Any have experience tutoring children in special ed?

[Anonymous]

I've worked with mainly special needs kids but the kid (my cousin) I tutor now is kind of different.

He can remember the names and s*it of cartoons but can't even f**ing read, he lacks reading comprehension, he can't even sit and think long enough to figure out what "before" or "after" means when I refer to the alphabet or numbers. Just dumb as a doorknob. I find it ridiculous that he knows all this other stuff but can't remember a simple symbol and it's name (ex. a plus sign)

I need tips to help him retain information. Otherwise I'm thinking of just telling his mother I can't tutor him anymore because he doesn't try and think of answers nor does it seem like he'll ever actually pick up on the information he's receiving.

Updates

1 y

Type *Does Anyone?*

[comekitty]

Well - can you try to make it more like a game for him? You didn't say how old he was but things like playing go fish or menory with a double set of alphabet cards. Try to think outside the box - like filling a shallow tray with sand or salt and having him use his pointer finger to 'write' letters in, or squirt shaving cream on a tray for letter writing - making sure he says the letter name and corresponding sound each time. I also let kids write letters with white crayon and watercolor over them - they're amazed to see the letters 'magically' appear. I have them play 'oh, snap' - essentially another card game where each letter is on a card in a container and a few cards say, 'oh, snap'. They take a card and if they can say the letter name, they can keep it and keep going. If they can't say it, turn goes to the next player. If they get a snap card all their cards go back in the container. Start small - like with the letters in his name. You can make name puzzles for him that he can put together - while repeating the letter names. You model 1st, saying each letter. Often children who have academic deficiencies are very aware of their short comings and they dont want to try anymore. Children with special needs just learn differently, traditional teacings won't work. They need more movement. Find a way to have fun - less pressure. Celebrate any gains, no matter how small. Hope this was helpful! Good luck!

[comekitty]

Without the ability to decode independently, young readers will struggle with comprehension. Use simple text - talk about the vocabulary and build background knowledge, try and have him male connections to the text to male it relevant. Model the specific skill you're targeting, practice together until he can demonstrate a mastery. Repetition is key. This is a long process - hang. in there. 🙂

[comekitty]

*make

[Itsok2behapp-e]

Patience is a virtue.


Your parents were the same with you. Without their dedication, time and attention you wouldn't be where you're today albeit they never taught you to spell swear words!


I'm not one to suggest you're just dumb as a doorknob. One finds it ridiculous that you know all this other stuff but can't remember a simple swear word or two?


I can help. It's shit and fucking!


You get out what you put in. Don't give up on him.


Given time, later on in life he'll remember you for what part you played in his upbringing.


Let it be a positive one. Good luck!

[Asker]

Your argument is weak and obviously the words have letters starred so that I'm able to still post this post

[Itsok2behapp-e]

I'm not here to argue. Purely to advise.

My response was a play on the words you posted but you can't see beyond that.

Either way, my response is worth 2x XP for what it's worth. Oh happy days!