When I began teaching preschool and found out that I would be working with a co-teacher to teach sixteen children, I thought to myself, "Wow, this will be easy!" Oh, how I am eating my words. There is nothing "easy" about teaching preschool, and it becomes more difficult if you have a child who may have "special needs."
I always disliked that term; "special needs." All children have needs and all children are special, therefore, don't all children have "special needs?" The only difference between these needs, in my opinion, is that some children's needs are more demanding of your attention. I have a child in my class whose needs are very demanding, and I feel that the beginning of my year has revolved around this one student, and I am missing out on the time I should be with the others.
So, I am posting, asking my colleagues for advice. What are ways that make this balancing act easier and more effective for all of my students? I feel as though, the last two weeks, I have been trying to spread myself a little thinner, but it's exhausting. I appreciate your thoughts and ideas.
Miss Raina,
ReplyDeleteLast year I had a classroom on 25 kindergarten students in an open space classroom without an aid or co-teacher. I had no diagnosis for any of my students last year but it was difficult to find the time to meet with each of them weekly.
This year I have a much smaller with 17 students. Two of th 17 are diagnosed with ADHD. They demand much of my time and attention. I have found that both of them enjoy being my helper so I will assign them a special task such as sorting and putting away the blocks. While they are working on the task, it gives me time to work with my other students.
Is this child capable of doing anything on their own? Could you have the other children help you work with this child? It could benefit all of the children and you too.
What does your co-teacher do? Are they available to work with this child while you meet with the other children?