Therapy 101: My Heart Broke Because of the Learning Support in School
Yesterday, my heart broke when I had a chat with Nadine about school. And I’m still reeling from the emotions that hit me. I kind of guessed this would happen, but I didn’t know it would be so soon and so fast.
It started with the Learning and Behavioural Support Allied Educator (AE) in her school. “Allied Educators work with teachers to nurture and develop every child in school by raising the quality of interaction with every child. He/She guides the learning of students with special educational needs“ I did my homework and found out the school’s support system for Nadine. I emailed the school, sent in all her assessment reports, spoke to the staff in charge etc. Everything was good. (I thought)
The AE called me in the afternoon to inform me she went to visit Nadine’s class and gave me some of her observations. I was excited to hear her report, esp this would be a first-hand account of how Nadine is coping in class. The report was ok, as expected. She struggled in certain things, and needed help for some work.
Well, in the afternoon, I chatted with Nadine. I asked her if there was a new teacher who came into the class. She was very quick to say No. A bit too quick, if I may add. So my conversation went on:
Me: They told us a new teacher came in to class today. Hmm.. maybe it’s tomorrow. Was it today?
N3: Yes
Me: What’s the teacher’s name?
N3: Ms. Lee
Me: Ohhh What does Ms. Lee teach?
N3: Nothing
Me: Did Ms. Lee talk to anyone?
N3: Yes
Me: Who did she talk to?
N3: ONLY ME (not happy tone)
Me: Only you? Do you like that?
N3: NO! (near shouting)
Sigh… I felt it. She was upset that she’s having some kind of special treatment. She felt it, that there was some conspiracy to give her special attention. And she hated it!! oh man… I had to quickly assure her that Ms. Lee is going around to meet different students. Today it’s her, tomorrow it would be someone else. Just like yesterday, Ms. Lee didn’t come round at all.
Well, thank God she was convinced. But it really broke my heart. For Nadine to cope well in school, she would need all these extra help and attention. There would be special pull-out moments, or additional assistance in various forms. I pray for wisdom and grace to prepare her for it, and for continued favor on her with all her classmates and teachers.
This is part of a series I’ve started – Therapy 101, to document Nadine’s developmental struggles and victories, and to journal my own learning experiences as she goes through hers.
Breaks my heart to read this. 🙁 I pray this makes her stronger and more resilient. God is surely watching over her!
*hugs* Praying that the teachers and AE in the school have great wisdom, compassion and understanding. <3
Go n talk to teacher abt Nadine ‘ s feeling. Definitely all educators have gone thro courses n know how to deal with pp’ s feeling
Sometimes, teachers can be insensitive towards children’s feelings, not because they don’t care but more of prioritising their tasks. I feel you should speak to the teacher and discuss on maybe she can tweak her approach in observing Nadine so that Nadine can feel more comfortable. Observations can be done in participative or non-participative manner. Big hugs for you and Nadine!
Feel so much when I was reading it..Jiahui, u are an awesome mum.:) Praying for Nadine that she will cope well..God has a great plan for her. May she grows up confident and happy.
Oh, I do feel for her! I can see how that would make her feel a little sad. 🙁
So sorry to hear this. I can understand feeling singled out would get to her. 🙁 Hopefully they find a new way to evaluate her that doesn’t make her feel uncomfortable. Hugs!
Aw, that has to be so hard for her to just want to be like the other kids. I’ll pray she realizes soon that she is fearfully and wonderfully made and God made her exactly like she is for a very special reason. Extra help or not.
I’m sorry, that has to be so tough on a kid. She’s lucky to have parents as supportive as you.
Hang in there. It’s an adjust,net for her and I’m sure once she is used to it she will love her time with this teacher. As a teacher myself it’s hard for kids to adjust to new things. You are doing what’s rIgbo for her — don’t forget that!
Hugs to Nadine, and to you. I am sure that no one wants to feel singled out. I join your prayers for wisdom on how to communicate about this with her. Your answer really was brilliant… and she accepted it.
I’m sure it was hard for her because she felt different or singled out but you are such a good Mom that I know you will do a great job of reassuring her. Hugs!