Does anybody here work at a special school ...?

Question

Hi

I'm in 6th form, and for my enrichment I've decided to go to a special school and help out with the infant children. Some of them have physical disabilities, and others mental disabilities. Do you work with handicapped children? Do you have any tips for if they throw a tantrum? (I've been warned about this :P)

Most importantly, do you enjoy it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have worked in special schools as a Teaching Assistant and it is both challenging and rewarding. Children with Downs syndrome in particular can be extremely stubborn and you will rarely win in a battle of wills. Should a child throw a tantrum it is best dealt with by an experienced member of staff, you cannot touch or restrain a child even if they are in danger of injuring themselves. Personally I would try distracting the child as soon as a tantrum looms, failing that you should try to ignore negative behaviour and reward positive wherever possible. It is admirable you are willing to go help out, I hope you enjoy as much as the children will.

Answer 2

I worked in a special needs school with the younger years. I really enjoyed it-it was fun and rewarding.

Hints for tantrums:

1) Find out where their breaqking point is and avoid it-eg one child hated teletubbies so I made sure to never let him see the books or mention names etc.

2) If they start to tantrum stay out of the way! If you are not trained its best not to for you and the childs safety.

3) If you need to intervene then i usually rewstrain freom behind the child-holding arms crossed in front and legs hooked in mine.

4) Be aware of teeth! They often bite!

5) If they lay on floor for tantrum then move anything dangerous out the way.

6) Call for help!

Good luck and have fun (PS: Where long sleeves!)

Answer 3

you will find that most if not all of the children have a more loving and caring nature than children in mainstream schools. the thing about these kids is that most of them have probably been wrapped up in cotton wool all of there lives and have no mean streak in them whatsoever! as far as throwing a tantrum is concerned,you will not be the one who has to deal with it as most classes will probably have 3 teachers or assistants per class. my advice is go in to it open minded and enjoy your time with the children, they have so much love to give. i just hope you have too!

Answer 4

I worked with TMH in florida.  It's called MOD in Georgia.  I would begin with prevention means first.  This means removing your adult ways of communicating and using much more delicate methods of using your body language, voice, tone, inflection, voice stress, etc.  You need to leave the high stress and high pace outside the room and use a much more relaxed and supportive, body and communicative language.   Make "lots" of humor and ease and support the name of the game.   Behaviors that may come up often have been in place for some time and may require more time to help solve. You will not solve them overnight so don't try.  The best solutions are done slowly and thoughtfully over time.  I would use the preventive approach and atterwards a supportive approach, never use any negative or rushed body language.  Continue to model ease and goodness of support.  I think for the younger ones it is insecurity that is drving those tantrums.  your ease and support before may help to head this off.

Answer 5

I have nursed children with severe brain damaged, can truly say that was the happiest time of my life ,they have so much to give and ask so little ,they do throw tantrums, they are trapped in there little bodys , i remember each of them with true love in my heart ,and my problems in life have been nothing to what they had ,

Answer 6

i work in a special school  and love every minute of it . some people can cope and some cant,it doesn't suit every body . i cant say about the tantrum bit because they are all different in their ways but you do get training  about positive handling which does help. Its hard work but very rewarding.

Answer 7

Umm, well first it's no longer a special school, but a school for children with learning disabilities, also handicapped is not a good word to use, and if you are talking about children with learning difficulties the child comes first, then their difficulties.  Just technical stuff, but it will help you make a good impression if you remember it if you are going to work experience etc in such a school.  

If you are in America it may be more acceptable to use these words, I know it was when I worked at a camp for children and adults with learning difficulties a few years back.

I wouldn't worry about dealing with their tantrums just yet, you will (should) be given plenty of help with those situations.  But some key points, viable for all children are;

Be consistent- if they have to e.g. sit down during a meal, this should be enforced every single time

Don't make promises you can't keep- the good ones e.g. we will do painting later, or the bad ones e.g. if you continue to do this you will not sit with your friends at lunch.

Be absolutely clear as to what behaviour you expect e.g be good at lunch time, is not very clear to any young child. stay sitting on your chair until everyone has finished gives them a clear action and a clear time frame.

these points are absolutely super important as children will see you as reliable, honest and trustworthy if you are able to do this.

Learning difficulties are varied and have many different ways of showing in any child/ adult and as such any behavioural problems you may come accross may be dealt with in different ways according to their level of ability and understanding, and what exactly the problem is for them, as well as the individual child's personality, but some strategies for dealing with tantrums include;

Distraction; finding something kids really like to talk about/ play with

Avioding- some situations just need to be avoided e'g' crowds if you are working with a child with autism

If you are really interested I suggest you look up some common disorders/ disabilities and do some research into the basics, maybe start with finding out a little about ADHD, autism, down's syndrome, those are 3 quite common ones in my experience and also find yourself some work experience in a school, and even a job in a holiday club/ volunteer position with weekend care to gain experience.

Good luck

Answer 8

I work with people of all ages who have some degree of learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities. Its a very rewarding job and i love it.

As for tantrums. Take each day as it comes. Get to know the person. From my experience they happen mostly out of the person being frustrated at not being able to make themselves understood.( or not getting their own way - I've had a few of these myself in my lifetime and i'm sure you have too.) Take time to listen, learn any signs they might use, use whatever communication methods they use, be calm, and consistent.

Most importantly - don't label them. If one throws a tantrum one day - don't go expecting them to have one every day.

.

Answer 9

I am a Mom whose child goes to a special school.  The biggest tip I can give you is treat them as you would any child and treat them as the individuals that they are.

As for the tantrums, the teacher will already have plans in place, because different techniques work for different children.  She will let you know.

Oh and enjoy it.