I found it very interesting to read you initial response as I know little to nothing about your field of experience. Questions that came to mind within moments of reading your post included: “What is an Early Childhood Development Program?” and “What are Program Unit Funded children?” It sounds like you are going to have an incredible learning experience with this practicum in Fort McMurray! From reading your post, I feel as though the program you are a part of for this practicum must be extremely beneficial to the children it supports.
In combination with the positive outcome you identified in regards to severely disabled students being integrated into regular classrooms, I also believe that it helps to develop humility, understanding and compassion amongst students who do not have those disabilities. When severely disabled students are integrated into a regular classroom, the “regular” students are given the opportunity to learn with these students and better understand their way of life. I think that the future benefits of this experience are innumerable, as it helps to take away the fear of the unknown that students might otherwise feel when being in proximity with severely disabled people.
I share your feeling of wonder as to whether or not the students that I was annoyed or disrupted by in my own elementary classroom struggled from disabilities. I believe this speaks to the inborn innocence of children—we, as adults, are much more likely to see even the smallest differences in ability between people.
I found it very interesting to read you initial response as I know little to nothing about your field of experience. Questions that came to mind within moments of reading your post included: “What is an Early Childhood Development Program?” and “What are Program Unit Funded children?” It sounds like you are going to have an incredible learning experience with this practicum in Fort McMurray! From reading your post, I feel as though the program you are a part of for this practicum must be extremely beneficial to the children it supports.
ReplyDeleteIn combination with the positive outcome you identified in regards to severely disabled students being integrated into regular classrooms, I also believe that it helps to develop humility, understanding and compassion amongst students who do not have those disabilities. When severely disabled students are integrated into a regular classroom, the “regular” students are given the opportunity to learn with these students and better understand their way of life. I think that the future benefits of this experience are innumerable, as it helps to take away the fear of the unknown that students might otherwise feel when being in proximity with severely disabled people.
I share your feeling of wonder as to whether or not the students that I was annoyed or disrupted by in my own elementary classroom struggled from disabilities. I believe this speaks to the inborn innocence of children—we, as adults, are much more likely to see even the smallest differences in ability between people.