Subject:  TALK to the child first |
Author:
MA
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 07:14:42 02/16/12 Thu
Invariably, every dyslexsic child who has come to me, have a need to talk - they certainly want a listener. This could be the result of being ignored by other children, sometimes teachers in school and sometimnes even parents who don't have the time to listen.
Eventhough I start a class with warm-up exercises or even games their need to talk overrides their interest in these things. Often, I find they have a lot of complaints about their own bossy siblings, over-powering classmates, unkind teachers etc. They are under great emotional stress. I find that whenever these laments or grievances are not addressed the child does not focus on her/his work.
Whether or not, we can help them find a solution to their problems, it helps them heal, having let out their anger, frustrations and pain. On days when I have listened them out, they take to the lessons much faster. The satisfaction shows on their face! Chidren who have misbehaved or cried for no apparent reason earlier, have stopped these impulses. This showed that giving them space to vent their feelings have pacified them.
Listening also builds a strong relationship between the teacher/therapist and the child. Every child with a disorder is looking out for emotional support, as the world out there is viscious. They may even be exaggerating or seeing things from an entirely different perpective (according to their parents), nevertheless, they want someone to believe them. By tact, you can eventually make them see what they may be doing is not altogether acceptable but it takes time - a lot of time - till you win them over!
To be a wholesome effective teacher/therapist you need to know the whole of the child. Listening to them gives an insight into their enironment at home , at school and therabouts which may be affecting their learning. So, to understand a child, listening to them talk is of extremely important.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 
