Maybe it's just that I'm frustrated at the redundancy of some of my classes, or that I feel like I'm doing a lot of busy work, but I'm finding myself in a place I was in during school. Boredom. Without sounding pretentious, I am an Honors student, and I have been since middle school. There were definitely days when my mind was wondering millions of light years away, not because the subject matter was "boring" per se, but that the pace was too slow.
As teachers, we write lesson plans, and on these lesson plans, we include accommodations for students with special needs. How about the students whose special need is an acceleration in the class? Often times the kids who are ahead of the game get tethered back with the rest of the class. Why should they have to be stifled? Shouldn't there be accommodations for them as well?
With this thought in mind, I will try to really create a solution for my students who have already surpassed their peers within the class, and want something more. Even if they don't want something more, they certainly don't want to be bored. It can be a hard thing to balance, trying to plan to the majority, but I know it's something I'll have to consider in the classroom.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.JPG)
3 comments:
I was just talking about this in my other education class. Everyone looks at the accomadations for the special needs students, but you have to also look at the gifted students as well. You can not go to fast in a subject, but you also can not go to slow. As teachers, we have to accomadate for everyone, from special needs students, average students and the brighter students.
Being a former gifted and talented teacher (and student), I completely agree with this post.
We often focus on the struggling child while the higher level learner is held back. What can we do to help this child? How can we modify the lessons we teach?
Believe it or not, in my day, I was that annoying kid in the class who screamed (yes, screamed), "I'm done! What do I do now????" All day...everyday... so I feel your pain.
As a teacher, I try to be aware of this issue. However, just as it is not always possible to meet the needs of the lower level learner, reaching the gifted child is just as tough.
It is remarkable to be aware of this situation and have a plan for higher and lower levels students.
Great post, Deirdre.
Deirdre, you can have a student with high abilities as a student with special needs. p.s. Thanks for a great lesson today! Dr. O'Brien
Post a Comment