All About Autism

[helplessmum3]

helplessmum3:

http://www.nie.edu.sg/newsroom/media-coverage/2013/more-mainstream-schools-open-to-shadow-teachers



more-mainstream-schools-open-to-shadow-teachers
Media Coverage

Date of Media Coverage:
Friday, March 1, 2013

parents are allow as shadow teachers now

[phtthp]

helplessmum3:

parents are allow as shadow teachers now

If parents are allowed as shadow tr in school, is great move!

[helplessmum3]

that mean one parent has to forgo working.

[phtthp]

helplessmum3:

that mean one parent has to forgo working.

Yes, usually it's the mother.

[tabgha]

I'm not sure if having a parent or even grandparent as the shadow teacher is a good idea. This is because it is harder for family members (esp mothers/grandmas) to feel detached when situations happen.


For example, if the mom is the shadow teacher and sits in class, she is likely to see her role as mother and may become overly protective. It is harder to be objective. Moms tend to feel emotionally involved as well. One must remember that being a shadow teacher is not being a mother at the same time. The roles are different.

Also, for the mother, it can get very physically tiring and emotional draining as well. Basically, you are 24/7 with the child. At school and at home. Better to outsource this role to an independent party, so that you have the energy and right frame of mind to help your child when he/she returns from school. The break from your child will do both u and the child some good.

And if mom is the shadow teacher, the child, seeing the mother's presence in class, may either act up or misbehaves - because mommy is there; or become overly dependent - because mommy is there.

Either way, it's not really a win-win and the child needs to learn to be independent.


Still, having said that, I can understand parents' anxieties on their special kids being left clueless or defenseless in class, especially for K2/P1/P2 kids. Might want to consider engaging a shadow teacher but the cost can be very high. About $3000 a month. A good and trained shadow teacher will assist and shadow the child and write a daily report for the parents, keeping parents updated of the day's events.

Some parents get their helpers to do it, usually Filipinos (reasonably educated). Their helpers' roles are to help the child more than to do housework and cooking at home.

Another suggestion is to barter. If there are 2 mommies here who are SAHM or work part-time, you can shadow each others' kids. Maybe go for a trial period of 1 -2 months.

[tabgha]

For parents of P1 going kids, might be a good idea to suss out the AED and learning support program in school. If the school has a good system in place, might want to consider doing away with the shadow teacher.


Alternatively, as what one parent above suggested, it’s better if the mom becomes a parent volunteer in school. In other words, help out with the school’s reading prog or canteen duties, etc. That way, you are still physically present in your child’s school and your child is assured of your presence. The teachers know who you are and vice versa. But at the same time, you are not "there" all the time in your child’s actual presence, giving your child room to grow.

As much as we feel protective of our special kids, we also want them to lead a normal life.

[mashy]

My boy's class has an aed for English and maths lessons. So shadow teachers may not be necessary.

[nugget]

I agree with with tabgha, I feel mothers will tend to be over protective and its even harder for teachers to manage the class. Worse still, mothers start challenging teachers on the task given out.


I feel school should close up the gap if they really are sincere in providing help for special needs.

With this news coming out, some schools might abuse this and pressure the parents to engage shadow teachers so its easier for them to manage the special needs kids.

[chibi]

hey all!!

havent log in for a while
was hospitalized a few months ago as i was having severe morning sickness and had dehydration. i am preggie with # 3 now!! :evil: and will be giving birth in a few months time.
my DD1 who has high functioning autism now in Pri.2 already actually gives me alot of support during this period of time. when she sees me carry DS2 , who is 2 yrs old, she will goes, mummy do you want me to help carry? i am worried about you and bb.
and just 2 days ago, my maid was taking a shower and DS#2 woke up from his nap crying, i have to carry him around to stop him from crying, my DD1 actually came up to me and ask me, can you manage? and quickly run outside to the bathroom and shouted: Auntie!! didi is crying! can you shower abit faster and come out to help plse?
i was so touched. my DD1 has showed alot of empathy in my opinion.
She has been helping me apply stretch mark cream on my belly every night now and feeling her little sister in my tummy moving, she also goes\" wow!!! my little mei mei is moving! so amazing!!!\" :snuggles:
i never regretted having her tho at times she really need quite abit of attention from me.
but poor DD1 has been sick for the past week, had chest infection and can only go back to school next week.

[nugget]

chibi,


Big congrats to you!! :congrats:

So sweet of your DD1 to show concern. I feel having siblings is the best playmate for our ASD kids.

I just delivered my baby last year. Although my son never show a lot of affection during my pregnancy (maybe he dun really understand), now he does show affection towards his baby bro. Now he keep saying when no 3 is bigger, no 4 will come. I told him nope, no more no 4.

He doesn't know how to play with baby but he always bring toys to baby when baby started fussing/crying. Can see that he is pretty kancheong over the little one.

Now he will say \"I am big brother, I will look after #2 and #3\". Very sweet too.