Dear Nikki,
Thank you so much for organizing this trip. It was beyond my expectation and gave me so many new ideas and insights about special education. I definitely felt the different atmosphere when I entered in. I did not understand what it was until the end of the tour – healing. The classrooms are indeed the places for healing -- just like Bon mentioned yesterday:)
The first classroom we went to was one with younger kids during a central play time. I was very impressed by how organized the classroom is and how well-behaved the children were. I noticed the teacher talked in normal speed and held the same or even higher standards for those kids who were having trouble with hearing. She was really making the effort: teaching them how to listen, speak and communicate. When I was looking at those children sitting patiently and waiting for their turn, I had no doubt that they can and will do well just like normal kids.
Thank you so much for organizing this trip. It was beyond my expectation and gave me so many new ideas and insights about special education. I definitely felt the different atmosphere when I entered in. I did not understand what it was until the end of the tour – healing. The classrooms are indeed the places for healing -- just like Bon mentioned yesterday:)
The first classroom we went to was one with younger kids during a central play time. I was very impressed by how organized the classroom is and how well-behaved the children were. I noticed the teacher talked in normal speed and held the same or even higher standards for those kids who were having trouble with hearing. She was really making the effort: teaching them how to listen, speak and communicate. When I was looking at those children sitting patiently and waiting for their turn, I had no doubt that they can and will do well just like normal kids.
The second classroom we went to was preschool children learning sound with movement. That was an AHA moment for me. I immediately jotted down ideas that I plan to use for my next Chinese class. It is a great activity, not just because it helps kids engage and learn better, but because it also makes sure that no one feels bad about not knowing the answer. Everyone will get it right. The important step is that she asked them to repeat the sounds and words to review.
At the level of grade school, I learned that they group and track students based on their ability and needs. One student can be in the 3rd grade math and at the same time in 4th grade reading. That makes so much sense to me. What does a grade mean? Is it better if we just put them at the level where they can maximize their capacity in learning? I notice that there is a need for differentiation instruction even in a four-person classroom.
It was inspiring to hear the story from the counselor. It took her 5 months to say “I love it.” It taught us not to take things for granted. I also noticed the facility is very well-equipped. Every classroom has a smart board and different sound settings based on the students’ needs. I love how they also provide such wonderful services for toddles and families. I felt so touched by their mission to response immediately to those in need.
I also appreciate Heather introducing the program and sharing her personal stories with us. One of the most important things I took with me on the tour was that those teachers may seem like they are teaching something very simple and straightforward, but, behind what we hear, is a deep understanding and study of those children’s special need.
I reviewed their website and found a lot of useful information. I always have passion for teaching languages, but it never made me feel challenged enough to pursue it as a career. I found many connections between language and deaf education. I also love simple and positive working environments like CID. I can totally see myself teaching in those classrooms. The only question I had was that it is a subject under the School of Medicine. The program includes many courses like clinical audiology, anatomy and physiology. Does it conflict with what we believe in Christian Science? I look forward to more field trips to such places and hearing your personal stories.
Thank you for bringing us so many opportunities. Those experiences might be small, but I believe they are really making an impact on us, forming the way we see ourselves as an educator, not just a classroom teacher. Thank you.
Much Love,
Jamie Yu
9.18.15
CID Website
http://www.cid.edu/
At the level of grade school, I learned that they group and track students based on their ability and needs. One student can be in the 3rd grade math and at the same time in 4th grade reading. That makes so much sense to me. What does a grade mean? Is it better if we just put them at the level where they can maximize their capacity in learning? I notice that there is a need for differentiation instruction even in a four-person classroom.
It was inspiring to hear the story from the counselor. It took her 5 months to say “I love it.” It taught us not to take things for granted. I also noticed the facility is very well-equipped. Every classroom has a smart board and different sound settings based on the students’ needs. I love how they also provide such wonderful services for toddles and families. I felt so touched by their mission to response immediately to those in need.
I also appreciate Heather introducing the program and sharing her personal stories with us. One of the most important things I took with me on the tour was that those teachers may seem like they are teaching something very simple and straightforward, but, behind what we hear, is a deep understanding and study of those children’s special need.
I reviewed their website and found a lot of useful information. I always have passion for teaching languages, but it never made me feel challenged enough to pursue it as a career. I found many connections between language and deaf education. I also love simple and positive working environments like CID. I can totally see myself teaching in those classrooms. The only question I had was that it is a subject under the School of Medicine. The program includes many courses like clinical audiology, anatomy and physiology. Does it conflict with what we believe in Christian Science? I look forward to more field trips to such places and hearing your personal stories.
Thank you for bringing us so many opportunities. Those experiences might be small, but I believe they are really making an impact on us, forming the way we see ourselves as an educator, not just a classroom teacher. Thank you.
Much Love,
Jamie Yu
9.18.15
CID Website
http://www.cid.edu/