We have all been taking significant steps to narrow down our research topic for this course, and I have always been interested in Special Education for young students. I believe inclusion for young students with disabilities is a program that encompasses the whole child and allows them to grow with their peers. Students who are placed in an inclusion classroom are given the opportunity to have a sense of belonging and can gain very different learning experiences.
As a former nanny, I had the pleasure of working with a family for four years where their son had severe learning delays and developmental issues. He was unable to walk until he was almost two years old, did not start speaking till 28 months, and the family finally decided to look into getting him the help he deserved. I worked with them and the state along with other early childhood professionals, while it was a long road for us to get the help, he needed he has finally been getting the services to support his growth and development. Now being four years old, he is able to speak and share his emotions, he has stronger core strength and leg strength for kicking and jumping. The other activity we decided to get him into was Karate, and honestly, that was the best decision we have ever made.
Working with specialists and getting him involved in the classroom was just what this little man needed, seeing him blossom into the sweet little guy I know has filled my heart immensely. I saw how inclusion evolved him, I saw him make very large strides in his development and I can only hope to help other families that are in need.
I am just curious if anyone has had more of an involvement with the specialists, while I did see his Occupational therapist, Speech Pathologist, and Physical therapist on a weekly basis, what activities can you share that will help these young children. I have learned a few tricks along the way but considering my specialty isn’t in these areas I am just curious as to how you supported children in a similar scenario. I look forward to continuing my research on inclusion to gain the education to support these families and young students in and outside of the classroom.
I think you are correct in saying we all are taking many different steps to this research thing. I had a student that was completely deah. SHe could sign and read lips very well. I decided to learn sign language as a way for me to communicate her much better. I worked with her mom and theripst on simple words or everyday words to use and sign. I really enjoyed it and I am able to still sign some what. I say to any teacher that may encounter a child with a disability to work with that child as much as you can to help them reach a positive goal. It could be speech, hearing, writing, or etc. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI think this topic is a great choice! I too feel that inclusion can be very beneficial for some children with special needs. In fact, that is all some of them need in order to thrive. Great choice! I look forward to see where your research takes you!!
I agree that children with special needs deserve and need special services. My research topic coincides with your topic. My topic focuses on helping children who are special needs to receive the care and services that are needed for their growth and development. Your blog post was very touching and I can learn a lot about inclusion and services from your experiences. I may reach out if that would be ok? Thanks for the information and insights.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Good morning Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen a great topic to do your research on. I love working with children with special needs. My second year as a paraprofessional I was a velcro (one-on-one) for a little guy with autism. He's in the 6th grade now.Thank you.
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYour blog post was a great read. Thanks for sharing the work that you have done. I applaud you. I personally haven't had an experience in the special education area, but have always been interested in it. I am looking forward to reading about your research.
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for your research to gain additional knowledge on Special Education for young children. I believe that educators would enjoy learning more about working with special need children. I can't wait to read more about the research