I agree with Wendy "I like how the author gave a real example of the skills and unsolved problems… " It also allowed me to understand the meaning, and how to apply it. Often times we read books, articles, etc. That tell us about an particular problem without how to strategize, or get real results. Pretty much cause, effects, but not real solutions to help deal with the current situation.
Indiana: "Intial reaction to the incident involving Joey... " I will admit, I was pretty lost for words. I tried to picture myself as the teacher. I tried to put myself in the dean's shoes. The principals shoes. As well as in the parents shoes. I appreciated the authors raw honesty, and I love how this book gave a REAL life experience. This can happy to any of us (I pray it doesn't, but if so we are prepared and safe.)
My thoughts:
I am very impressed with the author's in depth detail of what can happen in an inclusive classroom community, and how to approach it. The author comes on strong with the Joey incident, but I think as future teachers we need to be exposed to this type of content. I am also impressed with how the author is approaching how to deal with challenging children. Joey definitely falls under the category of "challenging children." However, he still deserves the opportunity to have a positive learning environment that doesn't alienate him. This book is opening my eyes not only as a future teacher, but as an parent. I am learning so much I can see myself referring back to this book in my career. I can also see myself referring others to read it. The Author provides different strategies and information that support the challenges that occur when dealing with some children. There was examples of different cases, and some Q & A regarding lagging cognitive skills/unsolved problems.
Parts that really stood out to me:
Lagging Skills-
• "There's a, spectrum of things kids do when life's demands exceed their capacity to respond adaptively..."
• "With this new perspective on challenging kids, much of what we say about them no longer make sense… " {He just wants attention; He just wants his own way; He's manipulating us- Competent manipulation requires various skills…; He's not motivated; Making bad choices; Parents are incompetent disciplinarians; has a bad attitude; mental illness; sibling is the same way.} (Pg. 11-13)
Many of people often make these preconceptions about children with struggling behavioral issues. I've even witnessed teachers during my observations place some of these labels on their students as they discuss with other staff.
I made a key note when the author states: "Once you become comfortable with the idea that challenging kids lack important thinking skills, these explanations no longer make much sense." (Pg. 13- Kindle Edition)
• "One of the important task of development is to learn how to shift gears efficiently when the environment demands it. It's a skill many challenging kids do not possess." (Pg. 16)
- I like this concept.
• "Again, consequences only remind kids of what we don't want them to do, and give them the incentive to do something more adaptive instead." (Pg. 18)
- So true. I definitely agree from my own childhood experience.
•"disrespect is usually just assign that a kid is lacking important skills… if the kid could communicate in a more respectful way, he would." (Pg. 19)
I read this and thought: What if he does, but still choose not too?
"Many of kids with behavioral challenges have difficulty understanding another's perspective and appreciating how their behavior is affecting others." (Pg. 24)
- Wow I never thought about it in that way. I always thought that maybe they choose to ignore or care how it affects others; simply because of how they are feeling, in that current moment.
Unsolved Problems- Key ideas:
Those lagging skills are especially problematic in specific situations. Tells us when the behavior is occurring.
New Lense And A New Tool- Key Ideas:
Providing 4 guidelines on how to approach & deal with difficulty & challenging behavior.
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