As a pre-k teacher who taught inclusion, I have had some children who have never been around any other children with a disability. Two years ago I had the previlage to have a little girl who had brittal bone syndrome and could not walk. She scooted around on the floor . I had children at the beginning of school who called her a baby. At first it made me mad and i told the children not to call her a baby.
I think by doing these I hinder the childs understnding that some people are different in different ways.
As an educator, I begain to think that these children have never been around others with disabilities so the next day I read books about being different. I also read a book a bout a child with brittal bone syndrome. Then I let the child with the disability show the others what all se could do. After this all the children began looking after her.They would make sure there was nothing on the floor that would hurt her.
Joy - I think involving the little girl as part of the education was the perfect way to handle that situation. I always explain to my children why it is so important not to point out the differences in other people out loud. I let them know they can always ask me and I will explain so that we do not hurt anyone's feelings. I believe it is very importannt that they learn all about difference and that will help them to be sensitive and understanding towards others.
ReplyDeleteJoy - that is a great way to look at it. I've found myself in similar situations - upset with children and saying things that could be hindering their development and understanding. I've realized that I can use many of these situations as teachable moments.
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