A STORY THAT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART.
How do you handle a case where you are just a normal teacher, then one day the school admits a special needs child and puts him in your class?
This boy does not know what he should be doing in school, always playing in class and screaming, distracting others. You will teach him from now till tomorrow, he won't understand. He only knows drawing, puzzles and arts generally, very good in them but his parents want him to be like the other pupils and do all other subjects. He is seven years old in primary two. He talks(with a little slur), he eats and listens but doesn't understand. You know the type of down syndrome that is not so obvious from physical appearance except for his eyes.
I told the Head of School(HOS) about my pains, I told him he should ask them to take him to a special school. He said the parents said they took him to a special school before but his condition worsened because the case of the pupils there were worse than his own, so they influenced him negatively.
In this present school, they would tell me to take him aside during exam and tests and teach him what to write so he can pass and move to the next class. I don't feel too good about this as other pupils are seeing what is is going on and they tell their parents. Also, it is very stressful as I have to spell almost every word for him to write.
During classwork, he makes my job slow as we have to wait for him to finish copying his notes before we can proceed, he is very slow, so we end up doing lesser work in a day, other parents are complaining..
Class work like English and mathematics, he won't know how to do it and so , I have to sit with him and practically teach him what to write. All these are what the school said I should be doing for him.
This makes me so tired, my workload too would be much at the end of the day as I have to abandon other things to teach him how to do his classwork..
Whenever the school owners come for inspection, the HOS will tell me to lie and cover up for him, telling them his condition is improving. This is his third term here, no improvement but extra work for me and no reward for me for the extra work I do, not even a thank you.
He has an older sister who is normal in another class. I heard that when they brought him to the school and the HOS complained, the parents threatened to take him and his sister to another school where the boy will be accepted. So he was accepted because of money.
I wish my condition is such that I can quit the job but I still need the little salary to patch up some things as my small business cannot do all now..
I am now a shadow of myself, I pray I don't quench before the end of this third term when he will move to the next class.
How do I handle this`?
What I just read up there is so heartbreaking!
Since you are handling him so well, they might still have you be his teacher in the nexct level.. What they are doing is so wrong...leading on someones child like this should not be encouraged,...get another Job and/or report them as anon...
Report them as anon. Tell his parents you were passing his class and peeped them from the window. This is not fair on anyone. Your class should be assigned at least two teachers to help out. The HOS and school owners are just trying to save money.
ReplyDeleteHis parents are ok with what the teacher is doing. You think they don't know the capabilities of their son?
DeleteThey want to push him to the next class and the next until he finishes. I when see this in several schools. I even thought you meant reporting the school to the government authorities.
The way they treat teachers in Naija is not good at all. This child requires special coaching according to his needs.
DeleteThank you teacher for trying. From your story the only option you have is to continue till you get another job. Maybe if you can diplomatically talk to the management that you need extra help it may work.
An autistic child that is good at solving puzzles (puzzles require exceptional intelligence) if this guy should take an IQ test now, the result will shock you. Nigeria just doesn't have the facilities to help him thrive. Be patient with the child and let him move to the next class. It's a sad situation that can happen to anyone.
DeleteThey should get you a teaching assistant. The HOS should talk to the parents since it appears they can afford it, so they can pay for a teaching assistant who will be assigned to any class the boy is in.
DeleteA part of his condition Is what is called ADHD. He cant focus on many subjects but he is very focused on Puzzles and Art. So whatever MI is saying, is just uneducated self diagnosis.
DeleteI thank you poster for the fact that he can speak, write and follow simple commands, that's a huge deal for special kids where some can NOT EVEN make eye contact.
I also feel bad for other children who are not getting their moneys worth in class because he screams in class, kids that are already irritable.
Honestly I think going abroad is better. The parents can research for most dynamic educational organisation that specialises in these kids and watch them bloom. If they can't afford that then home schooling with 2 teachers can help. Maybe he can rely on church/other religious nursery activities for the much needed social interaction with his peers, that can't be received from home schooling.
I focused on him because I am sure you will get many good advice from professionals here.
God bless this boy and children like him.
Apt anon 16:09, that puzzle part caught my attention,😭, the boy has a high iq
DeleteThis sounds like ADHD not Down Syndrome. He needs a speech therapist/extra lesson teacher at home, since his speech is still slurred, you need to advise the parents about this. He might also need an adult to be in class with him, helping him write so that you can focus on your class.
DeletePoster, taking him out from special school is wisdom on the parents part, dumping extra work on you without settling you is not okay, they ought to be compensate you cos that journey isn't easy. I don't know if your school rules are against you asking for settlement from the parents, that should guide your next move. Tell the parents about the speech therapist and school minder. All the best.
This is my son's story. At 8 he couldn't talk audibly....
DeleteI moved to US last year because of him. He's getting all the medical and teaching assistance he needs and I'm not paying a dime for it. They are filling for him to be a citizen, treating him with love that makes me cry.... tears of joy
I spent millions in Nigeria trying to make him better but all I got was side talks, neglect and complaints after they take my money. He's a twin, his twin sister is perfect.
God bless America...
At 17.50 EISH! I felt that! 😢(Holding back tears in my eyes) May God continue to bless your boyy. May He continue to show favor towards you and the children.
DeleteAnd If u were married to a loud mouth celeb who also happens to be a twin, just know that there are people who love you and are genuinely rooting for you...
17:50 your story is so encouraging. I'm glad your kid is getting the help he needs. So many kids in Naija unfortunately are bereft of such opportunities, so sad.
DeleteAnon 17:50 God bless your son and take him to his destiny but it’s not FREE. It’s free for you. Taxpayers in the district/county are being taxed heavily to pay for him and other special needs kids in the district. It’s the reason many of us don’t complain when 30-40% of our income is taken out in one form or the other by the government from county to federal as taxes. Upper middle class taxes are huge in this country but we know it’s mostly being used well for purposes such as yours so we are content. That’s what Nigeria should be doing, funding schools and special needs programs for kids in need because they are extremely talented in so many instances but they loot the money and flaunt it. I pray things continue to progress for him in Jesus name.
DeleteI know a special needs school that costs $75k per child per year of taxpayers funds as at 15 years ago. The greedy looters in Nigeria would have stolen that money. May God help Nigeria.
Poster if it’s not illegal and you study the parents temperament explain to them, they may even be willing to add a teaching aid salary to the school fees so your quality of life can improve and the other kids don’t start leaving the school.
Extra Teacher added to school fees will enter voicemail
DeleteAn adult with the child in the class chosen and paid for directly by the parents will be better
Pretty sad
ReplyDeleteI hate when schools do this
DeleteA special child should have a special teacher
Yes, it’s encouraging to practice inclusion in typical schools because the special child picks up one or two good behaviors from his classmates but he is supposed to have a “shadow” if very aggressive and a behavioral and speech therapist who works aside with him during school hours. He can be included when it’s time for arts.
Also, why don’t they have an assistant teacher for this if their patronage is very important to him.
Most parents hate to accept it when their child needs help, it’s not easy but it’s best to work with a professional in that field so you can get a better result. They just want to always be told, the child is improving.
Kindly report him, it is not your job description.
Push up (original)
The parents of this child are exposing him negatively and it will come back to haunt them in the future.. let them continue covering for an autistic child
ReplyDeleteDon't mind the parent, all the cover up they are doing will come crumbling down soon, how long do they want to keep patching a bad situation?
DeleteAre they going to find in a special centre for A levels/watch too?
That boy should not be in that school!! They need to keep trying different special needs school till they find the one that suits him, poster I feel sorry for you, just continue to manage for the remaining 2.5 months, you will heave a sigh of relief soon.
I think what they are doing is fine
ReplyDeleteI think you’re handling it wrong
Teach him with the others. Don’t wait for him to copy notes just print the notes and give him after class. The students understand he is differently abled so the issue is not that you give him special treatment, the issue is you’re slowing yourself and others down to do it
The school says give him the answers on exam day, then just do that
I don’t support sending him to special needs schoo cause he seems ahead of that
To boost his confidence, give him more work to do with arts and painting to also keep him busy
Good luck and we’ll done
She needs a second teacher to ease her stress
DeleteBut he would be moving ahead in classes when he is not mentally there yet. So that is how they will right Jamb and Waec for him ba? That is how he will pass in university?
DeleteAre you for real??? 🤔
DeleteHe needs special care. And the teacher needs an assistant with him. Have you ever taught in school? Maybe not, you have no idea how difficult it is.
I don't think you ve ever encountered a slow child. You won't be saying this if you actually have. It is frustrating and downright demoralising handling a normal slow child. Now imagine handling a child on the spectrum...
DeletePoster, you are kind and I admire you for that. It's not easy handling a child that's autistic especially when you aren't equipped for that. Since you need the extra cash, just persevere till end of the term/session. Hopefully they will pass him over to the next teacher.
15:35 I think they want him in a class environment
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteFor real?! Have you ever taught before? He needs special attention and care tailored specifically!
DeleteHow is what they are doing fine???
DeleteWhat happened to them researching about things like homeschooling? They are just looking for an easy way out, just a way to dump their challenge on someone else and act like the problem does not exist, e dey wait for them.
16:27 yes I have a special needs Kid in class before
DeleteThe school doesn’t have the money for special teacher so that’s not happening
Forget what happens with jamb and waec
You’re the teacher. Just teach him
The school and parents are aware of his limitations. This is the decision they have made in this tough situation
Don’t complicate it. Sometimes employees need to learn to say yes sir and move on
The only real issue here is his disturbing the class
That too is not your problem
Let the other parents complain if they like. You have done your best
When I had a kid like this in class, I carried on teaching. The students respond to the adult
If you seem bothered by that kid they too will be bothered
Just tell everyone to face front and listen to you and like a said before find activities that occupy him and put in front of him before you start teaching
BEST ADVICE..THANK U.
DeleteNaija education system na real wa. I guess the school and teachers and parents may not have an option but to move on like nothing is happening, but that doesn't make it right. Like in this case, this child is gifted and with more effort can actually have a wonderful future. Well hopefully by God's grace all will be well.
Delete18:20, did you read what this teacher is passing through? She should continue until she slumps one day and die?
DeleteMay selfishness not kill us, the want of the parents is their only concern, selfish people
DeletePoor Boy is obviously on the spectrum (autism), and what your HOS is doing is wrong for letting you do a job you're not well equipped to do. The HOS is also not doing that poor boy any favour because autistic kids learn in a different way. The boy needs to be in a special school where they can chanel his abilities towards what he really likes. I'm so sorry you are going through this.
ReplyDeleteApply for another job in a school, when you get the job before you can now resign.
ReplyDeleteThis suggestion is good
DeleteSuggests that they employ sm1 that will sit in class with him and help him with his work.The person will be like a second teacher.
ReplyDeleteThis is also good. If they refuse, start applying to other schools
DeleteThey should pay you for your extra service. Kindly tell them about it.
ReplyDeleteCan they not hire a teacher with training in working with special needs students? People who are neurodivergent are a growing population, they need more specialists and teachers with the specialized training to work with this population. Will the child not move from your classroom at the end of the school year? If seeking other employment is out of the question for you, then reiterate to the owner your fear that your other students are being negatively impacted by not having more time with you. If they cannot hire a specialist teacher, they can at least hire a classroom assistant to free up some of your time to work with the other students.
ReplyDeleteI work with adult students who are sometimes on the lower end of the spectrum and it requires a large amount of patience and repetition. I could not imagine working with someone who is on the higher end of spectrum. I believe what the parents stated. But the owner is being manipulated by them, and you are being pulled into a situation you are ill equipped for.
Child is on the spectrum. You may just do a little research on methods of approach for an autistic kid, but it's lots of work because it's a different training altogether. The school should employ a teacher that specialises in that area. Whatever they are doing is not helping.
ReplyDeletePlease suggest to the HOS that the boy's parents should employ an SSCE holder or a relative that will be coming to school with the boy daily to give him the extra attention he needs. This person will also help the boy with his homework at home. You as a class teacher will not be able to effectively do that without it affecting the other pupils in your class. The other pupils' parents may even be tempted to withdraw their children from the school due to the reduced class activities.
ReplyDeleteI know of where this method works presently.
Also the boy should not be pushed to the next class just like that, it is okay if he repeats the class until he is able to understand better.
Speak up politely they won't sack you, and also keep searching for a better job.
Best wishes.
Repeating the class won't make him understand better as long as they are still teaching him the normal things that they teach other pupils. His own syllabus is different entirely. You have not interacted with an autistic child before?
DeleteSince the parents have money, i think is best they home school him, will it be possible for you to go and meet the parents of this boy through the older daughter and talk to them about private lessons for the boy, u can be his private teacher, then un class u can let him be, instead him causing u delays, don't carry him along on all things during class if the parents agree for private teaching, when at home, fill him in on all the things he needs to know, let me tell u one thing, that boy still needs to be taught like a toddler that is still learning ABCD. He can only get better with time and patience.
ReplyDeleteDear teacher, every experience is a challenge that will shape our tommorrow, that boy is a challenge u need to conquer bcoz u don't know where life will take u to later
How can this teacher handle him as a private teacher when she or he is not equiped for that area of teaching? They should get him a teacher with special kids training
DeleteYes but what about his screaming and noise making aspect that disrupts the other kids?
DeletePaprika did we read the same story? I did not see where the poster said they have money.
DeleteI actually think they don't have money, if not they would have taken him to a good private special school. I'm sure it is a government one they took him to before, reason why they could not handle him well to improve him.
Jeez!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't easy obviously
Normal kids are even enough headache let alone a special one
As a former teacher I feel your pains. You are doing a job you were not trained for, handling kids with autism requires special training. He shouldn't be there with others who are normal, how will he catch up with them? He should be in a special school where they will teach him more of the arts that he knows and make him excel in them.
ReplyDeleteStella who will she report to? Those corrupt ministries that will collect money from them and leave them be?
Truth is, there are autistic kids in almost all private schools that I know, at least one autistic kid in each school.
The government really needs to do something about it.
Some programmes are now training teachers specialists tailored to suit those needs but expecting a teacher who is not equipped to do this is so wrong please. It will not help that child at all
DeleteWow Courage, just Wow.
DeleteI believe if parents want their kids to be included with other children, they should be allowed to include their children. If parents think that is how they will thrive, then, they should be allowed.
DeleteAnon 16:33
DeleteIt doesn't help the child in anyway.
It only flatters the pride and ego of the parents.
The child is the focus here.
The want of foolish and selfish parents is irrelevant
DeleteThe childs needs are what is important
Eyaa this is so sad! I think the parents should take him to another special school where he can learn well,there is a private one in my area,my heart breaks anytime I hear some of them pronounce words whenever I passed the school,it is well,you can talk to the mother when she drops him in the morning that he is not improving, tell her he will do better in another special school and see her reaction.
ReplyDeleteSince he will soon leave your class all I can say is endure or you make the head teacher understand that is extra work that requires extra pay cos the work load is too much
ReplyDeleteThe problem here is that you are not a special needs teacher neither are you well equipped to handle situations like these.
ReplyDeleteI used to teach too and I've taught children with autism, ADHD and even one with fluid in his head (I can't remember the medical term for it) and I can tell you that it is a very hard job. It drains emotionally, physically and mentally. You'll find yourself up at night thinking of the next innovation that would usher in even the least improvement.
What works for me most of the time is prayer. With daily prayer for the growth and wellbeing of my learners, I saw improvement, enthusiasm, calmness, joy and peace. The Holy Spirit just makes everything better.
Also, see if you can get the HOS to get a minder just for him, it'll make a difference.
Don't quit your job until you get a new one. If you don't get a new one, try and hang in there since he gets promoted to the next class.
God bless you ma/sir.
DeleteI finished sixth form over a decade ago, and do not yet have children...but, are PTA meetings no longer a thing?!
ReplyDeleteI ask this because, why haven't you spoken to the child's parents? You keep mentioning taking your grievances to the school principal, but you never mentioned actually speaking to the parents, directly. Please do!
Express your concerns with them. Let them know that the current teaching method being offered, isn't benefiting their son and is actually stunting his development.
Instead of sitting around, and wallowing in self-pity, be proactive. Research some special needs schools in your town/city. Give them the list, during your meeting, so that they have no excuse. Offer to go with them to do school visits, in order to offer your professional expertise. You know their son's educative strengths and weaknesses, best, so help them find a school that will hone his skills.
From the chronicle, they don't want to take him to a special school again
DeleteYou’re a wicked and heartless teacher. I pity the innocent child that has to put up with you. It’s not his fault that he has special needs. Imagine if this was your child. You’re wicked. What will it take from you to be patient, kind, loving and caring to this innocent child. His school fees pays your salary, always remember that and what’s worth doing is worth doing well. That’s how you block God’s blessings upon your life by complaining and been unkind. Bad teacher. You’re not fit to be a teacher. Nigeria with bad teachers everywhere.
ReplyDeleteYour insults towards someone ill equipped and overburdened shows you as a distinct sentimental but very unintelligent person
DeleteIn my school, they admit special needs children to be in the same class as other kids but special needs tutors are already employed for each special needs child.
ReplyDeleteThe parents or the school should employ a special needs educator that will specifically attend to that child including copying of notes, classwork and assignment. The one in Year 9 in my school is coping, considering the work the special needs teacher puts in.
Hang in there🫂🫂🫂
The parent are not helping matters, they should take him to that special school and have a private teach for him. Pushing him till he graduates from primary is not the best for him future. Since you have been handling him just continue with prayers since he will soon move to the next class. Let his parent know that you deserve some kind of appreciation towards the extra work you for for their child.
ReplyDeleteYou can also suggest to his parents to be his private teacher, when others are on break you take some classes with him and allow him write his note. You can add home lesson to help him catch up.
Why can't his parents get him a private teacher who handles special children. Taking care of a special child is not for the faint, please apply other places for a new job. The lord is your strength.
This is heart breaking. Just hold on till he moves to the next class, if they still want you to handle his new class, then let them get you an additional teacher or you quit. God is your strength.
ReplyDeleteI think you should talk with the head of school. Tell her it's not fair portraying the boy to be what and who he is not. She should lias with the owners of the school, Since the parents have the money, they should get someone who specializes in autistic kids and let the person work on the boy but still in the school environment. An extra pay for a special teacher wouldn't hurt. Please just be patient I know how frustrating what you're doing can be. I pray that God blesses you specially for it, AMEN
ReplyDeleteSince the parents have the money? Did we read the same chronicle?
DeleteNothing life happen by accident everything is known unto God, have asked yourself why was he brought to your class , God knows you can do it , do you know there is solution to every problem if allow God to have his way, do you know if you are able to help it can be a stepping stone to your upliftment .
ReplyDeleteThe child may have dyslexia . Do you know if you can help, you can start school for a special child like the boy and charge more money.
A lots of teachers are suffering, this is not good at all. I feel so sorry for you as a teacher, teaching normal kids with small salary is not easy not to talk of this, I am speechless. May God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThe child Is most likely autistic. It’s advisable to allow him in a normal school, just that the school should have few teachers trained for special needs kids like this. Or have him attend the special needs training center once or twice a week to help him cope.
ReplyDeleteHello .
ReplyDeleteWell,
As an old teacher and someone that has one (my wonderful son).
My son was ok, the symptoms was not there,until i change his school at 3 years to a bigger school in aguda.The two class teacher did a very bad job,left the boy and the boy that was speaking before stop speaking. I went through alot.When i went to Luth and i was told my son was Autism. I dont no..my life change.
I took him back to his formal school.i notice kids like him needs love, respect and acceptance.
What i did.
1. I usually give the class teacher something every month, to encourage her.And i follow up on the teacher's work in other to make it easy for her.
2. Got him a speech therapist that comes home three times a week.. Go for check every four month.
I notice a gifted teacher in my son school.So i used her service, to trained my son
She usually come home three times a week to teach him.
3.Last year,i stop the therapist and the lesson teacher.
I take my time to teach him every day.
4. Every time,i go to church.i take him to the altar and i always give God daily report about his health and every since then, his health improve.
He behave well outside, he speak like American ( thanks to the sesame street he watch on his tablets)
He is one of the best in his class.
He get distracted easily and we are woking on it.
I reduce all food that has sugar.
No biscuits, no sweets, no drinks.only protein ,veggies.
How do you teach him.
Repetition.
When you teach one today, teach him one tomorrow and add one to it,making two.
MY BELIEF.
1.Special school is not the best for autism. Except, the child is not metally ok.
2. If you want the child to excel, and have a self confidence. Then put him in normal school.Becaus they always copy what they see.
3.Normal school alone can not solve your challenges. You need a therapist for just 3 to 6 month.Why, so u can learn how to teach him, yourselve.
4.if you want him to be the best, among his mate.Na you go do am..
Most importantly, prayer is the key,cos sometimes, we feel like giving up.
Ope
U can ask questions
Wow you have really tried. Thank God for you and your son is doing well.
Delete@18:51, aunty Ope, thanks so much. I will copy this comment and forward it to his mum. I will tell her I saw it on the internet as I was searching for how to help him. I pray she makes use of this and helps that child. God bless your sweet son.
DeleteThanks to other contributors. God bless you all🙏
Wicked teacher.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Not everyone is built to cope with certain challenges and poster is being honest with how much she can do.
DeleteAttention seeker. No be only wicked teacher. I hope they ignore you
DeletePoster I feel this is an opportunity for you to make more money. Nothing just happens. God brought that child to you for a purpose. Don't quit your job. Enrol in a school for special needs children. Online or off-line. Improve your knowledge on this particular issue. If you get it right with him. I bet you. You are heading to greater heights. This advice might sound foolish but congratulations in advance
ReplyDeleteIt is not foolish advise at all. Similar to that of Kavetal's. However it doesn't mean it is best suited to this poster. It depends on her perspective and capabilities. She could have other issues she is dealing with personally. The worst person to deceive in this world is yourself.
DeleteIf you are in Abuja, there is a school on Lake Chad crescent off IBB boulevard in Maitama. It’s a government school that also has a centre for children with special needs. The idea behind that is for children to interact whether they have special needs or not so as kids develop the society is more accepting of children with special needsz The centre caters to students with special need and offers training for teachers to better handle special children. See this as an opportunity to develop yourself, tell the HOS to send you for training so the school can take on more children. Since he:she is driven by money, they may see it as an investment and the time away from school will give you a break to explore this new dimension of teaching. The fact that you are taking time with this child shows you care a lot. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Bala clava.
I don't know why this story reminded me of ishan from the Indian movie like stars on earth.
ReplyDeletePoster, please don't feel guilty about the way you feel, you have no special training on this, neither do the parents.
I guess they just want their child amongst other children.
And they equally do not know how to handle the situation.
If only they focus on his area of strength.
About 20 years ago, when I was a teenage assistant teacher this happened to me, in the nursery class even though I was highly inexperienced I was patient with the special needs girl in my class.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when her disturbance was too much( she could get quite noisy) I will just get her a Chair and table in a corner of the classroom and give her paper and crayons because she liked colours so much, never knew her mum and even the proprietor used to sneak and watch me from the window. (probably thought I will mistreat her because she was quite a handful) They later commended me on the way I handled her, so pls I know it's not easy but try to be patient and if possible Google on things that can make teaching him easier and even have a discussion with his parents. Wishing you all the best.
Hmmmmmm
ReplyDeleteJust sending hugs to both you, the teacher and the poor child and the parents, it's all not easy on anyone, but may God provide the grace, the strength 🙏🏾
ReplyDeleteHmmm! This is my situation now,my son is 5 years & in Nur 2,he talked when he was one and we noticed he started regressing in his speech,( still baby talks)he screams and shout most times... We were advised to take him to a special school, but I think it will make him worse, getting a speech therapist is even expensive( some one should recommend an affordable therapist for me,I reside in Asaba) It's painful to see him that way...( Though we got a private teacher) I still believe God that one day he'll communicate with his peers.
ReplyDeleteGo online and learn yourself
DeleteDear poster, you have a good heart but you're not helping that child. Watch YouTube videos on learning aids for special needs pupils. It will help a lot. From what you've said, he's smart in abstract learning. It's a pity you're not equipped either to handle his situation. You can also take a short course.
ReplyDeleteI don't have down syndrome but I know that growing up, I didn't understand the basic concept of maths like 1+1=2 instead what I understood was Peter has an apple, Jane gives him another apple, how many apples does he have. Even till dat, I require maths to fit into a scenario for me to understand it better. It took one teacher to understand this and use it to my advantage. Ooowww and I love to play. Break time was my best time even till date. I love play.
Although I still hate maths, I'm better at it. Horrible with arts but a genius in sciences especially biology and physics. I'm also a graduate and a creative writer and poet.
Thank God for the one maths teacher who understood me and the few others that were patient with me
P.s. not every child is an instant genius and not every genius is an academician. Some are actors, artistes, puzzlers, CEO's, athletes, dancers etc
During service, I remember a child confided in me "Aunty B, it's not that I don't know the answer but I'm scared that what I know is not correct". Now, due to my own background, I don't value positions but after working on calmness and confidence, she went from 14th position to 7th in one term with a good cumulative average too. Her mum came to school personally to thank me.
Working with those kids is definitely among my top 3 accomplishments till date. I cried at the end of my service year because of them. I miss my babies so much. They must be teenagers now.
Since he is gifted in Arts, the parents should groom his area of strength and encourage him in drawing and painting. They should register him in an art school with time
ReplyDeleteI must commend your effort towards the child, cos it's not easy. We have a a handful of them in my sch. The only difference here is that the school Management will make the parents get a special need Teacher for the child for that one on one approach. The intention of putting the child in same class with others is for social interaction which in my school has really come a long way in helping those children .
ReplyDeleteGod bless you my dear colleague.
Let him be busy with his subject of interest in school and don’t slow down for him. Tell his parents he need extra coaching from a private special needs teacher at home. JSonhe can catch up and be on par with the rest. Just print out all his notes and activities and keep in his bag for the special needs teacher.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a special needs child, neither am I a teacher but I have learnt a lot from this chronicle, no knowledge is a waste. I appreciate our knowledgeable bvs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful blog SDK.