Being a teacher, you should know the power of words. Words like "special needs" and "learning disabilities" can cause a rise of emotions as well as a lifetime of habits. Don't let this happen to your students.
Parents are commonly protective of their children. Some are more protective than others and some just don't care. Recognize that you cannot change a person, but you can "raise the bar" in your classroom. Children with special needs or learning disabilities have enough hurdles to overcome without someone telling them they can't in one way or another. Below are some tips for dealing with parents that may make educating their child more of a challenge than the disability itself!
- The number one rule is to lead by example. Remember this as you use the rest of these tips. Those that lead by example and have positive results are more believable and respected.
- Be courteous, even if the parent isn't. You have a role to fill, no matter what anyone else behaves like.
- Learn about the disability. You cannot possibly help this child if you don't know anything about the disability.
- Stick by a schedule. Set measurable and reachable goals with your students. Often, the parents may expect less of the student than you or the student do. They are not trying to be cruel, they are just being protective.
- Keep notes on progress. Yes, the students get report cards, but you can make the parents and the students feel as if the student is getting some personal attention if you can keep notes about the student's progress other than their grades. For instance, if a child with dyslexia finished a book a week earlier than expected, let them and the parent know you noticed!
Consider doing the following exercise to limit the amount of negativity in the classroom:
Write a compassionate letter to all parents explaining that the following words are banned from the classroom; "can't, special needs and learning disorder." Why? Because when a student hears how they "can't" do something because they are "special needs" or have a "learning disorder," it only reinforces any low expectations they have of themselves. Why would you or anyone else want to set them up for failure like that? You would be amazed at the results you can get by simply disallowing these words!
