first time we painted pictures. I don't remember exactly what it was but I know that we did some sort of craft :) The second time I went was with my roommate and we made masks out paper plates. That one was a lot of fun. It was fun to see the variety of the different masks and see what it was that the students enjoyed to create. That was something I loved about the class. They all have such great imaginations and love to create. The third time I went we painted cups. Even though we do such simple crafts, it is just to just be there with them. I always learn so much from each and every person that goes and that we serve.
The other 2 hours of service learning I did at the Developmental Workshop. I went today and on Wednesday for an hour each. On Wednesday, I went with one of the instructors, Andy and Matty (not their real names) out to the community. We asked Andy where he wanted to go and he said he wanted to go to Wal-Mart to look for a CD. He will be in a talent show in a few weeks and wanted to find a song he could sing. So off we went to Wal-mart. When we got there, Andy didn't know where the CD's were so he needed to go ask an employee. He was really brave and asked an employee without any hesitation. I guess that is one of the things they have to complete if they go to a store or somewhere in the community as practice and learning. So we then found the CD's and helped them both realize that they didn't have enough money to buy one. They each went with $2.00 so they had a limited supply of what they could buy. They then led us to the candy aisle, searching for a snack. Eventually they picked out what they wanted and we went for a drive before heading back to the Developmental Workshop. The purpose of taking them out to the community was so that they could learn to use money and develop their social skills in everyday situations. It was a lot of fun!
Today I volunteered in a class. We first went outside and the instructor asked each student what they like to do to cool off during the summer. One thing I loved was there was a man there that is very hard to understand when he talks. There was a time he was trying to explain something to the instructor and he was getting frustrated with himself because it was difficult for him. But the instructor was very patient with him and encouraged him while he was thinking and attempting to speak. I think that is so important because then they have the courage and motivation to succeed whereas if the instructor were to get frustrated and not let him finish then he would be distraught and not want to speak again.
After we were outside for a bit, we went back inside and played UNO. They love playing Uno. I loved seeing them all interact with each other. They seem to just understand each other and connect on a different level. It is really cool and interesting to see. They were all so happy and joking around as well. I realized too that they are all so kind and so sweet. They really care about other people and think about others more than they think about themselves.
There is so much we can learn from people with disabilities and special needs. They are just like us. In some ways they are even better than us. They are such great examples and I am grateful for the opportunity and time I get to spend with them.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Learning Disability Simulation
This simulation actually ended up being more difficult than I thought. It was frustrating because there are very few ways to say things without using words with N and L. I never realized how crucial those letters are in our vocabulary and everyday conversation. As I was doing these simulations, I found myself speaking very slowing and taking a lot more time to think and make sure I wasn't using words with those certain letters.
My first experience I went to Deseret Book with my roommates. My sister has been on a mission for a week now and so I decided to ask if they had anything for missionaries. I had to ask slowly and think about what exactly I was asking for. He asked me if there was anything specific for missionaries that I was looking for and I just said that she was at the MTC and so stuff for her. My sentences were very basic and simple. I admit I think I might have accidentally said a word with an N in it. It was hard not to.
My second experience was at Little Caesers. My roommates and I had a free pizza coupon so we decided to use it tonight. I got there and realized that when ordering pizza, there are a lot of words with N and L that are said. So I got to the registers and just said, "Two pizzas!" Luckily he asked me right away if we wanted pepperoni because we did and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to say that. Then he swiped my card and gave me my receit.
I think the hardest thing that I found with this simulation was that I couldn't say please, thank you, I want, I need, I am looking for, etc. I felt rude because I was just like "okay awesome" when they had been so helpful. And I am sure children with these learning disabilities get frustrated and feel depressed and sad because they can't say things like that to people when they really want to. It was a great experience for me to have and now I understand a little bit more what it is like to have a learning disability.
My first experience I went to Deseret Book with my roommates. My sister has been on a mission for a week now and so I decided to ask if they had anything for missionaries. I had to ask slowly and think about what exactly I was asking for. He asked me if there was anything specific for missionaries that I was looking for and I just said that she was at the MTC and so stuff for her. My sentences were very basic and simple. I admit I think I might have accidentally said a word with an N in it. It was hard not to.
My second experience was at Little Caesers. My roommates and I had a free pizza coupon so we decided to use it tonight. I got there and realized that when ordering pizza, there are a lot of words with N and L that are said. So I got to the registers and just said, "Two pizzas!" Luckily he asked me right away if we wanted pepperoni because we did and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to say that. Then he swiped my card and gave me my receit.
I think the hardest thing that I found with this simulation was that I couldn't say please, thank you, I want, I need, I am looking for, etc. I felt rude because I was just like "okay awesome" when they had been so helpful. And I am sure children with these learning disabilities get frustrated and feel depressed and sad because they can't say things like that to people when they really want to. It was a great experience for me to have and now I understand a little bit more what it is like to have a learning disability.
Language Fluency Impairment Simulation
This is the simulation I think I was the most afraid and nervous to do. It was something that was completely out of my comfort zone. But again, I felt like I was humbled and that it was a great experience for me. I have realized that there are so many kind people here that are willing to help those who need it anytime.
The first experience I had was at the library. I went to drop off some books that I had rented for my Children's Literature class. I went to give them to the guy at the desk and he told me to just put them in the drop box. I wasn't going to do it, but then I just forced myself to go to him again and ask him for another book that I needed for that same Children's Literature class. I went to him and asked him if they had "Tttthe Bbbbbronze Bbbow". He said, "Sorry, can you say that again? What was it?". I repeated it to him again with the stutter. He still wasn't exactly sure what I had asked so he asked me to write it down for him. He was really nice about it. While I was writing it down he says to me, "It's okay, English is my second language so sometimes it's hard for me to say some words and things". He then proceeded to find the book for me and check it out for me. He was asking me some questions and I didn't say much of a response because I was nervous still.
My next experience was a little easier and less nerve racking. I found an employee at Wal-Mart and asked her where the CD's were. She was so kind and led me right to them.
I realized how frustrating and hard it could be for a person with this disability because they know exactly what they want to say but have a hard time getting the point across. Then when people can't understand what you are saying and you must repeat it, that is so hard because it was hard enough to say it the first time. As a future teacher, I think it is good to know how they are feeling so that I know to be patient with them and just wait for them to say what they need to. I think it is also important to encourage them to speak. Even though it might be uncomfortable for them, they will be more comfortable as they speak more often.
The first experience I had was at the library. I went to drop off some books that I had rented for my Children's Literature class. I went to give them to the guy at the desk and he told me to just put them in the drop box. I wasn't going to do it, but then I just forced myself to go to him again and ask him for another book that I needed for that same Children's Literature class. I went to him and asked him if they had "Tttthe Bbbbbronze Bbbow". He said, "Sorry, can you say that again? What was it?". I repeated it to him again with the stutter. He still wasn't exactly sure what I had asked so he asked me to write it down for him. He was really nice about it. While I was writing it down he says to me, "It's okay, English is my second language so sometimes it's hard for me to say some words and things". He then proceeded to find the book for me and check it out for me. He was asking me some questions and I didn't say much of a response because I was nervous still.
My next experience was a little easier and less nerve racking. I found an employee at Wal-Mart and asked her where the CD's were. She was so kind and led me right to them.
I realized how frustrating and hard it could be for a person with this disability because they know exactly what they want to say but have a hard time getting the point across. Then when people can't understand what you are saying and you must repeat it, that is so hard because it was hard enough to say it the first time. As a future teacher, I think it is good to know how they are feeling so that I know to be patient with them and just wait for them to say what they need to. I think it is also important to encourage them to speak. Even though it might be uncomfortable for them, they will be more comfortable as they speak more often.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Student Evaluation and Testing
In this week's reading, we read about evaluating students with special needs. Personally, I have never been a great test taker. At times I can do well on tests, but at times I can know the material but still do horrible on a test. Because of this, I have never been a huge fan of grades and grades determining our knowledge and how "smart" we are or how much we know. I feel that especially for kids with special needs, it is good to evaluate them in different ways than just giving them a test and then a letter grade. That does not reflect what they know at all. Some get anxiety when taking tests and can't remember what they spent hours studying. However, I do recognize that it also takes effort and hard work to get those good grades, and those who don't put in the work (which was me some of the time) won't receive as good of a grade.
Some things that it talked about was preparing the students well prior to the test by giving them study guides and tools to study and remember what they have learned. Then during the test, giving them time and materials to help them be successful. There are also many different types of tests that we can give them that will accurately reflect their accomplishments and what they have learned. For example there are hands on assessments, portfolio assessments, and a few more. Then after the test it is good to figure out how to grade them. I feel like it's good praise them on their accomplishments and let them know their competence rather than just a letter grade. Especially for young students with disabilities, the letter grade may not be helpful at all because they don't know what that means. It may confuse parents as well.
Therefore, it is important that we accommodate each student individually and assess/grade them accordingly. It is legal to change grading and tests if the student has a disability and an IEP requirement that they are set to meet.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Student Independence
This week we have talked/learned a lot about what we as teachers can do to help our students to become independent as they transition to college. Today in class, we had Emily Bowe present to us. She is 15 and has been blind since birth. From her experiences and the things that she shared with the class, I could see that because her mom and teachers had given her freedom and helped her develop the necessary skills, she was independent and able to do a lot of the same things we can do. She doesn't let her disability define her or inhibit her from herself and enjoying life.
Some things that really impressed me about her today was her joy and love for being blind. To me, it frightens me to ever have to live blind and not being able to see anything. It is all she has ever known, but it is something that she loves about herself. She doesn't let her stop her from living and enjoying life either. She still loves to do all the same things that we love to do. After class I was thinking about all my fears that keep me from living and enjoying life. There are a lot of things that I let hinder my chance to develop my talents and create new experiences.
It is great to think that even when students have disabilities, they are still so capable. They shouldn't be treated any differently, but given the correct accommodations and modifications to assist them. That is why it is so important to help students to develop the skills to be independent and succeed on their own because it is possible.
Some things that really impressed me about her today was her joy and love for being blind. To me, it frightens me to ever have to live blind and not being able to see anything. It is all she has ever known, but it is something that she loves about herself. She doesn't let her stop her from living and enjoying life either. She still loves to do all the same things that we love to do. After class I was thinking about all my fears that keep me from living and enjoying life. There are a lot of things that I let hinder my chance to develop my talents and create new experiences.
It is great to think that even when students have disabilities, they are still so capable. They shouldn't be treated any differently, but given the correct accommodations and modifications to assist them. That is why it is so important to help students to develop the skills to be independent and succeed on their own because it is possible.
Wheelchair Simulation
Last week I did the wheelchair simulation and actually really enjoyed it. I was definitely pretty nervous at first, unsure of how people would treat me, how I would complete all of the tasks, and how I would go down the hills without flying and crashing.
When I first got the wheelchair and got myself outside of the Hinckley, I started feeling really excited because it was kind of fun! So I went a little farther and attempted to go down the hill. I didn't realize there were brakes though so I started going pretty fast, trying to stop myself by pull the wheels with my hands. That hurt like crazy. I ended up with some burns on my hands. Just then I heard a girl call from behind me, "Can I help you?!" I was like UM YES of course! She asked me where I was going and willingly pushed me there. She ended up actually being in the class and had already done this simulation, so she was compassionate towards me. I eventually made it to where I was going to meet up with my roommate.
While during the rest of the time, I was able to complete all of the tasks. The hardest one was going to the restroom. I found a restroom that was pretty open an easy to navigate. I did notice throughout the school though that some of the handicap buttons for the doors were not working, the door frames are extremely narrow and not wheelchair friendly, and there are some places that are just inaccessible with a wheelchair.
One of the funniest things to me was when I would run into people that I knew and they were extremely concerned and confused. But then I noticed how other people looked at me and treated me. Many people on campus are very kind and would open the door and hold it open for me every time I needed to go through. Some people would look at me and stare, a bit confused. And a lot of them looked and acted the way that I would have, just unsure of what to do. It is hard seeing someone in a wheelchair not knowing if they need help or not.
Overall it was a really neat learning experience. I really enjoyed being in that situation and having to accomplish tasks that are easy for me, but difficult for someone who is orthopedically impaired. I also remembered that a lot of people in wheelchairs have additional disabilities as well that may make it even harder. I appreciated getting the opportunity to feel how they feel. It made me also realize that just because someone is in a wheelchair, doesn't mean they can't do a lot of things. Because they can. I was determined to open the door by myself and get myself through the door, or get up a hill, or use the restroom. It was a great experience and I learned a lot.
When I first got the wheelchair and got myself outside of the Hinckley, I started feeling really excited because it was kind of fun! So I went a little farther and attempted to go down the hill. I didn't realize there were brakes though so I started going pretty fast, trying to stop myself by pull the wheels with my hands. That hurt like crazy. I ended up with some burns on my hands. Just then I heard a girl call from behind me, "Can I help you?!" I was like UM YES of course! She asked me where I was going and willingly pushed me there. She ended up actually being in the class and had already done this simulation, so she was compassionate towards me. I eventually made it to where I was going to meet up with my roommate.
While during the rest of the time, I was able to complete all of the tasks. The hardest one was going to the restroom. I found a restroom that was pretty open an easy to navigate. I did notice throughout the school though that some of the handicap buttons for the doors were not working, the door frames are extremely narrow and not wheelchair friendly, and there are some places that are just inaccessible with a wheelchair.
One of the funniest things to me was when I would run into people that I knew and they were extremely concerned and confused. But then I noticed how other people looked at me and treated me. Many people on campus are very kind and would open the door and hold it open for me every time I needed to go through. Some people would look at me and stare, a bit confused. And a lot of them looked and acted the way that I would have, just unsure of what to do. It is hard seeing someone in a wheelchair not knowing if they need help or not.
Overall it was a really neat learning experience. I really enjoyed being in that situation and having to accomplish tasks that are easy for me, but difficult for someone who is orthopedically impaired. I also remembered that a lot of people in wheelchairs have additional disabilities as well that may make it even harder. I appreciated getting the opportunity to feel how they feel. It made me also realize that just because someone is in a wheelchair, doesn't mean they can't do a lot of things. Because they can. I was determined to open the door by myself and get myself through the door, or get up a hill, or use the restroom. It was a great experience and I learned a lot.
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