Special Ed. Helper Question?

Question

Tomorrow my friend and I are going to help the multi needs class during our lunch hour. The Head MN teacher says we should make sure that we don't ever talk for the students. How should I talk to the students so that its lets them know that I'm their friend and I think of them as a normal individual. How should I talk to them? In what tone? How can i help them answre things for themselves?

P.S. I really would like your help. I just went it today but I didn't get to talk to the students much and it just made me smile how kind and comidical they are. I want them to know that I'm just as friendly and caring as they are and will try to make them feel good.

Answer 1

Well I have a learning disability,and I'm glad you asked this question because I would hate for you to go in there and not "talk to them right", there is no really way to talk to them but as if there where like any one else!, if you talk to them in any other way they will feel really stupid, talk to them like they are like you, they are normal!, don't ask them every 3 minutes if they need help, or look over there shoulder, have patients  with them.

do no treat them like they are SLOW! they are not

Answer 2

Don't talk to them like they are babies - use regular conversational tone.

If they do something that is funny but very wrong - try to redirect them to what they should do.

Don't encourage behavior that is not sociall acceptable just cause it's funny.

Model how you want them to talk but allow some wait time to get them to respond.  Don't try to fill in the silence - wait for their answer.

A good tip is to start with what we call yes/no questions.  As something that they can answer with yes or now - once the bond is established you can certainly get a little more complex.

Don't shout (unless of course they are uncorrected HOH) louder does not provide clairty.

Think Low and SLOW - lower the volume and tone of your voice, speak slower. especially when there is some turmoil or a behavior issue.

Answer 3

Treat them as you would want to be treated.  Respect them as individuals.  Be genuine about your interest in being there and they will feel it.

Relax and be yourself.