Full Marks for Fabulous Teachers
Today I experienced something at a client’s preschool which certainly added an extra spring to my step for the rest of the day…
It gives me such a buzz when I attend goal setting meetings at preschools and schools and the teachers truly celebrate the positive contribution that the child, diagnosed with autism, makes to the classroom.
This got me thinking…
‘Why are particular schools and preschools SO much better than others, for kids with ASD?’
Here are some of my initial thoughts that became very evident from my meeting today.
I highly value…
- Teachers that are open, full of energy and excited to trial new suggestions.
- Teachers that are creative and think of ways to incorporate the ideas with the rest of the class… because there are always other kids that can also benefit from the suggestions!
- Teachers that are naturally inclined to find the positive in what the child has done and can readily see the good as well as the improvements (no matter how big or small)
- Teachers that are open to trying something new and are happy to get in there and give it a go!
- When parents, teachers and therapists can all agree on the type of intervention approach that is best for the child. Eg: today we were all celebrating Tom’s great social skills with his ‘typical’ peers which have come about because the whole team has worked so hard on building the fundamental sensory, social and communication skills that are necessary before peer relationships can successfully develop. Now Tom is reaping the benefits of this hard work!
It really makes such a difference when there is an open and respectful relationship between the parents, teachers and therapists, so that everyone is working positively together to make a REAL difference for the child!
Needless to say, I had a great day today 
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Best wishes
Monique
Other articles by Monique:
I think that sometimes teachers, parents and therapist can get caught up in a competition rather than really looking out for the best of the child. We all like to have our opinions heard and implemented. Sometimes our opinions differ one from another. We can waste a lot of valuable teaching time smoothing out all the wrinkles between ourselves.
When teachers, parents, and therapist put aside the drive to be heard and to be right spending more time LISTENING to each other and aiming toward the real goal of seeing improvement in the child at hand; only then can real progress and success be made. Disagreement within a family unit alone can also create a stumbling block to a child with ASD. It’s important for both mom and dad as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles to LISTEN to each other and move in one direction as a unified support “machine”.
When teachers, parents and therapist approach a child in one voice there is less confusion all around and much more progress is made. As we gather together to discuss intervention may we all be of one mind striving toward the same goal! There are SO MANY voices out there telling us parents how to treat our children with ASD. There are SO MANY voices telling us what’s best for them. There may be more than one method that works but what’s important is that the immediate support network dealing with a specific child should be in agreement as to what method they will use and to go at it full force (together as one).
It is true. It is always no matter the child is normal or not normal, they always follow their teachers say compare to parents. I try to get my austistic kid to write but he decline, but at school he can do that!
It is so true.I live In Adelaide.Adams Kindy has been there for us from day one. There is communication between our therapists and kindy staff.
We all have the same goal .For Adam to have guide lines rules and live outside the square he prefers to live in.We have seen so such progress.
His social skills every day are worked on with the kindy staff.
Last week Adam got his first b’day invite from another student.
It was very much celebrated in our house.
So hopefully one day all teachers can follow in the footsteps of these amazing people.
Local kids Burnside always thanking you.(had to mention them)
Hi
Thanks for sending me the tips for autism. Thank You
hi
thanks for sending me many usefull informations to handle my child,
thanks
meena
I have to agree completely, the key is thing is harmony, working together rather than trying to push one’s own idea, be because of ego or whatever. I can understand what a positive day you had. Thank you.
Hi
Those are great ideals – my son is 8 and had a super teacher for 2 years. He is now in a special unit attached to a mainstream school in England and this year has been the worst for both of us in every way. If I can say I am really disappointed with the system and don’t know how to improve the situation as school are not interested at all in listening to me.
I wish I could move him somewhere they are positive and pro-active it would make such a difference to us
Hi my child is now almost 12 years old and he has had some great teachers and some who refused to listen to anyone and thought that they knew it all. The ones he worked best for were those who were flexible and open to try things that worked for him rather than what was supposed to work for that general age. Mrs Carmel Day and Mrs Anderson who were transferred to another school were the best teachers my son had – my shy son was volunteering to sing in front of the class for them – they had built up his self esteem and confidence and they even introduced proper manners and etiquette to the class that were the best, as my son already had good manners so he was good at showing the others how you were supposed to pull out the chair for others and use your please and thank you’s. My son even said to a visiting teacher that she forgot to say please when asking them to do something. My son has problems with bullies frequently if any one has any suggestions I would love to hear it.
Can I just say that INABURRA preschool at BANGOR is the best mainstream / special needs preschool in NSW the teachers and aides there worked on your child the whole 6 hours of the day, absolutley FANTASTIC!! a special mention to Mr P and Browyn.
Can anyone help me with recommendations for a preschool with a teachers aid at least in the inner west area, preferably around Newtown, annandale or area?