Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Geraldine Robertson on October 18, 2010 at 14:23

Hi Karen,

You are right to be asking this question as children are far more accepting of difference once they have the information they need to understand. You can have this happen in your classroom if you ask. Some schools like to invite an expert e.g. a representative of an Autism or Down Syndrome association. There are asthma and diabetes awareness programs too. Another way to educate classmates is for the teacher to run a session where they identify things that are the same for all people and then look at ways in which everyone is different and everyone has their own strengths. A lovely example of this happened in a kindergarten class where there was a child with very limited movement. One of the little ones suggested that the wheelchair bound student was very good at sitting still. Definitely a glass half full guy who also happened to be a wriggler.

Another way can be for the school social worker to support the teacher in delivering a program. We used the DVD "I am Sam" to talk to some High School students about Autism in a situation where the student did not wish to be identified. The results, for students with a variety of differences were very positive. Another thing that is very empowering for students who feel OK about this is for the student to deliver a talk or Powerpoint himself or herself. Even quite young children are often happy to talk about their condition, with help, so really it all depends on individual student needs.

Permalink Reply by Antonia Rose Canaris on October 21, 2010 at 23:30

Hi everyone

yes I agree with Karen. Teachers can do a lot to model appreciation of difference. We have to fight against subtle snobbery The following is a natural thought for a teacher " can I trust x to take the visitor around the school? I think I'll stick with the presentable kids." Children with social and other disabilities often really appreciate feeling trusted. If children are shown that their "disabled" peers are not just "problems" they will learn to value them too. I agree with the other comments. There are some great ideas out there.

Permalink Reply by selina hunt on March 4, 2011 at 20:49

This is a great idea as a parent of a severe autistic daughter who has started prep this year I was and still am very concerned about how the other children would relate to my daughter and if they would understand or even bully her. In my opinion this is something all our young children need.

Permalink Reply by Bez on May 17, 2011 at 21:13

Unfortunately children mirror the influences of their environment and as a society we are not that tolerant of people who differ from the norm. We can make life easier for our special needs children we can make their world more tolerant and understanding and it starts with all of us at home. Be careful what we say to our children they are listening, lets not run of at the mouth deriding minorities. Education in social and community sciences is a good start, get some yourself if you have not already. If only more of such education was included in the main steam twenty or thirty years ago, perhaps my generation (I'm 48) might have been more tolerant and all of our children would now be benefiting. however it is something to aspire to.

Permalink Reply by Carla Whibley on May 25, 2011 at 13:29

I agree... children are educated about allergies such as eating nuts etc and in some cases are banned from having these products at school. So from an early age they are made aware that some children "aren't the same" with what they are allowed to eat! It's still a difference!!

Permalink Reply by Edith Zimmermann on July 5, 2011 at 11:03

I taught in a country parish school during the 1990's where three children with disabilities "had to" be enrolled because it was the "right thing to do" parish wise.  There was a lot of negativity as there was a local "special school and it was the parents wish that their children go to the church school.Much unchristian whispering and nastiness went on for a while.  All children, one spina bifida, one Downs and the third - Williams Sydromme  enrolled the same year, after the summer had been spent upgrading the school with ramps, a higher floor in one room and so on.

Students embraced the new comers.  There were a few "lessons" or sessions about "special needs", Year 7's became monitors who made sure the little Downs boy did not go past a "yellow line" as the school was not enclosed by a fence but otherwise the children were "integrated"... There was an old wheel chair that able students could use to experience what being in a chair was like - but were not allowed to be pushed.

The children of this school grew up "with" children who were a little different, but embraced them and supported them and cared for them and put them first. The whole community changed for the better.

 

At my current school, one of the students has low muscle tone, cannot communicate as well as the others and has her own IEP, in a regular class.  She is now in secondary school.  I continue to marvel at the way her presence in the year level over 8 years has brought out the caring side or each of the students.  They are not only thoughtful and mindful of her needs - they look out for each other and have a special caring streak. Many people comment about "that class".  I guess that the teachers in their early years did some solid ground work about acceptance. (she is not disruptive or demanding - which helps of course) and the group never looked back.

I've taught now, for almost 35 years.  If someone could figure out a way of capitalising on the inate desire of children to befriend and care and put money otherwise spent on monuments to politicians or sports stadia towards extra teachers and helpers in the schools, our communities would repeat the benefits.  (thanks for reading "sermon" - if you got this far!!!!)

Permalink Reply by Karen Young on July 25, 2011 at 23:37

Edith that was one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard, my son goes to a mainstream school, with an autism class, they also have a deaf class, so the kids they're are fantastic, a bit of knowledge and understanding can go along way, thanx for sharing this with us :)

Permalink Reply by Farah Cherie Wicks on August 27, 2011 at 19:48

Our little boy (5yo autie) started prep on the Gold Coast this year and after the first week, our teacher approached us saying some of the kids (read 'their parents') were asking questions about Paul. She asked if we'd like to give a little talk about Paul to the kids and we said yes. There were several parents at the back of the class who also sat in on the talk and we explained to the kids that Paul didn't have a lot of words to use to express himself, that he made funny noises if anyone got too close or touched what he was playing with, that he didn't understand other people's personal space, that he didn't ask to go to the toilet (he just left the room at a trot), that he wouldn't be sitting with all the other kids at the tables all the time and that he couldn't sit on the carpet for a long time without leaning on something solid etc. 6 months later and everyone knows Paul, they call out to him as we leave the school yard, they come up and say hello at the shop and when the prep classes merge occasionally, his 'friends' move into a protective circle around him if the other kids stare or make comments. We've had to move house but we won't be changing schools, life is too good! He's enjoying himself enormously, the speech and motor skills have improved greatly and oh yeah and the teacher is brilliant, so is the special needs teacher and her aide too!

Permalink Reply by Edith Zimmermann on August 27, 2011 at 19:54

Hurrah for that teacher and that school!