It took some convincing to let her know she wasn’t a client, but a regular child helping me develop my skills for teaching. However, how could I blame her? With an intellectual disability, I’m sure my child I am shadowing is analyzed and assessed by many adult professionals. So, in her opinion, I was another adult trying to figure her out. Thankfully, my effort to engage Brittany in an arts & crafts activity eased her perspective of who I am and how I “found” her.
Brittany answered all of my questions to learn about her and even asked me pertinent questions to learn who I am. Amidst of conversation, I was impressed with her meticulous efforts to use the stencils to create an “I Am” board and decorate the letters with glitter glue. That is an initiative I completed with my children and want to expose other children to, including a student I am shadowing for my other graduate course.
Why …show more content…
From my perspective, brilliant is a proper word to describe Brittany, as I’m able to judge a child’s character quickly. So, what leads to that finding? Is it an IQ test? These are questions I plan to discuss with Ms. Jackson in my next fellowship. Nevertheless, I know at this point that Brittany does have an IEP; and as I asked, art therapy is not in her plan. That is an excellent criterion to incorporate.
Sensibly, I selected art without knowing about her passion. In her words, “I study my art teacher and watch everything she does closely. I like to take my time.” Those words reflect interest and passion, two elements that children with disabilities are sometimes stripped of to conform to the regulations of their schools. With gratitude, by the conclusion of our meeting, Brittany was content with her board and excited to know she can stare at it every day. I truly hope that gives her esteem a tremendous boost and reminds her that there are adults who see the light that lies within
Brittany answered all of my questions to learn about her and even asked me pertinent questions to learn who I am. Amidst of conversation, I was impressed with her meticulous efforts to use the stencils to create an “I Am” board and decorate the letters with glitter glue. That is an initiative I completed with my children and want to expose other children to, including a student I am shadowing for my other graduate course.
Why …show more content…
From my perspective, brilliant is a proper word to describe Brittany, as I’m able to judge a child’s character quickly. So, what leads to that finding? Is it an IQ test? These are questions I plan to discuss with Ms. Jackson in my next fellowship. Nevertheless, I know at this point that Brittany does have an IEP; and as I asked, art therapy is not in her plan. That is an excellent criterion to incorporate.
Sensibly, I selected art without knowing about her passion. In her words, “I study my art teacher and watch everything she does closely. I like to take my time.” Those words reflect interest and passion, two elements that children with disabilities are sometimes stripped of to conform to the regulations of their schools. With gratitude, by the conclusion of our meeting, Brittany was content with her board and excited to know she can stare at it every day. I truly hope that gives her esteem a tremendous boost and reminds her that there are adults who see the light that lies within