focus learners

Focus Learner -1 (A.)

Hello,

My name is A. I am a 4-year-old girl. I have an IEP and according to it, I have a pre-kindergarten disability. I have a 2-year-old sister. Our family is deeply Jewish. My parents talk Hebrew to each other but they speak English to me and my sister. Our family has a low income.

I’m very shy and uncomfortable when there are other people around me. I am the first one to walk into my classroom. I feel relaxed when there are no other children in the classroom. I don’t have friends in my classroom although I know that many want to be my friends. I don’t talk to my peers at all. If some kid wants to take my hand, I close my fists and pull my hand away. I always sit on the floor when others dance. I don’t talk to my teacher as well. I never ask her anything nor reply to her questions. If the teacher asks me a question, I turn my head away. I do however enjoy my individual lessons with the special education teacher, the speech therapy, and the occupational therapist. Sometimes I can whisper “Yes” to my teacher if I want something very much. I like a morning prayer because this atmosphere is familiar to me. I like individual work or individual projects because I don’t need to share my thoughts with others. I just follow the teacher’s instructions.

I do, however, like pretend play. I take a toy phone and imitate a conversation. My other favorite thing to do is to play with blocks. I can play nonstop, breaking the tower that I have just made and rebuilding it over and over again. I like to watch the boys when they are fooling around. I love to create puzzles, draw, play match, play with dough, etc. however on the playground I usually just watch other children.

I am good at tracing different shapes.

I don’t like circle time because I am scared to be involved in an activity. I hate any changes. I don’t like substitute teachers. Before I am picked up, I quickly put on my jacket, zip it up, and off I go. After school I am happy to see my mom and can’t wait to tell her about my day.

Questions:

What strategies would you offer to engage the girl in the team activity?

What types of questions should the teacher ask the girl to stimulate her response?

What activities would you apply in the classroom where A. is?