Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

prncssrachel Posted: Feb 12, 2004 09:06 PM

Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

Ok, so granted I am the music teacher, but I took on a tutoring job with one of my seventh graders and once a week I will be tutoring Spanish, which is no prob, but the other hour I am working on his ability to process information. I am afraid I have bit off more than I can chew. I'm just really scared I will not be able to help this kid. He is having trouble in history and English. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to approach the situation? I haven't started yet. I'm sure it will be fine once I start, but right now I'm just afraid of doing more damage than good. He tested borderline and so he receives no services. They are not sure if he has auditory processing disorder or if he has adhd. I just want to help him as much as possible. Thanks!

palebride Posted: Feb 12, 2004 09:54 PM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

because i have no specialized degree for special education, i shouldn't be answering this probably.....but i think the most important thing a tutor can do is to make sure te child is comfortable with them......
beyond that i can't help you!

prncssrachel Posted: Feb 12, 2004 10:00 PM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

Well, I mean, from my experiences with my school last year where 98% of the population had some form of learning disability, I know that I need to help him learn to organize information in a way that is useful to him. But beyond that, I don't know what to do. I don't know all the 'specifics'. I know this kid very well. He's in my chorus and is a GREAT kid, so I know we get along great. I just really want to help him and not just confuse him

palebride Posted: Feb 12, 2004 10:02 PM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

I get nervous tutoring kids.....i'm afraid i'll mess them up too!

Danielle&Scott Posted: Feb 12, 2004 10:49 PM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

I think with any child you have to work with him once or twice to get a feel for his ability. ADHD and an auditory probelm is very different. Once you sit with him one on one you'll get a better understanding of his learning abilities.

cocoa Posted: Feb 12, 2004 10:50 PM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

this is hard b/c the kids i dealt with were not taking a language b/c they were only going to struggle. what is he struggling with?

yabbobay Posted: Feb 13, 2004 12:28 AM

Re: Special Ed teachers or any others, I have some questions...

I was a SS teacher before I left NY...let me know if you need any help with it...

I haven't done jr high in ages...but his SS book should have some kind of chapter summary/questions...and usually they have activities that range in all areas (visual...critical thinking...creative...ec) you could use these as a starting off point.

you may also want to ask his teachers for some kind of schedule of units and tests (some may not be able to give his to you since days are always changing, but they could give you and idea) - also day planners have been big lately in schools so if he has one...check it...if he doesn't...urge his mother to get one and for you and her to check it (her every night)