Instruction: Answer for ma classmates (2) and make 3 questions for my classmates
635 Module 2: Introduction Discussion
D.D. Answers+ 3 Questions
1.Classmate
My name is Zahra H. and I have my BA in childhood education. I am currently doing my master’s in students with disabilities (birth-2nd). I hold teaching certification from grades 1-6 and Birth-2nd. I also have my internship certificate in student with disabilities(birth-2nd). All throughout my career I have worked with the ages 2s, 3s and 4s. I am currently a UPK general education teacher. I have been working for 3 years as a general education UPK teacher. My experience working with the Early childhood Education field is amazing. I love every aspect about it. As an early childhood education teacher, the most important aspect in these grades is to make sure your child is social interacting and expressing themselves. Teaching in the early childhood ages really requires a lot of patience and dedication. I am basically their second mom and to some students their mom figure since they might not have a mother. For this age group you really have to have a big heart and nurturing soul. I relive my early childhood memories through them. I enjoy every aspect, from fun monthly unit activities, to birthday parties, to holidays to cute moments and so on. Now working in the special education field is a bit challenging. I have had students with IEPs, and I would work hand in hand with the special education teacher and other specialist to modify and accommodate the instruction/activities according to their needs. It is challenging in the sense that I have to accommodate my instruction to a full class of 18 students some of which have IEP and some ELL. Every child is unique, and every child has their own strengths and weaknesses.
For the special education aspect, I learn a lot about the students through the different cases and IEPs that I never knew about before. I learned how to accommodate to my deaf student to my first year of teaching which was extremely challenging. I learned how to accommodate to my Social emotional students. This was also challenging because I had to maintain and control a class of 18 while having the social emotional students throwing tantrums, screaming etc. I had to cater to them while teaching and keeping up with the other kids. It really does take a lot of energy out of you. It requires a lot of patience and dedication. And it requires great amount of communication between the parents and all the staff involved to maintain progression for that child.
I also had students who had ADHD and Autism. Every case is unique and really brings its challenges. From my assessment I would create instruction that would be modified. I would accommodate to their learning needs, styles and interests. It takes a lot of creativity and research. And by research, I mean getting to know the child as a whole. I learned so much about different disabilities that I never knew before through having kids with IEPs in my class. I remember growing up as a child I never recalled there was such a thing as special education. If a student struggled in class, they never looked at it as a disability. I even remember growing up hearing teachers calling kids who struggled academically, “retarded or dumb”. The education field has been innovated in such a positive way I feel now. We try to make the class inclusive as much as possible accommodating to all the student’s needs.
I remember this one instance in high school I will never forget. It was theater class, and everybody had to go on stage to participate in the play act. There was a high school student who was unable to go on stage because he was in a wheelchair, so he just stayed near the auditorium seat. The teacher completely ignored him and didn’t even try to include him in the play act or get him on stage. I remember feeling so bad for him. Can you imagine how hurt he might have felt? The teacher completely isolated him because of his disability. That teacher put a barrier on his self-esteem and growth. I remember thinking to myself I would never be like that teacher, how awful to do that to someone so vulnerable. And in the education field you have to have a big heart and patience. We are their guide and push them to their best and help them grow. We are their support. From this class I would like to learn about the different types of disabilities. I would also like to learn more about the IEP and what exactly is written in this form. One takeaway from chapter 1 reading is on page 19. It states, “One basic premises of IDEA are the inclusion of young children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.” In this chapter it talks about the progression and evolving field of early childhood education and the changing policies that brought about special education. And one key point of all this is that we should strive to educate the child in the least restrictive environment, accommodating to their needs. It’s amazing how policies have transformed in the special education field over time to provide these students’ rights. I find it so amazing and really, I am proud that the education system is progressing even further to accommodate these students.
Questions:
1: If you are a general education teacher, did you ever have students with IEP in your class? If so, what were their disabilities? How did you accommodate/Modify instruction to their needs?
2: What is the most challenging aspect of teaching kids with disabilities?
3: What is your favorite part about teaching students with disabilities?
2. Classmate :
Elizabeth Lee
SEDN 635
Module 2: Discussion Board
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Lee and I am currently in my last semester at this collegge. I have worked as a substitute teacher, after school teacher, and an assistant teacher. I have worked with various age groups, mostly with preschool age students. Currently, I am a lead teacher in a preschool program and have students who are receiving services. I have encountered students with learning and social/emotional disabilities. I am learning on how to approach students with disabilities by using effective strategies that will benefit them. I have learned a lot from courses at this college , mentors, workshops, and past professional experiences. I still have so much to learn. From taking this course, I want to gain knowledge on family support and collaboration. When this is established, IEP goals and progress can be accomplished. I find myself to feel overwhelmed when behavioral problems with students occur. I usually ask my director and other teachers for assistance. I would like to master effective methods so my students can move forward and progress in the areas that need improving.
One fact or takeaway in Chapter 1 that I believe is important is the relationship-focused intervention model. As RTI aims at identifying struggles early on and improve on the student’s areas, RFI helps parents on effective interactions and strategies with their child. Students can receive social and emotional support, which can provide encouraging results (Cook et al., 2020). It is essential to maintain early intervention services, which can improve the child’s progression and assist on families who may need support. Solid family engagement will promote a healthy environment for both the child and the family.
Teachers can meet young students developmentally by using an approach called developmentally appropriate practice. When using this practice, knowledge of the child’s development, interests, and abilities should be present (Cook et al., 2020). By having this knowledge, professionals can individualize instruction based on this information. In a classroom environment, I strongly believe in implementing a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Understanding cultural values should be considered when working with young children. In my classroom, parent communication is essential when working with students especially individuals who need additional support. Studies have shown on the success of RTI with K-12 students and some districts are adapting this approach with pre-K classrooms (Cook et al., 2020). When using appropriate practices, many components are emphasized like standards-based curriculum, instructional strategies, progress monitoring, and instruction created from previous data. I strongly believe that early intervention incorporated from RTI will benefit students who need special education services.
Questions
1. How can families help with their child’s progression at home?
2. How can Response to Intervention strategies assist one’s progress?
Reference
Cook, R. E., Klein, M. D., & Chen, D. (2020). Adapting early childhood curricula for children with disabilities and special needs. Pearson.
Please I need also make 3 questions for my classmates.
