Hi there! How are you? Happy Monday! I know I should
have posted this on Friday but I couldn't make time. Better late than never!
Here it is.
Last Friday, my partners and I had the opportunity to
listen to an English teacher, Susana, who works in a school for students with
special needs. It was great to know the dynamics of those schools. She explained
to us how the different levels are reached and the varied strategies they have
to use. This teacher put emphasis on how hard it is to find material to be used
in those cases. It is difficult but not impossible. Susana showed us some
authentic and home-made videos in order to get us closer to their reality. It was very clear that working for those
students means hard work. Nonetheless, with a huge smile in her face, she made
us feel how gratifying her job is. Everything was new to me. I knew these
people (I don’t say children because there are many adults as well) were
educated in a different establishment. But I didn’t know how they did it.
It was Friday afternoon and it was almost the end of a
long long week and I just wanted to get home. However, I learnt a lot and I
enjoyed this talk pretty much.
But it was the way in which Susana gave a closure to
the talk what I liked the most: she showed us a video which told a story about Cuadradito
y Redonditos. I really want you to see it.
My reflection: Again, I have mixed feelings towards this topic.
On the one hand, I think it is ok they have a specific
school where trained people take care of their individual needs and use the
means these students really need in order to educate them. On the other hand,
it is a way of differentiating them and excluding them and that's not the idea. In addition to this, in these schools,
teachers have few students and it is possible, though hard, to pay attention to
each of them. In ordinary schools, there are 30 students in a classroom and it’s
really difficult to pay attention to and take control of all of them, even when
these children don’t have special needs.
The story of Cuadradito and Redonditos is really
touching. It got me thinking all the weekend long. And, once again, I don’t
know what to think.
Este comentario ha sido eliminado por un administrador del blog.
ResponderEliminarI had written a long, long comentary but it vanished!
ResponderEliminarWell, I try again:
My opinion consists on the following ideas: The Government should provide for the needs of those people who require special education, so as they are inserted into a regular school (on one hand) and at the same time, they can attend special classes for their special needs. That is the only way these people and their families receive the education and humanitarian treatment they deserve. The two different kind of classes are required, in my opinion.
Agus, what a interesting post!!
ResponderEliminarAt first, I didn't understand why Cuadraditos wants to join the group of Redonditos, but then I understand. For me, It is like people with special needs want to join this society! So, we ask them to fulfill certain requirements which are difficult for them. If we open our door for them to enter, everything will be solved.
I think the teacher aimed to make you think the topic from a different perspective. However, we can only achieve that throughout our experiences that shape our way of thinking. That's why, in my opinion, you are lost in thoughts about Little square and Little Rounds. What about Little triangles and rectangles?
ResponderEliminar