Labeling a Sped child

[shud0114]

My son is in the 5th grade and he is in Sped. He receives tutorial services everyday for 30 min. and he has an inclusion teacher in his classes to help. My question is what do I say to my child when he asks, "Mom, am I special ed? The other kids pick on me and say I'm special ed because I go to Mrs. Cook." This just breaks my heart. He is in Sped because of a reading disability..he is dyslexic. I'm not sure what to say to him to make him feel better or what to tell him to tell the other children. Any ideas??

[Roswenth]

Kids can be mean. To be honest, I'm not really sure what he could tell them, because some kids will make up something even if they don't know anything about another child.

However, with dyslexia, the research has shown that most children with dyslexia generally have higher IQs and are smarter and more creative, so that might be something you can tell him.

There is a well-known agency dealing with bullying, and they have some good information about teasing and dealing with problems with other students.

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp

[SpEd guy]

I suggest this only cautiously and am suggesting this only because the student is your child. Could you possibly draw an analogy between a person with allergies who requires medication and the student who requires diversified instruction because of dyslexia?

I knew a resource room teacher once who called her classroom "The Multiple Intelligence Room". IEP students, 504 students, even students who simply needed a little extra help were welcome to visit this unique classroom. What does Mrs. Cook do to make the environment less "Special Ed" and more of a welcoming, learning environment?

[mopar]

There are some children's literature that weaves stories around explaining and empathizing with students with disabilities. Some of the stories that my students have enjoyed are:
My name is brain- Brian
The Don't Give Up Kid and learning difference
When Learning is Tough: Kids talk about their learning disabilities

These may help you to read or even share with your son...

[Boxcar]

I know this post was awhile ago, but I want to respond to it anyway.

You need to tell your son about his disability. By not discussing it, you are teaching him to be ashamed. When we make a big deal out of a special need, we give others the message that it is a big deal. We turn it into something that is different, shameful, and unspeakable. Children especially fear what they do not understand. We need to view differences as part of life. Everyone needs help with something. Allow identification of the differences while stressing the similarities. If your son is asking questions, you need to answer them. Your son will be dealing with his special need all his life. He needs to begin to aquire the tools to do so. If you do not answer his questions honestly, he will stop asking you. That path of communication is something you do not want to lose. Please talk to your son.

If I come across too frank on this topic, I apologize. I feel strongly about this subject.

The Special Needs Project has a website that provides a wide range of books on many topics. You may find some of these very helpful.

[Boxcar]

The website is w w w . s p e c i a l n e e d s . c o m.

[sweetsass]

I know this post was awhile ago, but I want to respond to it anyway.

You need to tell your son about his disability. By not discussing it, you are teaching him to be ashamed. When we make a big deal out of a special need, we give others the message that it is a big deal. We turn it into something that is different, shameful, and unspeakable. Children especially fear what they do not understand. We need to view differences as part of life. Everyone needs help with something. Allow identification of the differences while stressing the similarities. If your son is asking questions, you need to answer them. Your son will be dealing with his special need all his life. He needs to begin to aquire the tools to do so. If you do not answer his questions honestly, he will stop asking you. That path of communication is something you do not want to lose. Please talk to your son.

If I come across too frank on this topic, I apologize. I feel strongly about this subject.

The Special Needs Project has a website that provides a wide range of books on many topics. You may find some of these very helpful.

Excellent advice. Right on the money.