“A person’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes
back to its original dimensions.”
~OLIVER WENDELL
HOLMES, JR.
How do we prepare our children
for the real world?
WHAT
DO WE DO IN THE SCHOOLS?
Decisions
should always start at the top for any successful business or
organization. In the school
setting, administrators provide leadership to align general and special
education reforms. It is their
duty to determine the appropriate setting for all children and the schedule
that will be most beneficial for each day. What exactly then should they focus on for the special needs
child?
The company “Good Apple” has provided various useful
educational school supplies for educators and parents. Below are some statements that can be
used to help make a connection with a child and help them set goals for their
future. Below are statements that
I have asked students with special needs to fill out in order to build a
special rapport with them and attend to their needs on an individual basis. It is important for parents and
educators to be aware that children want to know that you care about them and
when you know something about their lives that very few other people know, then
that is special to them.
Developing a bond or special rapport with a child means the world to
their self-esteem and ultimate well-being.
Here
is a list of “About Me!” points that you can discuss aloud or have your
child/student write down on a piece of paper:
ABOUT ME!
I sometimes wish….
I often learn best if…
I would really like to
learn about…
It is difficult for me to
learn when…
My role model is…
If I had three wishes, they
would be…
My accomplishments are…
I enjoy…
I am happy when…
The most important person
in my life is…
I get frustrated when…
My biggest goal is to…
The nicest thing I ever
did…
My favorite subjects are…
My least favorite subjects
are…
When I look at myself in
the mirror what I see is…
Something else I could tell
you about me is…
In
the resource room at school, having a set of goals posted can be very effective
for student learning. The special
education teacher can develop a list of goals that are short, concrete, and
understandable. Depending on the
situation, one teacher may feel it worthy to involve the children in
determining their own set of goals and holding them accountable for their
actions, while another teacher may find it easier and more efficient to
structure the goals for the students.
The teacher can choose whichever method feels appropriate and
worthwhile.
Below is a top ten list of goals for children that I
have used in my classroom and found to be useful for children with special
needs. Educators in the resource
room at school may find this helpful, also. Parents may find that they are able to post these goals at
home in a visible place so their child is reminded of the expectations set
forth.
TOP
TEN “GOALS TO ACHIEVE”
1) Be well ORGANIZED.
2) Always WORK hard.
3) Use our time EFFICIENTLY.
4)
Be KIND and POLITE to
others.
5)
Finish all work ON
TIME.
6)
Be PATIENT and FORGIVING.
7)
RAISE YOUR HAND to
speak.
8)
Have a POSITIVE
attitude. J
9) Be HELPFUL to
those who need help.
10)Treat
others the way that YOU would like to be treated.
Take
note:
a. These
are NOT designated as “RULES” but rather “GOALS”.
b. This is
not an extensive list. It is an
easy number for children to remember (TEN).
c. All of
the goals are bolded, magnifying their meanings.
d. The
statements are positive in nature.
There are not any “Don’t do….” or “Never……”
e. Various
words are capitalized and bolded to denote the importance of the message.
The
students can carry a “Things To Do” daily sheet with them from class to
class. This allows them to stay
organized and helps them to see what it is that they accomplished for the day
and the remaining tasks to be completed.
You can customize your own sheet having a second column that can be
checked off by either the adult figure or the student and possibly adding a
third column for an adult supervisor’s signature verifying its completion. This adds accountability, stability,
and routine on a daily basis that will help the child reach his/her goals in
spite of any obstacles or challenges imposed during the school day.
For more
information on helping a child obtain overall SUPER HEALTH, please visit: www.douglashaddad.com.
Douglas
Haddad, Ph.D. (“Dr. Doug”) is the author of parenting/child guidance book Save
Your Kids…Now! The Revolutionary
Guide To Helping Youth Conquer Today’s Challenges
By: