For 9 summers I have had the pleasure of working with individuals from the ages of 7-23 with various learning disabilities and social behaviour struggles in a summer camp in the USA. These individuals struggle in the traditional school environment, learning and making connections with their peers. One of the things that I have noticed is the success and pride they feel when it comes to getting involved in the arts. There is a such a wide range of activities and the individuals are able to find a place where they shine. That student that struggles with math and reading is able to pick up a paint brush and express themselves in the most amazing ways. When it comes to the performance arts they are transformed and deliver the most moving performances. The arts gives students/people the opportunity to succeed in a nontraditional manner that we have come to see in our school systems. We definitely need more of these opportunities.
I came across a really cool TEDtalk about ADHD As A Difference InCognition, Not a Disorder by Stephen Tonti. He is highly involved in the arts. I highly recommend taking a look at his talk.
Last year I took Martin Morrison's Inclusion class and learned a tremendous amount. Dr.Michael Corbett and Martin Morrison delivered a very engaging talk about Roles Responsibilities and Origins of Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights. While listening to them speak it reminded me of the study that was done about the "Doll Test". After re-watching the youtube video it it brought me to tears because it's scary what youngsters are exposed to these issues at such a young age. If you get a chance I recommend that you watch the video.
Another think that came to mind during the talk was about how we as educators are responsible for offering and providing safe environments for students to ask questions and explore difficult topics. One of the programs that has been implemented at my school this year is the Caring School Community. This is a great program that helps teachers provide a safe environment for the students to speak openly about their concerns. Often students come to school lacking in communication skills and this program is an excellent tool to help students learn how to interact and work through problems with their peers.
All in all it was a very thought provoking day with very interesting speakers.
The Caring School Community is something that I continue to want to learn about. My school does not use it but I think it would be wonderful. I can only imagine how having open communication can be beneficial. If I could teach my early elementary students this tools, I can only imagine how it would help them as the get older!
ReplyDeleteHi Candice,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the presentations on Friday, particularly John Sumarah on counselling, although Mike and Martin's was more interactive.
In response to your TED talk on ADHD, I have one that I enjoy. It is called 'embracing the shake': one man's journey to overcome his disability by embracing it and working inside the box.
Hope you enjoy it!
Simon
http://www.ted.com/talks/phil_hansen_embrace_the_shake
Thanks simon! That was awesome! Very inspiring!!
DeleteCheryl MacLean's keynote demonstrated the efficacy of creative art in various settings. I found her reference to the impact art has on all ages important to recognize. The example you share about the success of arts programming for ADHD children is something I have also witnessed on several occasions. If art is one of their passions, or peaks their understanding than arts programming is worth the investment. I enjoyed the TED talk as well. Stephen Tonti shares several very important points about ADHD that are often overlooked, or miss-managed in the school system. Typically, the first response to ADHD by teaching staff, and I am guilty of it, "how can we turn this kid down a notch or two?" Tonti's emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD and embracing cognitive diversity. As a classroom teacher it is sometimes difficulty to provide the flexibility for those with ADHD to learn in a way that best meets individual needs. As Tonti says, it is important that students learn about their own learning. This meta-cognitive approach requires time, flexibility, reflection and creativity for teachers, students and parents.Clearly any plan to support student programming for ADHD requires movement, adaptability and creativity. Tonti makes reference to Robin Williams and his claim that "we all have a spark of madness" great quote and thoughtful TED Talk. Thanks for sharing the clip.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy hearing about all the experiences you had at your summer camps last year when you gave your presentation in class. In terms of AT, I imagine every time you learn a new app you have someone face pop into your mind that would benefit from the use of it1
ReplyDeleteI actually forgot about the doll experiment. It was so unfair. That child may have been damaged by that.
ReplyDeleteI think the Caring School Community sounds like a great program. I think that students need to be coached on how to solve problems and how to speak to each other. Stephen Tonti is a great role model. He really shows how someone can rise above his circumstances. He makes a great point about how we need to be a support structure.
I had a very similar positive experience during Friday's conference. I especially enjoyed Michel and Martin's talk on race and gender. I have never heard about the doll test but I am thankful that you shared it. I will be sure to refer to then when I discuss disenfranchisement with my students, thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDelete