The written teacher evaluation and classroom observation information will help clarify the potential causes of a child’s difficulty in the classroom. In order to help a child, the teacher and the parents must consider many possible causes for the student’s difficulty. Without a careful evaluation, a child may be inappropriately labeled as a “behavior problem” or “special needs”.
Classroom Difficulties (Part 5: Teacher Not Allowed)
There are two reasons that the teacher must not be allowed to do the classroom observation for a troubled student. The first reason is because they have already made up their mind. They already have opinions and won’t be able to look at the situation with an open mind.
Tomorrow we will discuss a second reason that you should not allow the classroom teacher to do the observation of your child. You will not want to miss this one!
Classroom Difficulties (Part 4: Classroom Observation)
A teacher may notify a parent that there are issues a student needs to address in the classroom. This could include lack of focus, silliness or emotional distress. Sometimes the teacher may be right as there could be classroom bullies or the teacher themselves may be causing problems for your student. In order to find out the exact cause of your student’s problems, a classroom observation by someone other than the teacher is important. Students can benefit from being closely observed in the classroom due to the information collected that would otherwise remain unknown. One important thing to remember is that the teacher must never be allowed to do this observation.
Why can’t the teacher be allowed to conduct the observation? There are two reasons why. Can you guess? Check back tomorrow for the surprising answers!
Classroom Difficulties (Part 2: Written Teacher Evaluation)
Many parents are notified that there student has issues in the classroom that must be addressed. One major tool at your disposal is the written teacher evaluation. A written teacher evaluation describes specific behaviors and academic performance. The purpose of this evaluation is to pinpoint areas where a student is having problems and areas of strength.
Tomorrow we will look at what must be considered when evaluating.
New Hampshire Now A Dissection Alternative State
Last week the New Hampshire Board of Education approved a policy supporting the right of all K-12 students to choose alternatives to traditional animal dissection without being penalized. New Hampshire Board of Education determined that students deserve a right to a science education without compromising personal beliefs on hurting animals. They also decided that biology students learn as well or better with alternatives that do not involve once living animals.
The policy stresses that New Hampshire schools should make equal or better non-animal alternatives like computer simulations available to any student who does not want to dissect frogs, cats, or any other animal. New Hampshire’s Board of Education cannot mandate individual school policies by law, but can issue recommended sample policies like this for schools to adopt.
With New Hampshire creating this policy, there are now 17 states plus Washington, DC that protect a student’s right to choose a cruelty-free education.
ADHD, Behavior, Anxiety, Depression, & Autism Common?
Many more children have mental problems then you would think. According to a finding published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children or 20% between the ages of 3 and 17 have some form of mental disorder. Here are some interesting statistics showing just how common the top 5 mental disorders are:
ADHD: 6.8% or 1 in 14
Behavioral or Conduct Problems: 3.5% or 1 in 28
Anxiety: 3% or 1 in 33
Depression: 2.1% or 1 in 50
Autism Spectrum Disorders: 1.1% or 1 in 100
If your child suffers from any mental disorder, seek out help right away. Most childhood mental health problems can be improved by giving them the support they need and acting quickly if there is a sign of a problem. Without any treatment or help, most of these mental illnesses will worsen over time. It’s always better to try and seek support when the child, or adult for that matter, starts showing signs of mental illnesses. There are a number of different treatments, such as medicines and therapy options. A lot of adults seem to find that therapy is one of the best ways to get to the bottom of the illness. By talking about the problems, people often find that they can overcome these issues and manage them much more effectively. Perhaps some people should consider visiting a website like https://www.privatetherapy.com/ to see if their services would be useful. Of course, there will also be therapy options for children, so make sure to do some research into that if you think they could benefit from this.
Strategy To Stop Homework Meltdown #1
Help your child break down homework into sections so it is not so overwhelming.
Typing – Learning How to Type
QUESTION: Hi I just ran into your Y3K Tutor In Your Home page. I was looking for information on typing classes. By any chance could you help out? I would appreciate it.
Sarah G. – Wellesley, MA
ANSWER: Great ways to learn how to type are from the various educational typing software games on the market. These games teach typing to people of all ages while having fun at the same time.
Asperger’s & Autism Friendly Movie Theaters
Movie theaters around the country are now welcoming Asperger’s and autistic customers. Traditionally movie theaters can be over-stimulating and confining for people with Asperger’s and autism. These Asperger’s and autism inviting movie theaters schedule monthly sensory-friendly movie showings. During these showings the lights stay on and the sound stays low.
Asperger’s & Autism-Friendly Theater Productions (Part 2)
There are many ways certain theater productions are becoming Asperger’s and autism – friendly. They welcome these patrons and address the sensory overload that usually would deter people with sensory problems from attending. Theaters keep the house lights on but just dimmed. The play’s noise is reduced. Actors are introduced to the audience out-of-character before the show begins. Audience members have stress balls to squeeze during the performance. People with Asperger’s or autism are free to get up and move around during the show. If the music feels too overwhelming, they can escape to a designated quiet room. Some shows offer a downloadable book telling them about the show before the day of the performance so they will know what to expect ahead of time.