Bill and I were introduced to Richard Lavoie's trainings quite a few years ago and often include clips in our trainings. He is great at helping people understand what it is like to have learning challenges. In this clip he presents an excellent explanation of fairness. It can be applied in the educational classroom, the Sunday school classroom, and in everyday experiences as well. It has changed my perspective on numerous situations. I would love your feedback!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G9--hUQDwY&feature=related
Deana
Showing posts with label learning disabilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning disabilities. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ask and You Shall Receive
Every March I teach a month long unit on "How to Be a Friend to Someone With a Disability" to my 5 year-old "Bridge" class. I base the unit on Joni Eareckson Tada's curriculum. It is always the climax of the year and such a blessing to watch. The purpose of the unit is to dispel children's fears, answer their questions and help them realize that we all have abilities and disabilities and God can use them in powerful ways.
For 5 years I borrowed a wheelchair for a month so that the "line leader" in my class could ride in it. Inevitably the first one or two line leaders choose not to take a ride. They didn't feel comfortable and to some degree, were afraid of it. Usually by the third or fourth child I have a willing participant and before long they are all anxious to ride and "pop wheelies" down the hallway to lunch.
As the years went by It was getting harder to borrow a wheelchair so last summer I secretly started praying that God would provide me with a child's wheelchair. It would be more comfortable for my friends and I would be able to use it whenever I needed to. I knew I had a lot of contacts and would probably be able to get a wheelchair, however, I knew I would worry I was using a wheelchair that a child might need. I told God that if He brought me one I would know it was His gift to me and was free to use.
I prayed all summer long that God would bring me one if I should have it. Then early in the year I was sitting at "Circle Time" reading to my students and I heard a knock at the door. I looked up and it was the gentleman that repairs the copier for our school. I motioned for him to come in. He smiled at me and said, "I have a child's wheelchair and I heard you might want one." My jaw dropped and I said, "Are you kidding me? Yes, yes I would love to have one!"
It was a great start to the year and exciting to tell the children about God's provision. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile because I remember how God provided.
For 5 years I borrowed a wheelchair for a month so that the "line leader" in my class could ride in it. Inevitably the first one or two line leaders choose not to take a ride. They didn't feel comfortable and to some degree, were afraid of it. Usually by the third or fourth child I have a willing participant and before long they are all anxious to ride and "pop wheelies" down the hallway to lunch.
As the years went by It was getting harder to borrow a wheelchair so last summer I secretly started praying that God would provide me with a child's wheelchair. It would be more comfortable for my friends and I would be able to use it whenever I needed to. I knew I had a lot of contacts and would probably be able to get a wheelchair, however, I knew I would worry I was using a wheelchair that a child might need. I told God that if He brought me one I would know it was His gift to me and was free to use.
I prayed all summer long that God would bring me one if I should have it. Then early in the year I was sitting at "Circle Time" reading to my students and I heard a knock at the door. I looked up and it was the gentleman that repairs the copier for our school. I motioned for him to come in. He smiled at me and said, "I have a child's wheelchair and I heard you might want one." My jaw dropped and I said, "Are you kidding me? Yes, yes I would love to have one!"
It was a great start to the year and exciting to tell the children about God's provision. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile because I remember how God provided.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Great Reads and Views!
I just posted some great books that Bill and I have read and used under the "Resource" section of my blog. Exceptional Teaching by Jim Pierson has been a regular resource in our special needs library. It is full of helpful information regarding a variety of disabilities.
I also highly recommend the DVD, "How Difficult Can This Be?" In it, Richard Lavoie simulates a variety of learning disabilities and it truly helps you be more understanding and empathetic towards children with learning challenges. He shares one of the best explanations of "fairness" I have ever heard. It has impacted me as a teacher, as a mom and as a friend.
I also highly recommend the DVD, "How Difficult Can This Be?" In it, Richard Lavoie simulates a variety of learning disabilities and it truly helps you be more understanding and empathetic towards children with learning challenges. He shares one of the best explanations of "fairness" I have ever heard. It has impacted me as a teacher, as a mom and as a friend.
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