Final Reflection

This semester, I began hoping that I could easily breeze through the class and finally graduate with my associates. When the assignments started getting more in depth, I was learning things I had thought I knew, but didn't. I work at a daycare in town and we actually have quiet a few special needs children. Although we are not in a technical school setting, I was able to understand more not only why these children were different but how to help them better enjoy life. I found myself often times leaving class and researching some disabilities even further and finding even more information. Alisha and I did our presentation over gifted students. I was a gifted student myself and learned more information about giftedness than I had known before. This class was really an eye-opener. I would like to think I am better prepared, but in all reality, each child is different, and not a perfect case of each disability. I'm not ready. I will have to learn all over again and get to know the student not just for his or her disability or exceptionality but for themselves first. Which is the most encouraging thing, getting to know and be a part of such a special student's life and really helping them live to the fullest. Collaboration really helped me understand more confusing aspects and terms, and I enjoyed getting to know more people. This class has been enjoyable, and has taught me so much in the course of just a few months.

Family Collaboration

As an aspiring teacher, I have to think about ALL of my future students when imagining my classroom. This includes my exceptional learners. Family collaboration is very important in getting each child their full potential in education, but even more important in exceptional learning settings. Without family collaboration, I may never learn some very important facts that I need to know about my student. As a teacher, I need to remember I am not superior to the parents. Nor do I know more about their own child. I am a mutual partner invested in their child and helping the student get the most out of their education. I also need to be in contact with the learner's parents as much as needed. Parent-Teacher Conferences every quarter aren't enough to make sure the student is getting what is needed at home and at school. Family collaboration is extremely important in an exceptional learner's educational journey.

Exceptional Learners Blog 1

I have had only a little experience with exceptional learners. I work at a small daycare, where we have two autistic children that attend each day. I don't work with them every day, however, I have worked with them in the past. These children are not slow or "stupid". They are both very smart. They are just a little different. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to make sure that these learners are treated with the same respect and attitude that all other learners are treated with. That they are given the same opportunities, even if they have to be presented differently.