Exceptional Learners
While in my Exceptional Learners class, I had the opportunity this semester to work in a resource classroom with some students that have many different levels of learning abilities. It can be very challenging and frustrating teaching students who are learning disabled, but at the same time it is extremely fulfilling and rewarding. I also learned that labels belong on jars, and not people. This simply put, yet powerful saying made a huge impression on me. People can be cruel and harsh at times, but that is more than likely due to ignorance. There are many acronyms and terms that a special education teacher must be familiar with. In the beginning of the semester it was really helpful for me to complete the study guides for the first few chapters of the textbook, because that just reinforced all the terms and definitions that were necessary to know. Through the many videos and clips we watched throughout the semester, I got a good grasp of what a day in the life is like for students who are autistic, mentally retarded, or who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It was interesting to see how differently the families handled these situations. Some of the families were very supportive, and others didn’t really know how to deal with the problems that go along with having a child with a disability. The information I learned this semester has been invaluable. In the not too distant future, I hope to be able to apply this information to my own special education/resource classroom. There is such a huge demand these days for quality teachers, but I think that in the special education field the need is even greater. I want to make a difference and inspire my students, because I know they will be an inspiration to me.
| philosophy.pdf |
Inspire: My Exceptional Learning Philosophy, has shown me that every student has a special talent. As a future teacher, it is up to me to work with each student individually to help them develop this talent. I want to inspire my students to strive towards their highest potential.
| learning_disabilities.pdf |
My file cabinets are growing leaps and bounds with all of the information I am gathering, and collecting on the different types of disabilities that I will encounter in my classroom when I become a teacher. My Learning Disabilities Resource File that I’ve compiled in my Exceptional Learners class will be extremely helpful when teaching students who have a learning disability. I plan on referring to this resource file often for tips on how to help my students learn better.
| attentiondeficit.pdf |
As a future teacher, it is important for me to have information at my finger tips so I can refer to it as needed. I put together a Resource File on Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders so when the time comes, and I have a student in my class who has ADHD, I will be able to recognize the signs.
