Children and young people play an important role in making decisions regarding school life and school services. This is very important because every child can bring to school new ideas and fresh view for work with pupils. This is key to providing them the best possible preparation for life.Every child has a right to know every skills and opportunities that will help them in life later and they will be able to achieve more then they thought they could at the start. This will help them make better decision in the future for themselfs and for others. In our school we have children with dyslexia and with speaking/language problems who need extra support however they still contribute in full time lessons with other children who help them.
After reading articles “What Does It Mean to Say a School Is Doing Well, by Eisner” and “What Does It Mean to Educate the Whole Child, by Nodding”, I tend to agree with Nodding and support that focusing on the whole child and their motivation allows learning to be more effective. We currently live in a society that requires students to be prepared to think both critically and creatively and it begins at a very young age. They have to learn how to attain massive amounts of information, solve difficult problems and survive in an ever evolving society. A foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic has always been the subjects that support lifelong success. When I was a child, these 3 subjects were the main focus in the classroom.
Showing children’s work to others is important for children’s self-esteem so they can see what they have achieved and it also can improve children’s motivation in the future. The actual environment has a large impact on a child’s learning. Children, who feel more engaged in their classrooms, will most likely be more receptive. It can encourage children to interact more with their environment. Teachers should praise effort as well as perfect work.
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I believe that all children with special needs are entitled to the same quality of education as children without disabilities. I also believe that every student can learn, have strengths, and are worthy of respect. In my opinion, people aren’t normal but differences are and that it what makes us all unique. I think that people put labels on people with special deficits like they are objects.
Understand the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion When children spend time in settings which promote diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion, they are able to progress in all areas of development, in an emotionally secure and supportive environment. These principles are such an important aspect of practice in working with children because, without them, children’s life chances are jeopardised. Our society is made up of people with a wide range of characteristics and backgrounds. This diversity contributes strength to community, but sadly it is often perceived as a problem. You can help children see diversity in a positive light.
The teacher also showed a great understanding and example to the other pupils by involving the child as much as possible in the curricular activities she was able to take part in such as P.E and Art as well as being read to. This coincided with the SEN code of practise (DfES 2001) which states that every child with special education needs should be offered full access to a broad balanced and relevant education including an appropriate curriculum for the foundation stage and the national
Children will have more confidence and are more likely to participate better if they have strong and effective positive relationships with their teachers. In one example taken from http://panhandle.unl.edu/at_the_center_78: the author Carol McCloud talks of filling a childs “emotional bucket” with positive interactions. If we fill this with emotions of value, such as trust, confidence and encouragement, we are certain to extract the most from the children we interact with. It is the same for the adults we need to communicate with. We want to work productively and well together as a team for the benefit of the children we wish to inspire and to create the right decisions for all those involved.
The constructivist approach to early childhood education offers children the opportunity to construct knowledge through daily experiences and encounters with parents, teachers, peers, events, and objects in the world. Children develop theories, negotiate learning, and merge thoughts together, thereby building knowledge and understanding. It is the right of all children to be part of a school community that respects them as competent individuals who are viewed as contributors to the process of learning. The educators of Reggio Emilia show us the possibilities of what can happen when we trust and respect the capabilities of children. We believe that the Reggio Approach is successful because of its powerful image and deep respect for the culture of childhood, and for its strong belief that children, teachers, and parents all work together in the process of building knowledge.
I really think that all young children learn best through play and interaction with adults but also their peers. Lev introduced the Zone of Proximal development concept which helps teachers and young educators see what the child can do on their own but also with a more competent partner such as a teacher or peer. This is a great way to help teachers see where the child stands and where they need help. Lev also believed that communication between the child and teacher or parent was very important. He refers to a term called scaffolding which means when support of some kind is given from a teacher or caregiver to do things they cannot otherwise do alone.
Collaboration with families also adds to mutual problem solving and shared decision making. Teachers, schools and districts can earn family support through effective collaboration. Students benefit from parental involvement by showing strong feelings of self-worth and self-satisfaction. Parents are able to learn skills which assist in improving their child’s academic growth. For example, they can learn behavior management techniques and communication strategies.