Speaking to the class?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Speaking to the class?
6
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 9:00am

I have been talking to Haley's teacher (5th grade). She asked me if I thought it would be a good idea for her to speak to the class while Haley is out of the room... to talk to them about what makes Haley behave the way she does and to explain that they need to have a little understand for her because she can't help it.

I told her that I thought it would be a great idea and that I would help in any way I could. I have a couple of books about Aspergers that are geared more for kids and I have one of the Coulter DVDs as well. She liked the idea of using those.

For those of you who have spoken to a class before, how did you go about it? What exactly did you talk about? Did your child participate in the discussion or was he/she out of the classroom? I could really use some ideas.

Thanks!!




Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Aspie)


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 3:18pm

Hi,


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 4:18pm

I have done this at least

Meez 3D avatar avatars games

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 4:49pm
The school guidance dept. just showed one of the Coulter videos to my son's class. Another mom had requested that it be shown to her son's grade and the staff asked if we would like it shown to our grade(4th) as well. We previewed it ahead of time to make sure he felt comfortable with it being shown. The staff did not however name my son as having Aspergers. It was more promoting the concept that we should be accepting of people's differences. My son did not want to be in the class when the video was shown but I think it's because he likes to hang out in the Psych's office. (She's the only one at school that lets him talk endlessly about his video games.) I felt it was a very positive experience. There is another Coulter video aimed at teachers and staff and I would LOVE for them to show it to the Specials teachers, particularly the P.E. teacher and the music teacher.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 6:04pm

Thank you so much Amy!! Haley is just like Noah. She is very proud of her Asperger diagnosis. She's happy to explain it to anyone who will listen. LOL

The teacher asked if Haley and I (or just me) would like to participate and while I am not very good at "public speaking", I plan on being there. I plan on bringing up a few different points that I know the kids will be able to relate to and understand.

I was somewhat concerned about doing this when Haley was out of the room too. I don't want it to be secretive and since she is certainly aware of everything, there's no reason to hide it unless it would be too embarrassing to sit in on. I doubt that will be the case because like I said, she LOVES to talk about Aspergers. It is one of her "little professor" subjects. :)

I was kind of worried that drawing attention to this would cause the kids to bother her more but I'm so happy to hear that your experiences have been positive with it. I don't expect her to be best friends with everyone but if it will help some of the negative responses she gets, that would be wonderful. And if she never hears the term "Haley germs" again, I will be a very happy mom. ;)

Thanks again!!




Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Aspie)


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 6:06pm
Thanks Rocket. I will definitely look at the dvd for teachers and staff. That would be a great thing to have as well!



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Aspie)


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 11-01-2007 - 6:07pm
That is so wonderful, Anandhi! That is great that the class is so accepting of it. I'm hoping Haley's class will be as well.



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Aspie)


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp