Podcast: LDAO - LDs in your classroom
Note three key challenges students with LD may encounter.
1. "Once you're labeled as the stupid kid you're always the stupid kid." Always feeling "less than."
2. Struggling to fit in with peers rather than feel excluded (e.g., behaviours like class clown, resistance, sports teams).
3. Anything that brings attention to a kid (tech, an accommodation) can make them feel centered out/different.
Within a classroom, what might be two strategies you would use to overcome these challenges?
1. Behaviour is a symptom of an LD (coping mechanism). To get past the behaviours, have discussions about how there are different types of learners. Let the class, and the LD student, know that you celebrate the difference. Find common ground.
2. Focus on the strengths to give them opportunities to win. Sports is often the answer. For academic wins, aim for interests, provide choice. Access curriculum at grade level.
Focus on universal design -- everyone gets what they need.
Self-advocacy cards to help with getting needs met.
Find opportunities for students with LDs to observe/learn from other people with LDs.
What is one key idea/nugget that you learned?
Aboriginal cultures see disabilities as gifts and parents might reject the calls from school staff to have a child assessed because they don't like to label the child. This is so important to remember as I imagine it would be this way for many cultures. Being mindful of this is crucial.
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