Special Education Now, Lesson #2

Lesson #2.

Let's Begin

Your child was introduced to yeast dough the other day. The experiment in special education has begun. To engage a child whose learning style is different than mainstream can be a challenge. Let us ignore the alphabet and focus on meaningful dialogue to engage the child. The other stuff can wait and should. (Reading, writing, will happen - not just now, please) There must a thoughtful path to success. The thinking process cannot be hurried.

Write a simple recipe for bread in large letters prior to 'class'. Laminate recipe. This last step stops ruining the 'plan' for repeated use on a table with water, eggs, flour being measured, mixed then the resultant dough, kneaded. Hands must be washed before and during this exercise - as often as necessary. Mistakes are expected and encouraged. How many prototypes were made when the car, airplane and dishwasher were being invented? All eyes must be on 'teacher'. She is in charge, for now.

A table that accommodates the height of the children should be used. All mixing, according to recipe, is handled by one child at a time. Two children hold the bowl in place as dough is mixed by the third child. The next time dough is made, a new trio of students will measure and mix the dough. Keep daily journal current. Records of participation in measuring, mixing and then kneading of each child should be kept. Keep bench cleaner nearby for moving dough on wooden surface/board. This tool can be purchased at Walmart or any store selling kitchen utensils. Use metal bowl rather than plastic as they are healthy choice, especially for young children. No appliances are used!

 FOLD ..... PUSH AWAY.... TURN...... FOLD .... PUSH AWAY..... TURN 

Kneading strengthens the gluten, the protein in the dough. (This step assists dough to rise as the gas inside begins to expand from the growth of yeast cells.) Mention this to your child, often till he/she is able to retrieve this info from memory. Over time this dialogue will be repeated without hesitation. ... A science experiment is in the making . ...

The hand-mind connection is given prominence with yeast dough as the child begins to see what touch can do for this ever expanding 'experiment'. In one instance, many years ago, a student dropped newly made dough onto the floor then quickly retrieved it. The 3 second rule? A lengthy question and answer period arises - as it must - when the young child realized more dough had to be made. She had created the problem so was now in charge of 'correcting' 'it' with help from her classmates. (The scene reminded me of a gaggle of puppies, running in confusion) It was not, of course. It was music to my ears and eyes as the students followed the student's lead. Each had a duty to perform, in sequence and according to the student's instruction. ... Her self confidence grew that morning. (I had been waiting for this to happen for years.) Within ten minutes, prior to recess, a new batch of dough was made. The smile on the student's face said it all: mistakes are our greatest teachers! Let there be more!

At this point, dough can be placed in a freezer bag for later in the day or for next week, whatever schedule you are following. Allow sufficient space in the large bag for dough to expand later as it thaws. Secure the end of bag. The products formed are endless. Adding new ingredients, different techniques help create a thinking program like no other for special children who are now expected to manage, think, then act upon their decisions.

Dough is the greatest teacher in the world for a special needs child. The vocabulary it introduces to the child is overwhelming, non-stop and highly scientific. Higher order thinking is here to 'say'. What do you think? Please explain. Set expectations high as happens in real life. Dough adds structure while allowing for compelling new additions to an activity that has no bounds. The learning is limitless. Let's continue. Lesson #3.