Workshop: Creating Appropriate Learning Moments for Special Learners
June 13, 2013 | Posted in Parenting/Child Development, Education/Learning/Activities, Events/Media Releases Share Article |
Facilitated by Prof. Dr. Eric Lim B.C.S.E.
PhD DBA MBA MEd MPsych BSpEd BSc(Hons)
Areas to be covered:
• Understanding difficulties faced by special learners in School and at Home
• Apply different approaches to start appropriate learning moments for learners
• Developing an effective learning plan at home
• Evolving learning plans for the growing learners
• Overcoming challenges during lesson times
In a world where we, as adults, are stressed to the maximum, it makes sense that our children are also living very demanding lives. With most jobs requiring a college degree, the pressure to succeed is more prominent than ever. Children with such disabilities as ADD or ADHD may feel particularly bombarded by stress and anxiety.
The short answer to this question is don’t. Now at first glance this probably sounds ridiculous, after all parents have more experience of life and most would agree that a parent's job is to pass this experience onto their children.
It can be challenging to come up with ideas for entertaining the kids when the weather is cold, miserable and wet. In a way this limits your possibilities, considering that you cannot spend a lot of time outdoors; however, do not fret as there is plenty that can be done indoors too.
Recently I organised a workshop on “Overcoming Sensory Dysfunction”. It is a disorder that affects most children with special needs, especially those with autism. When a child tip-toes, spins endlessly or refuse to touch soupy water; there is a high probability that he has Sensory Dysfunction, also known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Parents of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities such as autism (or other learning disabilities) are often lost for ideas about how best to help their child. Neuro-typical kids learn by observation and copying; unfortunately our special kids will find it a challenge to even learn basic skills such as using the toilet or playing, and for the older kids, there are issues with using money, reading the time and understanding social cues. Parents are often frustrated when, despite numerous attempts, their kids continue to struggle with learning those tasks.
The term troubled teen is thrown around a lot these days, though the true definitions are not often discussed. Any mother of a teenager will tell you that they are a special brood of people. Teens tend to act very erratically due to fluctuating hormones and mood swings. So for most parents it can be difficult to determine when a kid crosses the line from being an angst-ridden adolescent to a troubled teen. Luckily, there are a few indicators we can look for to know when teen help is required. 
