RAINBOW RIGHT ATTITUDE IN BUILDING OUR WORLD
INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THROUGH NONFORMAL METHODS
INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
All human beings are born free and equal in rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and must behave one another in the spirit of brotherhood. (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
TYPES OF DEFICIENCIES 1. Intellectual deficiencies: mental retardation, Down Syndrome 2. Language Disorders: Dyslalia, Rhythm, Voice, Development, Writing, and Reading 3. Movement deficiencies 4. Sensory deficiencies: hearing, seeing 5. Autism 6. Learning deficiencies
WHAT IS INTEGRATION? DEFINITION: Integration is the systematic process of bringing together children with special needs alongside children of the same age with normal development within the natural environments where they learn and play.
INTEGRATION MEANS ... • All children learn in the same environment, benefiting from the same services and support in order to be successful • Every child with unique needs is integrated in the educational environment
INTEGRATION MEANS ... • All children equally participate in all the activities of a regular program • Encourage friendships and social relationships between children with and without special needs • Ensuring the conditions for special education sharing community environments for children with special needs
INTEGRATION MEANS ... • A new model of providing services in the special education that emphasizes the collaboration between the special education and the ordinary education • Provide support to early childhood educational staff working with children with special needs • Children learn next to each other even if they have different purposes
INTEGRATION MEANS ... • To teach children to understand and accept differences between people • Ensure an adequate and individual educational program for all children • To seriously consider the concerns of parents and make them become partners in this team process
THE FRISCO METHOD
THE FRISCO METHOD It is a problem-solving method. All that has to be
done is to explain the features of each character.
The children are asked to solve a problem linked to a text/case study.
4 characters are analysed: THE CONSERVATORY, THE BOUNCY, THE PESIMIST, THE OPTIMIST.
THE FRISCO METHOD ď ąThe class is divided into 4 groups, each group playing the role of one character. ď ąEach group is explained the features of the character that it represents. Cooperating, the children write down the appropriate ideas on a sheet.
FRISCO ROLES THE CONSERVATORY THE BOUNCY THE PESSIMIST THE OPTIMIST
THE CONSERVATORY • He is attached to tradition • He supports old-fashioned points of view • He admits some changes for the better • He solves the problem using the tradition, but admits some improvements
THE BOUNCY • Inventive spirit • Adept of the new, of the change • He likes risking • He finds solves through innovations
THE PESSIMIST • Displeased • He does not agree with what is discussed • He sees only the ‘empty part of glass’ • He only focuses on negative aspects • He finds disadvantages
THE OPTIMIST • Cheerful • He encourages the participants • He sees the ‘full part of glass’ • He thinks positively
EVALUATION After everybody has finished writing, a group leader will read what was written by the group and he will display it in front of the class under the image of the character. Drawing the conclusions, the optimist’s ideas solution turn out to be the best solution.
-PRACTICAL ACTIVITYGROUP WORK
• Each group will play a character (THE CONSERVATIVE, THE BOUNCY, THE PESSIMIST, THE OPTIMIST)
• DISCUSS WITHIN THE GROUP, ANSWER THE PROBLEM QUESTION ACCORDING TO YOUR ROLE. FIND AS MANY ARGUMENTS AS POSSIBLE TO SUSTAIN YOUR ANSWER. • PROBLEM - QUESTION: Do you think that the inclusion of the children with special needs is an advantage for the nonformal activities development?
CONCLUSIONS ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • Cognitive, motor, language, social and emotional development is strengthened through meaningful interactions with those of the same age. • The peers serve as role models. • Skills are learned and applied in functional ways. • The development of skills, aptitudes and interests is facilitated. • Participation in the community and the chance to be friends are ensured.
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - FOR CHILDREN WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
• The acceptance of differences is acquired • They expand the diversity of friendships. • Cooperation is encouraged. • Creativity, exploitation of own resources and empathy are strengthened. • Greater responsibility is assumed and greater self-confidence manifests itself.
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - FOR CHILDREN WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
• The acceptance of differences is acquired • They expand the diversity of friendships. • Cooperation is encouraged. • Creativity, exploitation of own resources and empathy are strengthened. • Greater responsibility is assumed and greater self-confidence manifests itself.
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE FAMILY • Parents of children with ESC have a sense of relief, easier to cope with daily needs, can work within the community. • Parents trust children’s chances of success. • Typical and atypical development information is provided. • Provide support for other parents. • Active involvement in the development of appropriate and functional learning objectives is promoted. • All parents are part of the school community
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH ESNS - TEACHERS AND OTHER SPECIALISTS
• Teachers apply/develop a wonderful understanding of individual differences. • Teachers learn strategies of promoting the development and support of children's diverse learning styles. • Teachers become more aware of the benefits of consistent and effective observation and evaluation. • Specialists and support staff develop a childcentered holistic approach.
ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING CHILDREN WITH ESN - FOR THE COMMUNITY
• Educating children with ESCs in the same place as their typical developers is less expensive than the cost of setting up and arranging alternative school spaces. • Children with ESN become competent, productive adults, contributing to the wellbeing of society in definite ways. • Community members develop a new understanding and appreciation of diversity.
ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT “The feedback card” Write some positive aspects connected to the activity in this workshop and some aspects you think should be improved.