As a Special Education Facilitator, I spend my day working with children who face personal struggles on a daily basis. I see how hard they work to make individual progress within our diverse classrooms of today. In addition, I see how hard teachers work to support them and still...I find myself constantly reflecting and questioning..."What else can I do to help our students on their educational journey?" "How can I support teachers and support staff to help support our students?"
I will be honest when I say that they are days I feel defeated....defeated due to the lack of financial aid and resources that I have readily available...but then I stumble upon an article like this and I am uplifted.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/how-kids-outsmart-learning-disabilities/article4567663/
What an amazing, positive outlook Anthony Vo; a 22 year old second year medical student who has learning disabilities has on life and his educational journey he is embarking upon! He says, “It doesn’t come down to how gifted you are or how smart you are,” ... “but how much you want to get to where you want to go.”
WOW! It reminds me of the Dr. Seuss book titled "Oh the Places You will go!" Positive and inspirational! Just what I needed after a challenging day!
...and although I have always believed that early intervention is important and crucial to all students who may be struggling by giving them the tools necessary to reach their maximum potential....it was definitely reinforced after reading this article and seeing my students who I work with on a daily basis. I see their determination, perseverance, motivation and willingness to always try their best, despite their personal struggles.
For me, if technology can assist students...then I will continue to spread the word to colleagues to ensure that all students have equal access to the curriculum in our classrooms today...even if my personal opinions are not exactly seen the same way.
Thanks everyone!
Hi Angela! What a great article you shared. That quote stuck out for me too. Another quote that stuck out was "People with learning disabilities are more likely to thrive if they have ongoing support." Try not to feel defeated...I am sure that you are doing an amazing job supporting the kids in your school!!
ReplyDeleteI like that quote Angela because I have never considered myself gifted or smart with technology but for the sake of myself and my students I REALLY want to learn about the apps I can use to to help my students get to places they wouldn't normally be able to with just books.
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