School News

SEND Students: Nurturing Inclusion and Success

 

SEND, or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, students are an important and integral part of the education system. These students have unique needs and require specialized support and accommodations to thrive academically and socially. In this newsletter, we will explore the challenges faced by SEND students, the importance of inclusive education, and the strategies that can be implemented to ensure their success.

 

SEND students encompass a wide range of disabilities and learning difficulties, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and physical disabilities. These students often face significant barriers to their education due to their disabilities. They may have difficulties with communication, social interaction, and learning at the same pace as their peers. These challenges can result in feelings of frustration, isolation, and low self-esteem.

 

Inclusive education is crucial for the success of SEND students. It emphasizes that all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should have the opportunity to learn in a regular classroom setting alongside their non-disabled peers. Inclusion not only benefits SEND students but also promotes a sense of belonging and understanding among all students. It fosters empathy, diversity, and acceptance in the classroom and prepares students for the inclusive world they will encounter beyond school.

 

To ensure the success of SEND students in inclusive classrooms, certain strategies can be implemented. First and foremost, individualized education plans (IEPs) are essential. These plans outline the specific needs of each student and provide a roadmap for their educational journey. IEPs may include accommodations such as additional time for tests, modified assignments, or assistive technology. Regular meetings with teachers, parents, and specialists are necessary to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

 

Differentiated instruction is another vital strategy. Teachers must adapt their teaching methods and materials to suit the diverse learning styles and abilities of their students. This may involve using visual aids, hands-on activities, or alternative assessments to ensure that all students can access the curriculum. Collaboration between general education teachers and special education teachers is crucial in planning and delivering lessons that meet the needs of all students.

 

Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is equally important. Teachers should promote a culture of acceptance, respect, and kindness. Encouraging peer support and collaboration helps SEND students feel valued and included. Regular communication between teachers, parents, and students can also help identify any issues or concerns promptly and develop appropriate interventions.

 

In addition to classroom strategies, community involvement and support play a crucial role in the success of SEND students. Raising awareness about disabilities, fostering acceptance, and providing resources and support services for students and their families are essential. This can be achieved through partnerships with local organizations, parent support groups, and community outreach programs.

 

It is important to recognize that the success of SEND students should not be solely measured by academic achievements. Building self-confidence, independence, and social skills are equally important. Providing opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and clubs, allows SEND students to develop their talents and interests outside of the academic realm.

 

In conclusion, SEND students face unique challenges that require specialized support and accommodations. Inclusive education, individualized education plans, differentiated instruction, and a supportive classroom environment are key strategies in ensuring their success. Collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community is crucial in fostering inclusivity and providing the necessary resources and support for SEND students to thrive academically and socially. By embracing the diversity of all students, we can create an education system that truly leaves no one behind.

 

By Arno Greyling

The Transformative Power of Drawing: Unlocking Difficult Concepts for Children 

In the realm of education, finding effective techniques to help children grasp difficult concepts is crucial. One such technique, drawing, has emerged as a powerful tool that not only facilitates understanding but also aids in internalizing complex ideas. This article explores the importance of using drawing as a technique for children to understand and internalize difficult concepts.  

 

Enhanced Comprehension: Drawing allows children to visually represent abstract or complex ideas, enabling them to comprehend these concepts more easily. By translating words into visual forms, children can engage with the material in a concrete manner. For instance, when learning about the solar system, drawing can help them visualize the position and order of planets, leading to a deeper understanding of celestial bodies. 

Enhancing Cognitive Skills: Drawing stimulates various cognitive skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial awareness. When children draw to understand a difficult concept, they are forced to analyze and break it down into its constituent parts. This process activates their problem-solving skills, as they must find creative ways to represent abstract ideas visually. Furthermore, as children plan their drawings, they develop critical thinking skills by considering the relationships and connections between different elements. Moreover, drawing promotes spatial awareness, as children learn to represent objects in two-dimensional space, aiding their cognitive development. 

Memory Retention and Recall: Drawing helps children internalize difficult concepts by improving memory retention and recall. Through the act of drawing, children reinforce their understanding of a concept by translating it into concrete visual form. This physical externalization of knowledge helps create a lasting memory imprint, making it easier for children to recall the concept later. Additionally, drawing allows children to revisit their drawings, facilitating the retrieval of information. By engaging multiple senses - visual, motor, and tactile - drawing embeds the concept deeply in the child's memory, facilitating long-term retention. 

Expression and Communication: Drawing provides an outlet for self-expression and communication. Some children may struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally, especially when it comes to complex concepts. Drawing allows them to freely express their understanding, interpretations, and emotions associated with the concept. Moreover, it enables children to communicate their ideas to others, creating opportunities for collaborative learning and peer feedback. By integrating drawing into the learning process, educators foster a supportive and inclusive environment where children can express themselves without fear of judgment. 

 

Drawing is a powerful technique that aids children in understanding and internalizing difficult concepts. By visualizing abstract ideas, enhancing cognitive skills, improving memory retention, and facilitating expression and communication, drawing unlocks the potential for deeper learning experiences. As educators, it is crucial to recognize the significance of drawing as a valuable tool for children's holistic development. By incorporating drawing into classroom activities, educators can empower children to conquer complex concepts, paving the way for lifelong learning and understanding. 

 

by Marguerite Greyling

Effective Strategies for Tackling Homework

Homework plays a crucial role in reinforcing classroom learning and developing important study skills. However, managing homework effectively can be a challenge for many students. Did you enjoy doing your homework? The answer is likely a ‘no’.

But, we all realise the relevance of homework in driving academic excellence besides infusing important life skills in students.

Yes, regardless of all the efforts to escape the rigours of homework and the teachers’ persistence to make the children complete theirs, homework does contribute significantly to the learning process. It develops in students the study skills, besides instilling work ethics early on. Solving problems independently and managing time to meet assignment deadlines boost the confidence of students.

Let’s explore some proven strategies that can help students tackle their homework efficiently and achieve academic success.

 

1. Establish a Homework Routine:

Creating a consistent homework routine is essential for staying organized and managing time effectively. Set aside a specific time and place for homework each day, free from distractions. This routine will help you develop a productive mindset and make homework a regular part of your daily routine.

 

2. Break It Down:

Large assignments can be overwhelming, so it's important to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Start by identifying the different components of the assignment and create a step-by-step plan. By focusing on one task at a time, you'll feel more accomplished and motivated to continue.

 

3. Prioritize and Plan:

Not all assignments are created equal. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance. Create a to-do list or use a planner to keep track of assignments, due dates, and any additional resources needed. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you complete your work on time.

 

4. Minimize Distractions:

Find a quiet and distraction-free environment to work in. Turn off notifications on your phone or computer and avoid social media during homework time. Consider using website blockers or apps that limit distractions to help you stay focused and maintain productivity.

 

5. Seek Help When Needed:

Don't hesitate to seek help if you're struggling with a particular assignment. Reach out to your teacher, classmates, or online resources for clarification or guidance. Asking for help not only helps you understand the material better but also shows your commitment to learning.

 

6. Take Breaks:

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking short breaks during study sessions can actually improve productivity. Schedule short breaks every 25-30 minutes to rest your mind and recharge. Use this time to stretch, grab a healthy snack, or engage in a quick physical activity.

 

7. Reflect and Review:

After completing your homework, take a few moments to reflect on what you've learned. Review your work to identify any mistakes or areas that need improvement. This reflection process will reinforce your understanding of the material and help you retain information for future assessments.

 

By implementing these strategies, students can develop effective homework habits that promote productivity, organization, and academic success. Remember, finding the right approach may require some trial and error, so be patient and persistent. With consistent effort and a proactive mindset, tackling homework can become a manageable and rewarding experience.

 

by Clara Fato

Чтение как важная часть развития ребёнка

     Думаю, никто не будет спорить со мной о том, насколько чтение важно для нашего развития, особенно для школьников.

   К сожалению, наблюдения и контроль за чтением в школах говорит о том, что качество чтения школьников ухудшается, хотя и родители, и педагоги, и сами школьники признают, что чтение – это важно, что читать надо больше. И наша школа не исключение.
   Контроль за чтением наших ребят показывает, что читают они (контроль проводился в сентябре в классах Year7-Year11) очень плохо, и это не может не сказываться на их общей подготовке и их развитии. В параметры контроля входят СПОСОБ чтения, ПРАВИЛЬНОСТЬ чтения, ОСОЗНАННОСТЬ чтения, ВЫРАЗИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ чтения и СКОРОСТЬ чтения (конечно, речь идёт о чтении вслух). И здесь самый большой провал – это способ чтения и правильность, что тянет за собой и осознанность, и выразительность. Есть дети, которые часть слов читают по слогам, это замедляет чтение. Но таких немного. Больше тех, кто при чтении искажает слова. А искажение слов затрудняет понимание прочитанного и выразительность чтения. И это при очень низкой скорости, ниже 100 слов в минуту! Когда средняя скорость чтения по российской программе в 5-9 классах должна быть 110-140 слов в минуту.

   Да, наверное, на технике чтения наших ребят сказывается изучение иностранных языков и большая ежедневная нагрузка. Но это есть оправдание проблемы, а я озвучиваю её для того, чтобы найти ответ на вопрос: как помочь развитию учащихся, интегрируя процессы чтения на двух языках и учитывая большую ежедневную нагрузку на ребят. И считаю, что это наша общая задача, решение которой должно помочь нам всем.

   Но сначала вспомним, что

- чтение развивает уровень интеллекта, увеличивает словарный запас, учит лучше мыслить, грамотно говорить и писать;

- художественная литература дает возможность правильно воспринимать людей, понимать их поступки; читая произведения художественной литературы, мы видим наглядные примеры из жизни, которые, возможно, смогут помочь дать ответы на какие-то вопросы нашей реальной жизни;

- чтение развивает воображение и гибкость мышления;

- внимательное чтение помогает понять красоту и образность языка.

 Учёные утверждают, что в процессе чтения повышается работоспособность мозга человека, развиваются участки коры головного мозга, которые ответственны за развитие и увеличения объема памяти, то есть, чтение книг тренирует мозг, благодаря этому мы лучше усваиваем новую информацию, укрепляем вербальную память, начинаем быстрее мыслить. Читая книгу, человек учится думать, сравнивать, анализировать, делать выводы. А для этого нужно уметь сосредоточиться, чтобы понять то, о чём читаешь. Значит, книга учит ещё и концентрации внимания. У тех, кто много читает, хорошо развита и фантазия. И это неудивительно. Чем больше знаешь, тем больше хочется увидеть своими глазами, воссоздать картину жизни мысленно, предположить будущее.

   Всё это мы знаем и хорошо понимаем! Тогда что нам необходимо сделать, чтобы чтение заработало на нас, и заработало хорошо, то есть, как мотивировать наших детей на чтение?

 Я приглашаю своих коллег и наших родителей, и даже наших старшеклассников, к поиску решения этой проблемы. Наверняка, личный опыт у многих есть – поделитесь, пожалуйста, ради общего успеха.

 Я предлагаю обсудить и какие-то мелкие вопросы, связанные с чтением детей, и дать хорошие советы по воспитанию интереса к чтению.

 В заключение, хочу поделиться своими размышлениями о процессе чтения. Я представляю (наверное, многим это покажется странным) процесс чтения, как езду на велосипеде: научился ездить – едешь; нажимаешь на педали – едешь, приобретаешь опыт; перестал нажимать на педали – можешь упасть; долгое время не садился на велосипед – твой опыт езды на велосипеде истощается.

По-моему, процесс чтения должен быть непрерывным: это воспитывает хорошую привычку, не даёт тормозить важным процессам нашего развития, не даёт потеряться интересу к чтению, учит быть ответственным за своё развитие. Поэтому я советую нашим школьникам читать каждый день: пятиклассникам-шестиклассникам – сначала читать минут по 15-20 книгу, выбранную по интересу, ребятам постарше – до 30 минут, пока не выработается привычка читать. Ведь чтение – это труд, и труд нелёгкий, а по-настоящему трудиться тоже надо учиться, учиться постепенно, не перегружаясь.

 

С уважением, учитель русского языка и литературы

Дубинина Вера Николаевна

 

 

 

 

 

More able and talented young minds (MAT)

When dealing with more able and talented students teachers/lecturers need to be able to keep them busy and always thinking. They need to be challenged continuously and stimulated with every topic they do. If they are not challenged, they tend to get bored fast and lose interest in the class and eventually tend to be dropouts.

It’s my understanding that it’s not very easy to raise a child that is MAT. As a parent you watch as your child often does not fit into social groups along with the way they retaliate and act. Due to the fact that MAT students are on a different level to the others they tend to be teased by peers and if their lecturer does not know how to differentiate the child will suffer. As a parent of a MAT child, you will need to always look out for your child and make sure they are being stimulated not only in school but in all activities. An IQ of an MAT child starts at 145, the highest recorded is 228.” Marilyn Vos Savant was born in 1946 in Missouri. In 1986 the columnist and author made history when she was named in The Guinness Book of World Records as the person possessing the highest IQ, with a reported score of 228. She is said to have achieved the score on the Stanford-Binet test at the age of ten”.

It is my understanding that if they are not stimulated, they will fall into depression and become very withdrawn. When they are not stimulated, they become labeled by teachers/peers as disobedient or naughty and develop a hatred for learning all together.

Having an MAT child/student is not easy they need to be continuously busy and stimulated which means never the same work, even during free time such as afternoons and weekends.

When thinking about MAT students, they find life hard. They struggle to make or even find friends that will stay around, that are their age.

More able and tallented does not mean that they are brilliant at everything. Let’s use Einstein he was terrible at languages and failed in school at the end he dropped out. However in the end his talent was physics and mathematics. These young minds are often misunderstood and just need a lot of extra attention. We all want to be loved and understood don’t we...

By Danielle Blake