I te
ach children who are unusual. The usual strategies have to be put away and I am forced to think out of the box.
I am like an explorer whose maps don’t work.
How do they learn? What do they need?
If you have an unusual child, please honour them. Celebrate their difference. Look for their gifts. Reassure them you are there for them.
Don’t be too quick to put a diagnosis on your child. Use your intuition and just love your kids through it all- unusual kids tread a very thorny path- they need love and understanding.
These kids will be our leaders, our innovative thinkers, our entrepreneurs. They are the ones who will help generate ideas to solve climate issues and get the world out of the mess my generation put it in!
These kids are the ones who make me dog- tired every night but immensely stimulated and happy!
Just over the last few term we have:
- Written a book with comprehension and spelling about UNIVERSAL studios in Singapore for a child who has just returned.
- Helped a child who LOVES fairies to “elf” herself by placing her photo in an elf picture and then to write about it.
- Discussed the possibilty of unicorns existing and used them in art.
- Designed a literacy program around an app FARMING SIMULATOR 19 to re-engage a child.
- Helped a small group to learn about features of report writing by choosing their favourite animal- the PENGUIN as our focus.
- Designed a series of MAGIC MIRROR lessons for a small group who love fantasy but need help with elements of narrative
- Helped a child to make a “maths drum” to practice counting and mental facts.
- Designed digital notebooks for all our students to use with our i-pads.
- Made an art project for a child to learn the “ig” word family.
- Taught kids about fractions by cutting up pancakes and waffles!
- Found novels and picture books to fit with children’s interests and needs
- Used JOLLY PHONICS and JOLLY GRAMMAR to accelerate children with learning gaps- written our own support materials for children who take a little longer to absorb these concepts.
- Tomorrow we will be doing lots of messy experiments about eggs, Easter and weather for our Super Science Saturday group.
I could NEVER get bored. And guess what? There are many teachers like me who prove you CAN individualise programs. It is hard work but these capable, unusual kids NEED programs that engage and utilise their interests and strengths. It is well worth putting in the time and effort.
Occasionally we hold CHILD WHISPERING workshops for teachers and parents who would like to know how to individualise the curriculum. Let me know if you are interested.
