Special Education During Covid-19

The pandemic has altered the rules of civilization. Education protocols have been disrupted. But for young children enrolled in special education, this period of unprecedented turmoil has changed the learning curve for them.

Upon becoming a mom to three sons, all of whom were premature, I slowly began to realize the incredible power of the early plastic human mind. There was a sequence to follow, called developmental tasks, showcasing the pace of the child's 'wanderlust'. These steps were now collectively known.

Developmental tasks make sense. It is the body's master plan where order and sequence begin. It is the journey towards human development. The body knows its role. The caregiver is the 'conductor'. The unfolding of these purposeful tasks give intention to a child's development, an overview to the blossoming of human life.

In the beginning, the baby kicks, while rolling along the way. Attempts to crawl, stand, then walk or run begin, as prescribed, in an orderly fashion. Laughing and smiling happen with a loving adult in the room. These are important developmental tasks for learning. Critical thinking begins in these very early formative periods of development when we least expect it. The exercise known as play begins to emerge.

Language/ conversation (babble?) begins as the loving human responds to the infant. Movement is critical to language success. (Recess is life for all children!) These seemingly simple developmental tasks are complex in their nature but are of the highest priority for they form the foundation of language, thoughts and ideas. Their importance must never be underscored. Education of the young child has begun long before we realize it has.

All children are born brilliant. To undo this potential is easy. 'Simply' ignore the child. Poor nutrition has a strong impact too. Guiding the child towards the genius he or she is meant to be requires a caring focussed engaging adult, nutrient dense foods (apple) and a 'walk in the park'. When this learning journey is interrupted through prematurity, abuse or neglect, however, then it is incumbent upon the special education community to assist . Though waiting lists help to determine the specific learning disability, a teacher can spot a child 'in need'. >>>>

The creation of Momsey's yeast dough program was born of need. The year was 1994. ( U.S. Core Knowledge ignored me - TWICE!) All children are meant to think and move. Reading, writing and math are lofty goals. Their turn will happen in due course. Language is required for their success and interpretation. Many math questions use words not just numbers to pose problems for solving. Naturally, Momsey loves math. (Joined grade 13 math club as a grade 9 student.)

Covid-19 has made things difficult for those children labelled special needs. They have been kept separate and indoors. A tough challenge for children. Let special education mean something wonderful anytime. Let it be a place of genius. Yeast dough can be that special place. It is an instrument of learning, accommodating the needs of special students, every step of the way. Confidence soars. Engagement is entrenched into the child's learning day - at home or school!

Yeast dough is about critical thinking, caring, laughter, safety, courage and oodles of mistakes. What program could be better than that? Let's get going. >