Today marks the final day of my summer classes. My special education class hasn't met for weeks due to my professor's illness, but all assignments have been completed, graded, and passed! This class has really opened my eyes to the amount of planning necessary to accomodate all students in your classroom to ensure your class time is successful. One of the most important jobs a teacher has in today's world, beyond the cirruculum, is teaching socially acceptable behaviors and attitudes. Wow, talk about a tough job!
So much discipline, teaching of manners, teaching of respect, and just how to act in general falls on teachers today. In years past, students knew to act correctly or be prepared for the ruler! Today, parents, students, and sometimes teachers are so distracted by activities, social networking, cell phones, and the pressures of an all-knowing society that people have gotten away from simply teaching young people how to act properly. If, as a young adult, a student can learn the simple processes of thinking through decisions, rationalization, understanding consequences BEFORE taking actions, and saying please and thank you when appropriate...imagine how much friendlier society would be. Imagine how much more success could be had in the classroom!
These are challenges and opportunities that come to the fore when dealing with special education students in the regular classroom however, they should be stressed and taught to all students to create a generation of respectful, thoughtful students.
I have a wondeful aunt with down syndrome that has been an integral part of my family for my entire life. From the moment she was born, my grandparents showered her with love, guidelines, affection, discipline, hugs, and kisses. She has lived a long, happy, successful life because she was taught appropriate social behaviors from the start(and she is loved). It's important everyone remember that, no matter what a child's "handicap" may be, they have the potential to learn, live, and love if taught by people who truly care.
Here's an oldie but a goodie to reinforce what I'm talking about! Simple, powerful message. Enjoy!
