Professional Thank you!

I would like to say thank you to all my colleagues who helped shape my learning world this term. The doors that have been opened to me because of the sharing of information and professionalism has been amazing and enriching. Walden students foster learning and the professional community has enriched my life. Thanks to all of you and Merry Christmas. I sincerely look forward to seeing all of you in 2012~~!!!!!

Learning from the Children

This is my favorite quote about children......

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

We can learn about life if we watch life through the eyes of a child. They are so non-judgmental and loving. They are open to new ideas and open to change. They love to learn and have a zest for life that is amazing. Let us all remember and honor childhood.


I also remember something a wonderful presentor, Dr. Jean Feldman, said in a workshop I recently attended. She said, "Let us not be so busy trying to give children what we didn't have that we forget to give them what we did." It is not the material things in life that matter. It is the love, guidance, experiences, and memories that make people happy and self-sufficient.

Merry Christmas!

Special Education in the United Kingdom

The following is an excerpt from the Department of Education in the United Kingdom
retrieved from
http://www.european-agency.org/country-information/united-kingdom-england/national-overview/identification-of-special-educational-needs

English as an additional language, giftedness and high ability are not included within the definition of special educational needs.

The Equality Act 2010, defines a disabled person as 'someone who has a physical or mental The Education Act 1996, states that a child has special educational needs ‘if he has a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for him’. Such provision is required when a child:

• has significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of his/her age; or
• has a disability which either prevents or hinders him or her from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided in schools, within the area of the local authority concerned, for children of his/her age; or
• is under the age of five years and is, or would be likely to fall within either of the above paragraphs when over that age, if special educational provision were not made for him/her.

impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'.

I was very surprised by the recentness of the Equality Act. That was last year! Seems like they were a little late in passing this reform. The Special Education Act was in 1996. That was only 15 years ago! The guidelines also seem very broad. Interesting!

Every Child Can Learn

My feelings about labels and Special Education are very strong. I believe that although I understand why labels are necessary in today's world, I am not sure that they are always best for children. Sometimes adults focus on the label and not on the child. We tend to focus on what we think we know about the child's disability instead of really getting to know the child for who they are. About three years ago, I had two 4 year old boys in my classroom who had been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. I recieved the "paperwork" before ever meeting either one of the boys. I read the evaluations and researched the PDD on the internet. I thought I was prepared and informed. I am educated, right? I know what is going in here! WRONG! I learned so much from those two precious boys that school year. I learned that there is alot going on in those sweet little minds and those two boys are two of the smartest little boys to ever grace my classroom doors. I learned patience and it is ok if things don't always go as planned. I learned that it is ok to let a child self soothe...we can't always fix everything immediately. I learned that a smile and eye contact are sometimes all the hugs you need. I learned that love comes in a lot of ways, shapes, and forms. I learned mutual respect goes a long way. I will never forget that year. I thought the label told the story. The label lied. Every child can learn. They may not learn at the pace that society thinks they should. They may lay down, stand up, flap their hands, and seem not to be listening. Take the time to observe and watch. They are listening the only way that they can. Be patient and be loving. Teach to the whole child. The social/emotional, the cognitive, the physical, the WHOLE child. Each part. Each piece. Be patient. Results will come. Nurture each facet of each child. I truly believe that when a relationship of trust is built in the classroom between teacher and child, great accomplishments will take place.