It is virtually impossible to have a student tested for a learning disability in 4K. Since the students do not take written tests, it is hard to prove that a disability exists. I have two students that I am sure have either learning disabilities or emotional/social disabilities. I have repeatedly gone to personnel in my school and at the district office about these students, but to no avail. These students are not a problem to have in the classroom. They simply do not function at the same level as the other students. One student has only spoken once all year, and that was a yell when someone threw something at him. Since all of our assessments are oral, I can not get an accurate assessment of his learning because he will not communicate with me. The other student speaks, but can't carry on a conversation and does not interact with the other children. She also does not eat food. She is living off of PediaSure. She brings it in a "sippy cup" and drinks it at lunch. She is five!
Since I have not been successful in obtaining assistance with these students, it is hard to say what I am doing right. For all of my students, I try to differentiate instruction by using a variety of teaching strategies. I use literature, visuals, music, poems, finger-plays, and hands-on learning whenever possible. I also incorporate technology via the Promethean Board. I use flip charts, show United Streaming videos, and use Brain Pop, Jr. whenever possible.
With both of the above-mentioned students, I feel that their greatest needs are social interaction. I have not done a good job of finding ways to increase interactions. When we do group work, they usually stand back and watch the others. At center time and recess, they play near the other children, but not with them.
In the future, I plan to continue to seek help for these students. It is not fair to make them wait until first grade to get the assistance they need. I will also research ways to help them interact. I will use opportunities that arise to try to get them to communicate and interact with the other students.
Micelle,
ReplyDeleteHow heartbreaking to read about these students. Is the five year old drinking only PediaSure because she is ill, or because she is frightened? You are right to want intervention for these children before they reach first grade. Obviously you are working to achieve this goal. Someone is in the system who will help. all you have to do is find them and your job will not be easy. Using a variety of teaching stratgies will reach these students. You may already be reaching them and due to the communication issues, you are unaware. Keep searching for guidance and if it does not happen this school year, make sure their first grade teacher moves on the situations as quickly as possible.
Nanelle
According to her mom, the girl got choked on something last summer and has not eaten since.
DeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteDo you know if this 5 year old only drinks PediaSure at home, also? I'm sure you've conferenced with the parent(s). What have they said about this? I would be curious to know if there's a medical reason that she's on a liquid diet. That's not the "norm" for 5 year olds. It's obvious that you care and are doing what you can. I also know the frustration you feel when you are reaching out for help, and either no one is listening or it just takes entirely too long to get that help! It seems as if it takes half of a school year to get a child tested and get the results back. Hang in there.
She drinks PediaSure at home as well. She stopped eating last summer after a choking incident. I know that can be scary for a child, but most children would work past it in a few days or weeks. It's been 9 months.
DeleteI continue to keep in contact and assist a former cooperative teacher at South Fant who has experienced similar struggles with her three and four year old students. Testing these students for learning disabilities is almost impossible, but their struggles are obvious. The teacher and her assistant do all they can to assist these students, but their resources are understandably limited. The teacher and her assistant are still responsible for the other twenty something students in the classroom. Their concern and compassion to see all their students succeed is apparent. The same goes for you Michelle! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete