Teaching Students with Special Needs Chapter 6

This chapter really touched me, because I have dealt with foster children that display behavioral problems.  As a teacher, one must realize that acting out is not always just a students behaving badly for attention.  There are times when deeper issues are what drives the student to seek attention.  Some may be physically or emotionally abused at home, or may carry an even darker issue that stems from sexual abuse.  Some of these students are from troubled homes, and there the only babysitter is a television full of violence that teaches them the rude and disruptive behavior. This is why it is important for teachers to be upfront with the students, and let them know that outbursts and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  Then if there seems to be additional issues that need to be addressed, then the teacher needs to seek the proper help for the child, and report abuse if it is evident.  A teacher can also teach a student compassion, and school may be the only place where they receive it.

Teaching Students with Special Needs Chapter 9

In this chapter, they talk about the advantages and disadvantages of technologies in the classroom.  I know that when I was a student, we were not allowed to use calculators, and we did not have assess to computers in the 80's.  What I have read has really made me better understand how far we have come with technology use in the classroom.  I believe that it is a wonderful thing to use technology to help students with disabilities and special needs.  This levels the playing field for them somewhat, and it also gives them the ability to go at a pace that is on their level.  I also agree with the book where it stated that the key thing in classroom technology use is the use of the appropriate programs.  There are so many programs available that are classified as educational, but it is very important to research them before implementing them into the classroom.  I never thought of that, but I see the importance of finding the appropriate technology to use.

Teaching Students with Disabilities Chapter 8

I had not really considered the arrangement of the classroom.  I can see how there is a need for additional desk space, and sometimes there are also other considerations that need to be considered when arranging a room environment.  Not only does it make it more efficient for the teacher, it can also create a more friendly environment for the students.  While I have been substituting at Oneida, I have noticed the arrangement of the desks in each class.  Now I understand better the importance of these arrangements.  There is also the concern of time management.  A clutter free room helps the teacher be more efficient, and need items need to be in an easily accessible area.