My Great Fear in Life!

What is going to happen to our child when I and my husband are no longer here? Who will take the custody of our child when we die? This is my great fear in life… I know leaving our child alone in this world can greatly affect the quality of his life. How I wish that may our dear God extend my life so that I can be with my child till he can be able to live by himself.

As years go by I’m getting sickly perhaps because I am not getting any younger. But whatever pain I feel every day I just ignore it because I would like to survive and want to live longer for my child. But there are times I can’t help myself crying. Why? It’s because my child suffers from being rejected by his classmates especially the boys. For whatever reason, I don’t know but perhaps because they don’t like to socialize with Sped pupils like my child.

Last year, my child was physically injured because of the foolishness of one of his classmates. The “bully boy” put out his foot to forestall my child while walking inside their classroom. But before that incident, the said “bully” intimidated my child several times physically and emotionally and was even saying offensive terms to him just like “p---- ina kang sped ka!, crazy, nutty etc.”  

My son loves to play and make friends. But there are times that he asks me why his classmates don’t like to talk to him nor even play with him. I just answer him; maybe they are too busy… And I try to tell him some other alibis that could make him ease a little pain in his heart. But how so painful it is to a mother like me when you knew that your child feels so bad? How I wished them to become friendly to my child because he likes them so much. But it’s out of my control and I have nothing to do with it. Even my brother in-law shows no affection for our child. Doesn’t he know that my little big boy is his own “flesh and blood”? So, those are the examples of my fear… Thinking that I am still alive and can still be able protect our child… But what if I could not beside him anymore? Now, tell me why should I fear not when thinking what will happen to our child when we, his parents are no longer here?

What my child experiencing is a stigma which means that he feels not socially accepted in school, community or even in our society. Something else that I can do is diverting what’s in his mind by talking about the things where he could be focused… just like about insects, dinosaurs and some other animals etc. 

I and my husband make sure that we must have time to take him to the mall or park where he will feel comfortable and can express his ideas… because for him, family bonding is very important.

I wish that I could stay here forever for my little big boy!

In Raising Up a Special Child

As a mother of a child with special needs, it’s really a great challenge and experience on how to raise him. Finding out that my child has mild autism is one of the most painful things that happened to me. At first I was distraught but when I've got enough courage, I stand firmly to be able to protect and guide my son where he can live the most productive and fulfilled life possible. 

Although there are times that I need to be soothed and encouraged because daily stress for taking care of my child especially when he’s throwing tantrums really makes me feel so awful. And from the very start, I experienced a variety of maternal struggles in raising my child but I have learned how to cope with it all. I have also my adrenalin to be strong enough for him. As I persevered in my responsibilities to raise my special boy, I later realized our blessings where hidden in a challenge… God really loves us.

I know God’s hand is always upon my brilliant big boy… the lovable one who brings us joy and laughter every minute, every hour, everyday... And we thank our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us enough strength, patience and love to raise our child and do our best to mold him with love and fear in God despite of his condition.

ACCELERATION: A Program Model for the Gifted Child

This is just a part of my report in Curriculum Development for Exceptional Children which I would like to share to you.


Acceleration can be applied in two ways:

1. Grade Acceleration
Sometimes this referred to as "grade-skipping," grade acceleration involves moving a student into a higher-grade classroom. The accelerated student then participates in all the same activities and studies all the same subjects as his or her classmates, even though there is an age difference.

2. Subject-Matter Acceleration
Students also can be accelerated in one or more subjects to provide intellectual challenge in areas where they are particularly advanced. This option is especially helpful for children who have precocious abilities (blossoming or ripening early or those have early manifested abilities) in specific areas.

Example: The student is excellent in Math but slightly above average in verbal skills.

Here are some ways on how to achieve acceleration:

• early entry to school
  Early entry into school occurs when a child is allowed to enter school at an earlier age than that mandated by education authorities or the age required by the Deped.
  
  Example: In nursery, the age qualification of the child must be 3 ½ years old. But the gifted child entered the school at the age of 2 because he could be able to cope with the instructions or tasks given by his/her teacher.Gifted and high potential children who are allowed early entrance display academic gains on average six months ahead in their achievement as compared to their age-peers.
  Although the gifted children are ready for early entry into school, but they still need administrative support to cope with the routines expected.
  
• grade skipping or "double promotion"
  ***What is grade skipping? Grade skipping is the practice of placing a child in a grade level past the one he or she should be moving into based on age.
  Example: A child in first grade may be moved into the third grade, thereby skipping second grade.
  
  Grade skipping can take place at any time during the school year, but it is most often done at the beginning. This means that a child who is currently in the first grade might be moved into the second grade during the school year, but it's more typical for a child to complete the first grade and then be moved into the third grade when school begins again.
  
• credit by examination
  A credit by examination is a process for determining or discovering the student’s intellectual and ability through examinations either oral or written.
  Some schools offer examinations whereby students can skip one or more courses or curriculum by performing well on a test that have been given.
  
  
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADHD AND ADD

How do we know the difference between ADHD and ADD? Many people do not really understand the differences between ADHD and ADD. Let me define first what does ADHD and ADD mean.

• ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is basically the lack of attention in the patient or he/she is inattentive.
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is a condition in which the person has visible impulsivity or hyperactivity, extreme difficulty focusing or paying attention and controlling their behavior.

Of the two types of disorders, ADHD is most commonly diagnosed perhaps ADHD have more visible symptoms than those with ADD. ADHD is very noticeable because it comes with the creation of a good deal of distractions within the classroom. Therefore, it gets a good deal of attention and can be recognized easier. But this does not mean that ADD is not destructive; it is, just less visible. We could notice that when a person is suffering from ADD, he or she will often seem disorganized and inattentive. You may often find him/her simply staring out a window while in the classroom, and seem like he/she is never really there.

Let me give you the three types of ADHD symptoms that I have gathered

• Trouble paying attention. People with ADHD are easily distracted and have a hard time focusing on any one task.
• Trouble sitting still for even a short time. This is called hyperactivity. Children with ADHD may squirm, fidget, or run around at the wrong times. Teens and adults often feel restless and fidgety and are not able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities.
• Acting before thinking. People with ADHD may talk too loud, laugh too loud, or become angrier than the situation calls for. Children may not be able to wait for their turn or to share. This makes it hard for them to play with other children. Teens and adults seem to "leap before they look." They may make quick decision that have a long-term impact on their lives. They may spend too much money or change jobs often.

Typically, boys are more hyperactive than girls that’s the reason why it was believed that ADHD only affected boys. But this is not true and now it is realized that that children of any gender can have ADD and it does not always go away as they reach the age of adult.

It is important to understand that the symptoms do not necessary mean they have ADHD or ADD, however, they should be watched closely and discussed with a professionals such as developmental pediatrician, child psychologist. We must put in our mind that mental and psychological health of the child is very important as any other part of their health.

Special Mom For a Special Child

Being a mother of an exceptional child is no joke. It’s really a big responsibility that God gave to parents especially mothers. I, as a mother of 13 year old exceptional child do extra things for him. I may consider myself (as self-reward) as special in my own way because my child is uniquely special. I’ve been so busy doing what is necessary to help my child and give my best and effort for his precious life.I’m setting my own interests aside to help with his homework, no matter what the hour. When he is feeling low and throwing tantrums, I always comfort him at the time when he felt ready to give up. I see to it that for him, I am not only his mother but his most important teacher also. Most of the time, I feel that have to continually wage a war to go through simple activities of day-to-day living just like teaching my child even on how to brush his teeth properly and fix his things like books and bed. I might say that life becomes a continuous struggle, not only for the child, but also for the parents like me. I gave up my job and career to give my full time support to my child and handle the situation and most of all is to take care of him and defend him from his detractors.

Raising a child with disability is a big challenge… But I have to face bravely my child's limitations and turning them into opportunities for his growth and maturity. Here in the Philippines, many people have misconception about special child. They don’t understand that anyone who is not at the normal level of thinking would be considered as SPED. Not only mentally retarded, autistic, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), learning disability can be called special child but even the gifted child because of his/her high extreme of mental ability and talents which are not at the normal level.

Many times I have encountered different people with same reactions especially when they saw my child is smiling without any reason… I heard comments, criticisms and insults about my child. I thank God for giving me the courage to confront people who do not have my child's interests in mind. I even learned how to deal with awkward comparisons and criticisms from family and acquaintances who do not understand or value my child's differences … It really hurts me but I have to accept and face their reactions and all the things they might got to say about my child. Perhaps, they may have lack of understanding and knowledge about exceptional children… Or most probably it is because of being narrow-minded… Or a slander act due to their envious feeling… But I believed that God really loves us because He gave us an extra ordinary responsibility such as like having a special child despite of our financial status (because we are not wealthy). But God is so great… His grace is sufficient for us to be able to eat, live and continuously struggle in this cruel world. I would say that as parents, we are so lucky because in God’s sight, we are truly special because He gave us a special child who is brilliant and has sense of responsibility.
 

There are many hardships you can pass through in raising and guiding a special child. As a mother and teacher of your beloved one, you need extra courage to be able to face the fact that you are the one who will be responsible to protect your child. And most of all, you need love and patience so everything would be easy for you to deal with different situations especially in caring your special one. According to my child’s developmental pediatrician, his case is only mild but expect that there would be times that some characteristics of an ADHD with Autism will still manifest on him. 

As a parent, I might stick on guiding force for my child's education until she can manage it for himself. I will continue to help him through social experiences with support and understanding. As long as I am here, I will never stop encouraging my child to develop strengths and nurture his talents in things he enjoys. For me, knowing when to support and when to let my child meet his own challenges is very important. Being at peace with who my child is and not who others think he should be is what I always think of…
As long as I and my husband are still alive, we will try to create a warm and supportive home which our child truly deserves.

I’m going to leave you few questions below because I would like to know your reactions, feelings and plans if you are also a special parent like me…





• In case you are on my shoe? What you’ll gonna do?
• If you have a special child like mine, how can you protect him/her from people who are giving criticisms or comments?... Those who are secretly smiling or even laughing at your child, seems it doesn’t matter if you’ll get hurt or what reactions you might have either? What will you do?

Live in Only One World!

 
“I do not believe that persons with autism have a world of their own. All people - with or without disabilities – live in only one continuum, in only one world. It is probably only when we come to understand their condition and the causes of their behavior that the shield of misconception that separates us from them will crumble…”


Quote: SPED Department

Programs, Assessment, Strategies, Evaluation and Others

(That Greatly Affect the Intelligence of Special Learner)

A. Introduction

The purpose of this assignment is to interview a special education teacher in order to gain insight about methods and strategies applied to special learners. I interviewed Mrs. Felomina Salao Colansi. She is one of the best and fully dedicated Special Education Teachers at the New Era University. Her main functions are to teach, guide and advise special learners in Grade 4 and 5.

Teacher Fely (as her co-teachers and students called her) has been an adviser of special children for 1 year. She helps her students to be more equipped on their daily tasks in school either they are in full inclusion or mainstreaming or in one-on-one approach. I decided to interview her because she was readily accessible as a full time special education teacher. I heard that she was a very pleasant person and easy to work with. I went with the intention to talk to her about my report.

B. Instructional Strategies

Q: How is teaching related to learning? 

A: Your understanding of learning styles - visual, auditory, kinesthetic. Demonstrate your awareness of the need for a variety of educational strategies to ensure that all students benefit.

 
Q. What instructional strategies would you use in your lesson? 

A: The need for strategies that allow for on-going assessment - small and large group instruction, presentations, cooperative learning, organization of classroom environment, how you make accommodations for special needs students, etc.

Q: How would you adapt your instruction if you had gifted or other special needs students in your class?

A: Empowering students to become life-long learners/achievers - teaching them how to learn, take notes, prepare for tests, manage time wisely, etc.

C. Classroom Management

Q: How would you deal with a disruptive student in your class?
A: Preparation to set up a positive classroom environment to minimize concerns: clear expectations, routines,, procedures, developed with student input, clear level of respect for each other, understanding consequences and applying them consistently.
 
Q: How would you deal with students who are constantly off-task?
A: Assessing each situation accurately - possible reasons for misbehavior, mitigating circumstances, etc. 

Q: How can you ensure that students in your class behave appropriately?

A: Behavioral modification strategies - short and long term and/or positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior.
 
D. Special Education

Q. How would you plan for a special needs student?

A. The rights of an exceptional child to a specialized program: IEP and Annual Evaluation 

Q. How would you work with the parents of an exceptional student? 

A. Learning styles, exceptionalities, accommodations, modifications.

Q. How might you integrate an exceptional student in your classroom? 

A: The teacher's role in dealing with special needs students - knowledge and understanding of curriculum expectations, instructional and assessment strategies, communication with parents, etc.

Q. How do you determine what modifications and accommodations to make for particular students? 

A. Your role as part of a team - special education teacher, support staff, other teachers, parents, etc.

E. Planning and Preparation

Q. Explain how you would plan a program for your grade or subject. 

A. About your knowledge of the curriculum - overall and specific expectations.

Q. Describe a lesson you taught that you consider one of your best.
A: Long-range plans, unit plans, daily plans - refer to resources available - school library, other teachers on the team, internet, consultants, resource teachers, etc. 


Q. Describe the format you use to develop a lesson. 

A: Classroom preparation: welcoming environment, bulletin boards, student expectations, routines, materials.B. Communication with parents - curriculum nights, parent-teacher interviews, student agendas, regular informal communication.

F. Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting

Q. What is your system of evaluating student work? 

A. The purpose of assessment - to improve learning, to ensure that curriculum expectations are met, and to communicate progress to students and parents.

Q. How do you communicate with parents about student progress? 
A. The direction in assessment - 4 levels of achievement, diagnostic, formative, summative assessments, use of rubrics.
 Q. What kind of assessment strategies do you use in your classroom? 

A. Using a variety of assessment strategies: paper-pencil tasks, peer and group assessments, self assessment, displays, reports, presentations, etc.

Communication with students and parents: clear directions and expectations, on-going assessment, open door policy, etc.

G. Reflection

Teachers must be prepared at the pre-service and in-service levels to deal effectively with the challenges of handling special learners. Skills of teachers, alone, are not sufficient. All aspects of school organization must be carefully planned for special learners’ program to succeed, including the curriculum, parental involvement and some others.

What schools need are teachers who make reflective decisions regarding curriculum, instruction, and matters of governance that are appropriate to the context at hand, rather than mechanically implement programs and curriculum — special education teachers who will keep the purpose of special education in mind rather than merely carrying out the processes of a prescribed curriculum.