Special Education

Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Jane - Grade 10

OVERALL LEARNING STRENGTHS/INTERESTS:

  • is not very motivated to read - but can read silently and can be persuaded to read aloud, is then an expressive reader.
  • reads book - preferably with large print preferring short stories - can get lost if there is too much text; enjoys taped text.
  • has good recall and understanding of things she has read.
  • is very sociable with adults in a social setting.
  • asks questions and is curious about how things work - enjoys experiments.
  • has good basic concepts for basic math facts - can work quickly and verbally.
  • has an incredible sense of fantasy - is very creative - and uses this in writing.
  • is very curious about things and interested in doing some photography and cinematography.
  • enjoys shopping, going for drives, walks and horseback riding.
  • is good with children with special needs, especially children with low verbal skills.
  • enjoys swimming, cooking and table games (especially with money) and loves nintendo and computers generally.
  • is learning some basic sewing skills on a computerized sewing machine, and is proud of achievements.
  • enjoys music and finds some music soothing and therapeutic.
  • has a real sense of pride when she accomplishes something.
  • can understand goal setting and making agreements - and can often stick with the agreement.
  • loves drama - and is confident presenting her ideas to people.
  • can voice her concerns and share feelings and is insightful.
  • wants to be in control of her life.
  • has a delightful sense of humour.

LEARNING NEEDS:

  • to continue to develop organizational skills.
  • to learn to concentrate and stay focused - is easily distracted.
  • to know what is real and fantasy - is confused over amount of time elapsed and sequences of events.
  • to refocus towards positive outcomes - has great determination.
  • to take responsibility for own choices.
  • to develop boundaries, trust and safety.
  • to have a structured consistent environment.
  • to develop feelings of security.
  • to have clear consequences and to deal with aggression - both verbal and physical - often tests the limits.
  • to redirect her creative abilities.
  • to be redirected - when fixating on issues.
  • to feel she is independent and an individual in her own right.
  • to improve socialization skills, particularly with peers.
  • to see any support person as helpful (a footstool as opposed to a doormat).
  • to develop - self-confidence and capabilities.
  • to meet fine motor skill level through adapted assignments in arts and textiles.