From Survival Mode to Student Engagement: A Teacher’s Journey in the Classroom

As a parent of a child with unique educational needs, it can be challenging to ensure they receive the support and engagement necessary for their academic success. Schools may not always be equipped to address these needs effectively, but as a parent, you have the power to make a significant difference. By understanding and applying the right strategies and tools, you can help your child thrive in their educational journey, just as Jeremy, a 10th-grade geometry teacher from Boston, has learned to do in his classroom.

A teacher’s reflection on classroom engagement highlights the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education
Jeremy’s experience as a teacher underscores the critical role that engagement plays in education. His journey from feeling overwhelmed to gradually improving his classroom dynamics is a testament to the importance of persistence and adaptation. As a parent, your involvement in your child’s education can be equally impactful. By staying engaged and supportive, you can help your child navigate their learning environment more effectively.

For parents of children with learning challenges: Embrace the power of think-pair-share in the classroom; it gives every child a voice and builds confidence through collaborative learning. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

The power of structured protocols like think pair share can be adapted for use at home to enhance learning
One of the key strategies Jeremy implemented was the “think pair share” protocol, which encourages students to think independently, discuss with a partner, and then share with the class. This method can be adapted for home use. By setting aside time for your child to think about a problem, discuss it with you or a sibling, and then share their thoughts, you can foster a deeper understanding and engagement with the material. This approach not only enhances learning but also builds confidence and communication skills.

Author Quote “

The heaviest lifting we do is before the lesson when we try to anticipate what might happen and then even more so what am I going to do if that thing doesn’t happen the way I wanted it to.

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Understanding and adjusting the pace of learning is crucial for maintaining a child’s interest and motivation
Jeremy realized that adjusting the pace of his lessons was essential for maintaining student engagement. Similarly, as a parent, you can help your child by recognizing when they need more time to process information or when they are ready to move on. Tailoring the learning pace to your child’s needs can prevent frustration and keep them motivated. This might involve breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps or providing additional time for reflection and practice.

Key Takeaways:

Engagement Strategies: Encourage the use of interactive techniques like 'think pair share' to enhance student engagement. This method involves giving students time to think independently, discuss with a partner, and then share with the class, which can help children with learning challenges feel more included and confident in contributing their thoughts.

Tailoring Instruction to Student Needs: Recognize that different groups of students may require different pacing and approaches. For children with learning challenges, it might be beneficial to adjust the timing of lessons, moving quickly through initial activities to maintain engagement and then allowing more time for deeper exploration when students are fully engaged.

Building Classroom Awareness: Support teachers in developing a heightened awareness of the classroom dynamics. This can help educators better understand and respond to the needs of children with learning challenges, ensuring that they are not overlooked and can participate fully in the learning process.

Utilizing problem-based learning can enhance a child’s Problem Solving Skills at home
Jeremy’s use of problem-based learning in his classroom highlights the effectiveness of this approach in developing critical thinking and Problem Solving Skills. As a parent, you can incorporate similar strategies at home by presenting your child with real-world problems that require them to apply their knowledge and skills. This method not only makes learning more engaging but also prepares them for future challenges by enhancing their ability to think critically and solve problems independently.

Author Quote “

It’s like your audience is different right completely. I’ve got to like get and the hard part is is that you know we as Educators I think I think most Educators in most places anywhere would say it’s easier to teach the students in say an honors class setting.

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Overcoming the challenge of maintaining engagement through Spatial Reasoning can lead to a better life for your child
One of the specific challenges Jeremy faced was maintaining engagement in his general education classes, particularly when dealing with Spatial Reasoning tasks such as understanding the area of sectors in circles. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your child overcome such challenges. By providing additional resources, such as visual aids or hands-on activities, you can enhance their understanding and engagement with spatial concepts. Overcoming these hurdles can lead to a more positive educational experience and a better life for your child, as they develop the skills necessary for success in various academic and real-world scenarios.

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